Strawberry-Filled Donuts with Pink and White Glaze

Ingredients:

For the Donuts:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 2 large eggs
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Oil for frying

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pink food coloring (optional)
• Red or pink sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Donut Dough:
   • In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
   • Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
   • In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water.
   • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the strawberries break down. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
3. Shape and Fry the Donuts:
   • Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
   • Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough.
   • Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
   • Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
4. Fill the Donuts:
   • Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, use a piping bag fitted with a round tip to fill each donut with the strawberry filling.
5. Prepare the Glaze:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If desired, add a few drops of pink food coloring to make the pink glaze.
   • Dip the tops of the filled donuts into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. For a two-tone effect, you can dip half the donut in pink glaze and the other half in white glaze.
   • Sprinkle with red or pink sprinkles if desired.
6. Serve:
   • Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these delicious strawberry-filled donuts with a beautiful pink and white glaze!

These donuts are perfect for a special breakfast treat or a delightful dessert. Enjoy!