Dirty Chai Cream Filled Doughnuts: A Perfect Weekend Treat

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There’s something magical about doughnuts. They’re the kind of comfort food that brings a smile to your face with every bite, evoking warm memories of lazy weekend mornings and cozy gatherings. Now imagine combining two of the most beloved indulgences: doughnuts and coffee. Enter the Dirty Chai Cream Filled Doughnut. These doughnuts take your typical breakfast or brunch treat and elevate it to an entirely new level by combining the spicy goodness of chai with the deep, rich flavor of espresso. Filled with a luxurious, velvety chai-espresso pastry cream and rolled in a fragrant chai-spiced sugar coating, these doughnuts are light as air, not overly sweet, and perfectly balanced with cozy fall spices and bold espresso notes.

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Whether you’re hosting a brunch gathering or treating yourself to a special weekend indulgence, these Dirty Chai Cream Filled Doughnuts are sure to steal the spotlight. Here’s everything you need to know to make these delicious doughnuts from scratch, with detailed instructions that will guide you through the process step by step. Let’s dive in and explore the magic of these chai-infused doughnuts!

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Dough

• 2 3/4 cups (+ 2 tablespoons) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 envelope) active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Chai-Spiced Sugar Coating

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cardamom
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

For the Dirty Chai Filling

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup cornstarch, sifted
• 2 tablespoons brewed espresso
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice

The Joy of Homemade Doughnuts

Homemade doughnuts have an irresistible charm that store-bought versions can never quite replicate. From the moment you start preparing the dough, the warm, comforting aroma fills your kitchen, inviting you to indulge in a sweet, soft, and utterly satisfying treat. But what makes these Dirty Chai Cream Filled Doughnuts even more extraordinary is the fusion of chai spices and espresso – two ingredients that complement each other perfectly.

Chai, with its rich blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, is a warm and aromatic spice mixture traditionally used in Indian tea. When combined with the bold, deep flavor of espresso, it creates a decadent pastry cream filling that’s both comforting and sophisticated. The fried doughnuts themselves are light and fluffy, not overly sweet, and have a slightly crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the smooth and creamy filling. And when they’re dusted with chai-spiced sugar, each bite becomes a perfect balance of spiciness, sweetness, and warmth.

Step-by-Step Instructions: The Doughnut Making Process

Activating the Yeast

The first step in creating the perfect doughnut is to activate the yeast. Pour the yeast into a small bowl and add 3 tablespoons of warm water. To help the yeast activate, add a pinch of sugar. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This ensures that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic, creating the light and fluffy doughnuts we all crave.

Preparing the Dough

While the yeast is activating, you can begin preparing the dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, the activated yeast mixture, and salt. This step is essential for ensuring that the doughnuts have a soft and airy texture. Set the bowl aside for now.

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until fully beaten, and set them aside. In a small saucepan, over medium-low heat, melt the butter with the milk. Once the butter is fully melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the water and vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool for 1-2 minutes, so it doesn’t cook the eggs when combined.

Pour the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula or wooden spoon. Add the beaten eggs and mix until fully incorporated. Gradually add the remaining flour, stirring continuously until the dough becomes sticky. Don’t worry if the dough seems a little too sticky – it’s supposed to be that way!

Kneading the Dough

Now it’s time to knead the dough. Transfer the sticky dough to a greased bowl, and cover it with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel. Place the bowl in a warm spot, and let the dough rest until it doubles in size, about 1 hour. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Add the last 2 tablespoons of flour and knead the dough by hand until fully incorporated.

Shaping the Doughnuts

Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces, and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Cover the dough balls with a kitchen towel, and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes.

While the dough is rising, you can prepare for the frying process by heating the oil. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat oil to 375°F. It’s important to monitor the oil temperature throughout the frying process to ensure that the doughnuts cook through without burning on the outside.

Frying the Doughnuts

Once the oil is heated to the right temperature, carefully lower a few doughnuts at a time into the oil using a spider or slotted spoon. Fry the doughnuts for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Make sure the doughnuts don’t cook too quickly; if the oil gets too hot, the outside will brown before the inside has time to cook.

After frying, remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a cooling rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. While the doughnuts are still warm, roll them in the chai-spiced sugar mixture, ensuring each doughnut is well-coated. Let the doughnuts cool on the rack before filling them with the creamy chai filling.

Preparing the Chai-Spiced Sugar Coating

In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, espresso powder, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. Stir everything together until the spices are evenly distributed. This chai-spiced sugar coating will give the doughnuts that delightful kick of warmth and spice, making them truly irresistible.

Making the Dirty Chai Filling

Now, the star of the show: the dirty chai pastry cream. Start by heating the whole milk and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until it begins to simmer. Once the milk is simmering, remove it from the heat and set it aside. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes thick and pale, about 3 minutes.

Add the sifted cornstarch to the egg mixture, and continue beating for another minute to ensure it is fully incorporated. Lower the mixer speed and gradually add half of the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture, mixing until fully combined. Once combined, add the egg mixture to the saucepan with the remaining hot milk, and cook over medium heat. Whisk constantly to prevent any lumps from forming, and continue cooking until the mixture thickens and starts to boil, about 4 minutes.

Once the filling has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the brewed espresso and the remaining chai spices: cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. These spices give the filling its signature chai flavor, making it the perfect complement to the doughnuts. Let the filling cool to room temperature, then place it in a container and cover it with plastic wrap directly on the surface. Chill the filling in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Filling the Doughnuts

Once the doughnuts have cooled enough to handle, it’s time to fill them with the dirty chai cream. Using a toothpick or skewer, carefully poke a hole through the center of each doughnut. This will help guide the filling into the doughnut, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

Next, fill a pastry bag with the chilled chai cream filling and fit it with a small to medium-sized tip. Carefully pipe the filling into the doughnuts until they are fully filled. Be sure not to overfill them, as the cream should stay inside the doughnut and not spill out.

Final Touches

Once the doughnuts are filled, they’re ready to be served! The chai-spiced exterior combined with the rich, creamy interior creates a decadent flavor experience that’s truly irresistible. These Dirty Chai Cream Filled Doughnuts are perfect for serving at brunch, with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea on the side. The combination of the warm, spiced dough and the cool, smooth cream filling is a treat that everyone will enjoy.

Tips and Variations

• Flavor Variations: While the dirty chai filling is a delicious choice, you can experiment with different flavored fillings. Consider using a vanilla custard or chocolate cream for a different twist on the traditional doughnut filling.
• Frying Alternatives: If you prefer not to deep-fry the doughnuts, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the doughnuts for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.
• Storage Tips: Store any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat them in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore their softness.

Why You’ll Love These Dirty Chai Cream Filled Doughnuts

These Dirty Chai Cream Filled Doughnuts are the ultimate comfort food. The combination of warm spices and bold espresso creates a flavorful filling that is rich yet balanced, while the doughnuts themselves are light and tender with a slightly crispy exterior. It’s the perfect treat for anyone who loves the flavors of chai and coffee, all wrapped up in a decadent doughnut. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at your next brunch gathering or simply indulge in a cozy, homemade treat, these doughnuts will surely become a favorite. So go ahead, treat yourself – you deserve it!