Korean Milk Cream Donut Recipe

Picture this: golden, pillowy donuts gently sizzling in hot oil, filling your kitchen with the irresistible scent of sweet cinnamon and warm vanilla. As you roll each freshly fried donut in a sparkling dusting of sugar and cinnamon, your mouth waters in anticipation of that creamy, luscious milk filling waiting inside. This Korean Milk Cream Donut Recipe is more than just a treat; it’s a moment of pure bliss, a warm hug wrapped in dough, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring all on your own.

Why You’ll Love This Korean Milk Cream Donut Recipe

• Ready in 35 minutes: From start to finish, this recipe fits perfectly into a busy day or a relaxed weekend baking session.
• Simple, wholesome ingredients: With pantry staples like milk, flour, and cinnamon, you can whip these up anytime without a special trip to the store.
• Ideal for beginners: Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, the steps are straightforward, and the results are reliably delicious.
• Show-stopping presentation: These donuts look as delightful as they taste, with their sugar-crusted exterior and creamy filling that oozes at the first bite.
• Customizable filling and toppings: Add your personal twist by experimenting with flavored creams or different spices in the coating.

Why This Korean Milk Cream Donut Recipe Works

This Korean Milk Cream Donut Recipe nails the balance between crust and cream by combining key techniques that create its irresistible texture and flavor. First, frying the donuts until perfectly golden ensures a crispy outer shell that contrasts with the soft, tender dough inside. The magic lies in rolling them while warm in a fragrant sugar-cinnamon blend, which sticks effortlessly, adding a sweet spice that wakes up your taste buds. Then, the piping of luscious milk cream filling completes the experience, offering a rich, velvety surprise that’s utterly addictive. These thoughtful steps guarantee every bite melts in your mouth with a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the first step to making this Korean Milk Cream Donut Recipe truly shine. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture you will adore.

• Milk: Provides creaminess and moisture to the dough and filling.
• Sugar: Sweetens the dough, the coating, and balances the richness of the cream.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a fragrant spice to the sugary coating.
• Yeast: Activates the dough’s rise, creating that light, airy texture.
• Flour: The foundation of the dough, giving structure.
• Salt: Enhances flavor depth and balances sweetness.
• Eggs: Enrich the dough and help with binding.
• Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses warmth and aromatic sweetness into the milk cream.
• Water: Hydrates the dough to the perfect consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Milk: Use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative.
• Butter: Substitute with coconut oil or margarine if needed.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works best, but cake flour can create a lighter donut.
• Vanilla Extract: Try almond or maple extract to add unique flavor twists.

How to Make Korean Milk Cream Donut Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by activating the yeast in warm water mixed with a pinch of sugar, letting it bubble up for about 10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon, then add the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix everything gently until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, then place it back in the bowl to rise in a warm spot for an hour or until doubled in size.

💡 Pro Tip: Cover the dough with a damp cloth to keep it moist during rising.

Step 2: Shape the Donuts

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and roll it into a ½-inch thick rectangle on a floured surface. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small) to cut out the donut shapes. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and let them rest for 15-20 minutes to puff up before frying.

💡 Pro Tip: Save the donut holes for frying—they make perfect little treats, too!

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a deep pan to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the donuts in batches, frying for 1-2 minutes on each side or until they are beautifully golden brown. Remove them onto a towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil. This step creates the signature light-crisp outer shell that’s so addictive.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the oil temperature steady and donuts cooking evenly.

Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

While the donuts are still warm, roll them in a mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon. The warmth lets the sugar stick beautifully, creating a sparkling, spiced crust that’s both eye-catching and delicious.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a shallow bowl or plate for easy rolling and even coating.

Step 5: Fill with Milk Cream

Prepare the milk cream filling by gently heating milk, sugar, and vanilla, then thickening it to a custard-like consistency. Load your piping bag with this silky cream, carefully insert the tip into the side of each donut, and squeeze gently until you feel the donut soften slightly, signaling it’s filled. This step brings the whole experience to life with a burst of smooth, sweet goodness inside every donut.

