These Chocolate Irish Cream Filled Donuts are a delectable combination of rich chocolate and smooth Irish cream, all nestled in a soft, fluffy donut. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon treat, these donuts will certainly impress anyone who loves a sweet indulgence. The filling is velvety and creamy, with a delightful chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the subtle warmth of Irish cream.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warm
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup Irish cream liqueur (such as Baileys)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions
- In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes, until foamy.
- Add flour, eggs, butter, and vanilla to the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thick.
- Use a round cutter to cut out donut shapes.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove donuts from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- For the filling: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until simmering. Add chocolate chips and Irish cream, stirring until smooth and combined. Let it cool slightly.
- Use a piping bag or a small knife to fill the donuts with the chocolate Irish cream filling.
- Dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar and serve.
Nutrients
- Calories: 320 per donut
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 140mg
Why These Donuts Are a Must-Try
There are countless types of donuts out there, but the Chocolate Irish Cream Filled Donut stands out due to its unique filling. The chocolate and Irish cream combination offers a sophisticated twist on the classic donut, making it suitable for both adults and chocolate lovers alike. The Irish cream liqueur adds a subtle depth of flavor, pairing beautifully with the semisweet chocolate chips in the filling. This delightful fusion of ingredients creates a taste experience that is rich but not overwhelming, offering just the right amount of sweetness.
What makes these donuts even more special is the texture. The donut itself is light and airy on the inside, with a crisp golden-brown exterior that has a satisfying crunch. This balance between a fluffy interior and a slightly crispy exterior makes each bite enjoyable, while the creamy, indulgent filling enhances the overall flavor.
A Versatile Treat for Any Occasion
Chocolate Irish Cream Filled Donuts are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of settings. They are perfect for breakfast if you’re in the mood for something sweet to pair with your morning coffee or tea. The Irish cream adds a unique flavor profile that elevates the donut, making it an excellent choice for a more luxurious start to the day.
For dessert, these donuts shine with their rich chocolate filling and creamy texture. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or a special gathering, these donuts are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Their sophisticated flavor makes them a perfect end to a multi-course meal, leaving your guests with a memorable sweet experience.
Additionally, these donuts make a great afternoon snack when you’re craving something a little extra. The light, airy donut combined with the creamy filling provides just the right balance of sweetness, making it an ideal choice for a pick-me-up during your afternoon break.
Key Ingredients that Make This Recipe Stand Out
The key to making these donuts truly exceptional lies in the high-quality ingredients that come together to create the perfect filling and dough. Let’s explore some of the ingredients that make this treat so special.
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Irish Cream Liqueur: This is the standout ingredient in the filling, offering a delightful, slightly boozy, and smooth creaminess. The liqueur gives the filling a unique flavor, creating a sophisticated twist on the classic chocolate-filled donut. The Irish cream also helps to balance the sweetness of the chocolate, adding a subtle depth of flavor.
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Semisweet Chocolate Chips: These chocolate chips bring a rich and deep flavor to the filling, and when combined with the Irish cream, they create a perfect, melt-in-your-mouth sensation. The semisweet variety ensures that the chocolate isn’t too sugary, making it ideal for pairing with the creamy filling.
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Heavy Cream: Used to create the smooth and creamy texture of the filling, heavy cream helps make the chocolate and Irish cream come together to form a luscious filling. It adds richness to the filling, ensuring it is velvety and indulgent.
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Flour and Yeast: The dough is made from a simple combination of all-purpose flour and yeast, which ensures a soft, fluffy texture once fried. The yeast helps the dough rise and become light, while the flour provides structure.
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Powdered Sugar: The finishing touch on these donuts is a light dusting of powdered sugar, which adds a touch of sweetness and makes them look irresistibly tempting.
Frying Technique and Tips for the Perfect Donut
Frying the donuts is the key to achieving the perfect texture. It’s important to get the oil temperature just right—about 350°F (175°C)—to ensure the donuts fry evenly and turn golden brown without absorbing too much oil. If the oil is too hot, the donuts can burn on the outside while staying raw inside. On the other hand, if the oil is too cold, the donuts will absorb excess oil, making them greasy instead of light and crispy.
For the best results, use a deep fryer or a large pot with enough oil to submerge the donuts. Fry them in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause the temperature of the oil to drop. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until the donuts are golden brown, then remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Filling the Donuts with Chocolate Irish Cream
Once the donuts are fried and have cooled slightly, it’s time to fill them with the rich chocolate Irish cream filling. The filling is made by melting the chocolate chips with heavy cream and Irish cream liqueur. The mixture is smooth, velvety, and indulgent, making it the perfect treat for chocolate lovers.
To fill the donuts, you can use a piping bag or a small knife to create a hole in the center of each donut. Gently pipe the filling into the donut, being careful not to overstuff. A little filling goes a long way, and you want to ensure that every bite has just the right amount of creaminess.
Storage and Shelf Life of Chocolate Irish Cream Filled Donuts
Chocolate Irish Cream Filled Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them for longer, consider freezing them. To freeze, place the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store them for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in a warm oven for a few minutes.
Conclusion
Chocolate Irish Cream Filled Donuts are the perfect combination of decadent chocolate, creamy Irish cream, and fluffy donut dough. Whether you’re indulging in them for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon treat, these donuts will leave you with a sweet smile on your face. The unique flavor of the Irish cream adds a touch of sophistication to this classic dessert, while the fluffy texture of the donut makes it the perfect vehicle for the creamy filling. Easy to make and even easier to eat, these donuts are sure to become a favorite indulgence in your home. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, these donuts are a surefire way to elevate any occasion.