Dulce de Leche Donuts

Dulce de Leche Donuts are pillowy, golden-brown yeast donuts filled or topped with creamy, caramel-like dulce de leche. Whether you fill them, dip them, or drizzle them, these donuts are irresistibly rich and sweet—perfect for a decadent breakfast, dessert, or coffee break. Their soft texture and gooey center make them a bakery-style indulgence you can create right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light, fluffy donuts with a rich caramel filling or glaze
• Perfect combination of soft dough and silky dulce de leche
• Great for brunch, holidays, or special treats
• Easy to customize with toppings like cinnamon sugar or chocolate drizzle
• Bakery-quality donuts made fresh at home

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Donut Dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Active dry yeast
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Whole milk (warm)
• Eggs
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Vanilla extract
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Filling/Glaze:

• Dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
• Milk or cream (to thin dulce de leche for glaze, if desired)

Directions

1. Activate the yeast: In a bowl, mix warm milk, a spoonful of sugar, and the yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, salt, eggs, vanilla, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms. Knead in softened butter until smooth and elastic.
3. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the donuts: Roll dough out to ½-inch thickness. Cut into circles using a donut or biscuit cutter. Place on a tray, cover, and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
5. Fry the donuts: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts in batches until golden, about 1–2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
6. Fill or glaze: Let cool slightly. Use a piping bag fitted with a filling tip to pipe dulce de leche into the center of each donut. Or, dip the tops in thinned dulce de leche glaze.
7. Serve: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with extra dulce de leche. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 donuts
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Rise Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2.5 hours

Variations

• Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Roll the warm donuts in cinnamon sugar before filling
• Chocolate Dulce de Leche: Add melted chocolate to the dulce de leche for a mocha caramel glaze
• Stuffed Twist: Shape into twists and fill with dulce de leche using a piping bag
• Mini Donuts: Use a smaller cutter for bite-sized treats
• Baked Version: Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, then fill or glaze

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
• Freezing: Freeze unfilled donuts for up to 2 months; thaw and fill before serving
• Reheating: Warm filled donuts in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a low oven for 5 minutes

FAQs

What is dulce de leche?

Dulce de leche is a thick, caramel-like sauce made by slowly simmering sweetened milk until golden and creamy.

Can I use store-bought dulce de leche?

Yes! Store-bought works perfectly and saves time, but homemade is also a great option if you have time.

Do I have to fry the donuts?

Frying gives the classic texture, but you can bake them for a lighter version—just brush with butter and bake until golden.

Can I fill the donuts after baking?

Yes, let them cool slightly, then fill using a piping bag fitted with a round tip.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise and shape and fry the next day.

How do I make dulce de leche glaze?

Thin dulce de leche with a little milk or cream until it’s a pourable consistency. Dip donuts or drizzle over the top.

What type of oil should I use?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil.

Can I freeze the filled donuts?

It’s best to freeze them unfilled, as the texture of dulce de leche can change when frozen.

Are these donuts overly sweet?

They’re rich but not overly sweet. The dough is lightly sweetened and balances the filling well.

What goes well with dulce de leche donuts?

Coffee, espresso, or hot chocolate pair beautifully with these caramel-filled pastries.

Conclusion

Dulce de Leche Donuts are a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for any occasion. With their soft, airy dough and rich caramel center or glaze, these donuts deliver a delightful fusion of classic comfort and indulgent flavor. Whether you’re baking for a brunch, holiday, or just a cozy weekend, these are sure to impress and satisfy your sweet cravings.

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