Name: Indulge in Korean Milk Cream Donuts: Soft, Sweet Bliss Awaits
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 100 min
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour (Provides the perfect base for fluffy donuts.); 0.25 cups sugar (Sweetens the dough and enhances its flavor.); 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (Use for that delightful rise.); 1 cup milk (Provides richness and softness to the donut texture.); 1 large egg (Helps bind the ingredients together and add richness.); 2 tablespoons butter (Adds flavor and makes the dough extra tender.); 1 teaspoon salt (Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.); 1 cup heavy cream (Creates a rich and luxurious milk cream.); 0.5 cups powdered sugar (Sweetens the cream while ensuring smoothness.); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Infuses the cream with a warm, inviting flavor.)

In the cozy corner of a bustling Seoul café, the air fills with the inviting aroma of freshly made sweet treats. That’s where I first stumbled upon the delightful Korean Milk Cream Donut, a whimsical dessert that instantly captured my heart. With its fluffy texture and creamy filling, this recipe offers a fun twist on traditional donuts, making it a perfect project for any passionate home-chef. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick to whip up, turning your kitchen into a haven of warmth and creativity. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why these donuts effortlessly bridge the gap between comfort food and gourmet delight. Are you ready to explore this heavenly indulgence? Let’s dive in!

Why are Korean Milk Cream Donuts irresistible?

Fluffy Texture: The magic happens in every bite—the soft, pillowy dough creates a delightful contrast with the creamy filling.

Quick to Make: Surprisingly, these donuts don’t take much time. With just a few simple steps, you can have them ready in no time.

Versatile Fillings: Feel free to experiment! You can swap in different creams or slip in a surprise of fruit jam for added zing.

Perfect for Any Occasion: These donuts shine as a casual treat or a showstopper at gatherings. They’ll be the highlight at brunches or bake sales!

Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Whether you’re sharing with friends or treating yourself, your taste buds will rejoice with this indulgent experience. If you love rich flavors, try pairing them with Crockpot Coconut Chicken for a complete meal!

Korean Milk Cream Donut Ingredients

For the Dough

All-purpose flour – This provides the perfect base for fluffy donuts.
Sugar – Sweetens the dough and enhances its flavor.
Yeast – Use active dry yeast for that delightful rise.
Milk – Provides richness and softness to the donut texture.
Eggs – Help bind the ingredients together and add richness.
Butter – Adds flavor and makes the dough extra tender.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.

For the Cream Filling

Heavy cream – Creates a rich and luxurious milk cream.
Powdered sugar – Sweetens the cream while ensuring smoothness.
Vanilla extract – Infuses the cream with a warm, inviting flavor.

These ingredients come together to create Korean Milk Cream Donuts that promise to deliver soft, sweet bliss in every bite!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Korean Milk Cream Donut

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. In a separate bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast in 1 cup of warmed milk (at about 110°F) for 5 minutes until frothy. Gradually add the warm milk mixture, 1 beaten egg, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 2: Knead the Dough
Transfer the shaggy dough to a floured surface and knead it for approximately 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when gently pressed. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise at room temperature for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Donuts
Once the dough has risen, punch it down, and place it on a floured surface. Roll it out to about ½ inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small) to cut out donut shapes. Gently place the shaped donuts on a lined baking sheet, allowing some space between them, and cover with a cloth. Let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Filling
In a medium bowl, whip together 1 cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form, which should take about 3-4 minutes. The cream should be thick and fluffy, perfect for filling the Korean Milk Cream Donuts later.

Step 5: Fry the Donuts
In a deep skillet or heavy-duty pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) for frying. Carefully lower the risen donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown, monitoring closely to avoid burning. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 6: Fill the Donuts
Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to inject the prepared cream filling into each donut. Gently insert the piping tip into the side of the donut, filling it just until you see the cream puff up. Repeat until all donuts are filled.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once filled, consider dusting the Korean Milk Cream Donuts with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Arrange them on a serving platter and relish the fluffy texture contrasted with the creamy filling. Serve immediately to enjoy the soft, sweet bliss!

How to Store and Freeze Korean Milk Cream Donuts

Room Temperature: Enjoy leftover donuts fresh up to 1 day at room temperature; store in a cool place away from direct sunlight to maintain texture.
Fridge: Place filled donuts in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days; let them come to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor.
Freezer: Freeze unfilled, cooled Korean Milk Cream Donuts individually wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before filling or gently reheat in the oven.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat filled donuts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their soft texture and warmth.

Expert Tips for Korean Milk Cream Donuts

Check Yeast Freshness: Always use fresh yeast to ensure your donuts rise beautifully. An expired yeast can lead to flat donuts.
Perfect Dough Consistency: The dough should be slightly sticky but workable. Avoid adding too much flour; a sticky dough leads to fluffier donuts.
Maintain Frying Temperature: Keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F (175°C) to avoid greasy donuts. Drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles, you’re ready to fry!
Cool Before Filling: Allow the fried donuts to cool completely before injecting the cream filling. This step prevents the whipped cream from melting too quickly.
Experiment with Fillings: Embrace creativity! Add unique flavors like matcha or chocolate to your Korean Milk Cream Donut filling for a delightful twist.
Dust Just Before Serving: For an eye-catching finish, dust powdered sugar on the donuts just before serving. It keeps the sugar from absorbing moisture!

