Bugnes Moelleuses (French Doughnuts)

Bugnes, a delicious addition to Mardi Gras feasts, are soft doughnut-like pastries from Lyon that are easy to make from scratch.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Calories: 297 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 8 cups all-purpose flour
• 6 cups vegetable oil for frying
• 8 large eggs
• 2 lemons, zested
• 0.25 cup water
• 0.5 cup white sugar
• 0.75 cup butter, melted

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Mix together water and yeast in a small bowl. Let stand until foamy, about 15 minutes.

Step 2

Combine flour, eggs, butter, 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, and lemon zest in a large bowl. Pour in yeast mixture. Knead by hand until dough comes together. Cover the bowl with a dish towel and let dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2 hours.

Step 3

Roll out dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured work surface. Cut out diamond-shaped doughnuts using a small pastry wheel cutter. Brush off excess flour.

Step 4

Heat oil in a deep saucepan or wok over medium-high heat. Cook doughnuts in batches in hot oil until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined platter.