💡 Pro Tip: Refrigerate the milk cream filling before piping for a firmer texture that pipes easily.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your Korean Milk Cream Donuts are ready to delight! Serve them warm or at room temperature with a steaming cup of tea or coffee for a truly soul-satisfying treat.

💡 Pro Tip: Enjoy the first bite fresh for the best cream-to-dough ratio and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls to make your Korean Milk Cream Donut Recipe flawless every time:

• Using water that’s too hot: It can kill yeast and prevent rising.
• Over-kneading the dough: Results in tough, dense donuts instead of soft, airy ones.
• Frying in oil that’s too cold: Makes the donuts absorb excess oil, leading to soggy texture.
• Overcrowding the frying pan: Causes uneven cooking and temperature drop.
• Rolling the donuts too thin: Can cause them to fry too quickly and burn.
• Filling cold donuts: Makes it hard for the cream to fill neatly inside.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic Korean Milk Cream Donut Recipe, why not get creative and mix things up?

Matcha Milk Cream Donuts

Add matcha powder to the milk cream filling for an earthy, vibrant twist bursting with antioxidants.

Chocolate Hazelnut Filled

Swap the classic milk cream with a rich Nutella or homemade chocolate-hazelnut spread for a decadent surprise.

Strawberry Cream Donuts

Fold fresh strawberry puree into the cream for a fruity, colorful filling that’s perfect for spring.

Savory Cheese Donuts

Try a cream cheese filling lightly seasoned with herbs for a unique savory-sweet contrast.

Cinnamon Sugar Glaze

Instead of rolling in cinnamon sugar, dip the donuts in a thin cinnamon glaze for a glossy, sticky finish.

Honey Drizzle

Drizzle honey over the finished donuts for a natural sweetness and beautiful shine.

How to Serve Korean Milk Cream Donut Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle powdered sugar, additional cinnamon, or edible flower petals for a pretty touch that impresses.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a hot cup of black coffee, green tea, or a creamy hot chocolate to complement their rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange donuts on a tiered serving tray for brunch, or serve alongside fresh fruit and whipped cream for a festive spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to retain softness.

Freezing

Wrap donuts individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

Warm donuts gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes to regain that freshly made warmth.

FAQs

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes offers a lighter, less oily version, though the texture will differ slightly from frying.

Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

Yes, substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk, use vegan butter, and replace eggs with flaxseed or commercial egg replacers.

How do I make the milk cream filling?

Heat milk with sugar and vanilla, then thicken with cornstarch or flour while stirring until a custardy consistency forms. Chill before using.

What’s the best way to store filled donuts?

Because of the cream filling, store them in the fridge in an airtight container and consume within 2 days for freshness.

Can I use a different spice than cinnamon for coating?

Definitely! Nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice blends work wonderfully for a different flavor profile.

How do I know when oil is at the right frying temperature?

Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain 350°F (175°C), or drop a small piece of dough in oil—it should sizzle and rise immediately without browning too fast.

Will these donuts be sweet enough without the coating?

The coating adds essential sweetness and spice, but if you prefer less sugar, you can reduce or skip it, relying on the filling for sweetness.

How do I prevent the donuts from becoming greasy?

Maintaining the correct oil temperature and draining donuts on absorbent paper towel right after frying helps keep them light and non-greasy.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the simple joy of biting into a warm Korean Milk Cream Donut, where fluffy, golden dough meets creamy, dreamy filling wrapped in a sparkling cinnamon-sugar coat. It’s a recipe that invites you into the comforting world of homemade baking and the rich traditions of Korean sweets. Whether enjoyed as a special breakfast, a midday pick-me-up, or a sweet end to any day, these donuts deliver happiness in every bite.

Have you tried this Korean Milk Cream Donut Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 😊

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