These soft and fluffy donuts, filled with a savory cheese filling and topped with a golden crust, are an affordable treat that’s simple to make and delicious to enjoy. Passed down from Grandma, this recipe combines pantry staples with rich flavors to create the perfect homemade donut, all without stretching your budget. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, as a snack, or paired with tea or coffee, these donuts will surely become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Donut Delight

For the Dough:

200 ml (1 glass) warm water
200 ml (1 glass) warm milk
100 ml (1 tea glass) oil
2 egg whites
1 packet instant yeast (10 g)
40 g (2 tbsp) sugar
740 g (6 cups) flour
8 g (1 tsp) salt

For the Filling:

125 g (½ cup) melted butter
150 g (5.3 oz) white cheese

For Brushing:

2 egg yolks

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Dough

The dough forms the foundation of these soft, golden donuts. It’s rich, fluffy, and easy to prepare. Follow these steps for a perfect result.

1. Mixing Liquids
   In a large kneading bowl, pour the warm water and warm milk. These should be slightly warm to the touch but not hot, as heat can kill the yeast. Add the oil and separate the egg whites, adding them to the mixture. The egg whites help give the dough its softness while the oil adds moisture.
2. Adding Dry Ingredients
   Sprinkle the instant yeast and sugar over the liquid mixture. Stir gently until the yeast and sugar are fully dissolved. This step activates the yeast, ensuring a nice rise for your dough.
3. Incorporating Flour
   Gradually sift in the flour while mixing. Add it little by little to avoid lumps, and make sure the dough remains smooth. As you mix, add the salt, which enhances the flavor of the dough. Salt is added later to avoid interfering with the yeast activation.
4. Kneading
   Once all the flour has been added, begin kneading the dough. Continue kneading until the dough becomes soft, smooth, and elastic. It should no longer stick to your hands. This process should take about 10 minutes by hand. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough ferment in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Preparing the Filling

While the dough is rising, it’s time to prepare the simple yet delicious cheese filling.

1. Melt the Butter
   In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir occasionally until it becomes smooth and creamy. Set it aside to cool slightly.
2. Cheese Filling
   Crumble or grate the white cheese into a small bowl. You can use a mild white cheese like feta or any soft, crumbly cheese that pairs well with butter.

Assembling the Donuts

Once your dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out and fill it with the rich, buttery cheese mixture.

1. Rolling Out the Dough
   On a floured surface, punch down the dough to release the air, then roll it out into a rectangular shape about 1 cm (0.4 inches) thick. Make sure the dough is even to ensure uniform cooking.
2. Spreading the Butter
   Using a pastry brush or spoon, spread the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough. This layer of butter will help the cheese stick and create a rich, flavorful interior.
3. Adding the Cheese
   Sprinkle the crumbled cheese generously over the buttered dough. Ensure the cheese is spread evenly for consistent flavor throughout the donuts.

Baking the Donuts

Now that the donuts are assembled, it’s time to bake them to perfection. Follow these steps for a golden-brown finish that’s sure to impress.

1. Preparing for Baking
   Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Carefully roll the filled dough, then cut it into individual pieces, about 3–4 inches wide, depending on your preference. Place the donuts onto the baking sheet, leaving some space between each one to allow for expansion during baking.
2. Brushing with Egg Yolks
   In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks and brush them over the top of each donut. This will give your donuts a beautiful golden finish when they bake.
3. Baking
   Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and have risen nicely. Keep an eye on them during the final minutes to prevent over-browning.

Serving Your Donuts

After baking, let your donuts cool for a few minutes before serving. Their buttery, cheesy aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a bite!

1. Cooling and Serving
   Once the donuts have baked to a perfect golden brown, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool slightly so they’re warm but not too hot to handle. These donuts are best served fresh and warm, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
2. Pair with Coffee or Tea
   Serve the donuts alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea for a comforting and satisfying snack. The savory cheese filling combined with the soft dough creates a delightful contrast that pairs wonderfully with your favorite beverage.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 12 donuts
Calories per Serving: 230 kcal
Total Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Cholesterol: 35 mg
Sodium: 320 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28 g
Dietary Fiber: 1 g
Sugars: 3 g
Protein: 7 g

This budget-friendly donut recipe is not only easy on your wallet but also incredibly delicious. With a buttery cheese filling wrapped in a soft, golden dough, these homemade donuts are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying them with family or sharing them with friends. The simple ingredients and straightforward process make it an accessible and rewarding recipe for bakers of all skill levels.