Korean Milk Cream Donut Variations

Customize your Korean Milk Cream Donuts for a delightful twist that tickles your taste buds!

Matcha Whipped Cream: Blend matcha powder into the whipped cream for a vibrant, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the donut.
Chocolate Cream Filling: Stir in some cocoa or melted chocolate into your filling mix for a rich, decadent treat that chocoholics will adore.
Berry Infusion: Toss in fresh berries to the whipped cream for a fruity explosion. It brings a pop of color and a refreshing tartness!
Nutty Delight: Fold in crushed nuts like almonds or hazelnuts into the cream for an added crunch, creating interesting textures with each bite.
Coconut Cream: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream to give a tropical twist, perfect for those who love a hint of island flavors.
Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Elevate the taste by using a cinnamon-sugar mix for dusting instead of powdered sugar, adding warmth and spice to finish.
Spicy Twist: For the adventurous, add a kick by mixing in a bit of spicy syrup or chili powder into the filling. It’s a surprising and delightful combination!
Cream Cheese Filling: Replace the whipped cream with a sweetened cream cheese filling for a tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the donut.

Feel free to experiment with these ideas to find your perfect combination! If you’re inspired to try more flavorful dishes, don’t miss out on the rich taste of Smothered Chicken Rice or indulge in the creamy delight of Garlic Parmesan Chicken.

Make Ahead Options

These Korean Milk Cream Donuts are a fantastic option for meal prep, saving you time on busy days! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance — just mix it and let it rise as directed, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to fry, simply take it out, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then shape and fry as usual. If you want to pre-fill the donuts, make the whipped cream up to 3 days prior and store it in an airtight container in the fridge, ensuring it stays fluffy. When filling the cooled donuts, do so right before serving for the best texture. Prepare these ahead, and you’ll enjoy delicious treats with minimal last-minute effort!

What to Serve with Korean Milk Cream Donuts

Indulging in Korean Milk Cream Donuts unlocks the door to a delightful culinary experience, and the right pairings can elevate it even further.

Fresh Berries: Bright, juicy strawberries or raspberries add a burst of freshness to balance the sweetness of the donuts.
Rich Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast, making each bite even more decadent. Picture this: the warm donut melting into the cold cream, creating a blissful union.
Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavor of coffee enhances the sweet flavors, making it a perfect pairing for brunch or an afternoon treat.
Milk Tea: Smooth and slightly sweet, milk tea offers a cozy beverage option that harmonizes with the soft dough and creamy filling.
Zesty Lemon Glaze: Drizzle a tangy lemon glaze over the donuts for a bright and refreshing twist, creating a delightful contrast with their fluffiness.
Chocolate Sauce: Serve a small bowl of warm chocolate sauce for dipping, adding an indulgent layer that transforms the experience into a decadent dessert feast.
Coconut Whipped Cream: For a tropical touch, serve the donuts with a dollop of coconut whipped cream for an enhanced, creamy texture.
Sparkling Fruit Juice: Offer chilled sparkling juice or lemonade to cleanse the palate, enhancing the flavor adventure of your donut experience.
Cinnamon Sugar Dipping: Provide a small plate of cinnamon sugar for a fun and flavorful touch, allowing guests to customize their sweetness.
Chai Tea: Spiced chai offers a warm and aromatic pairing, highlighting the rich flavors and making it a comforting choice for cozy gatherings.

Korean Milk Cream Donuts Recipe FAQs

What type of flour should I use for the donuts?
I recommend using all-purpose flour as it provides the perfect structure and tenderness for the donuts. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can try a gluten-free baking blend, but the texture may vary slightly.

How do I know if my yeast is active?
To check if your instant yeast is fresh, dissolve it in lukewarm milk (around 110°F/43°C) with a little sugar. If it becomes frothy after about 5 minutes, your yeast is active and ready to use. If it doesn’t froth, it’s best to start with a new batch!

What’s the best way to store leftover donuts?
Store leftover donuts at room temperature in a cool place for up to 1 day. Ideally, place them in a paper bag to maintain some crispiness. If you want to keep them longer, transfer filled donuts to an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure to let them come back to room temperature before serving!

Can I freeze Korean Milk Cream Donuts?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unfilled, cooled donuts. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container, then freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature, and then fill and serve, or you can reheat in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

What if my donuts are greasy after frying?
If your donuts turn out greasy, it often indicates that the oil temperature was too low during frying. Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F/175°C) before adding the donuts. A quick test is to drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles upon contact, you’re good to go!

Are these donuts suitable for people with allergies?
These Korean Milk Cream Donuts contain common allergens such as gluten and dairy. However, you can make them diet-friendly by substituting ingredients: use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version and coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free delight. Always consider personal allergies and preferences when preparing!