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Portuguese Doughnuts (Sonhos)

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  • Author: Molly Yeh
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: About 20 doughnuts
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Portuguese
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These light and fluffy Portuguese doughnuts, known as Sonhos (which means “dreams”), are a popular treat, especially during holidays and festive seasons. Fried to golden perfection and dusted with sugar and cinnamon, they truly melt in your mouth—just like a dream!


Ingredients

  • 1 cup water

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 4 large eggs

  • Vegetable oil, for frying

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)


Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

  2. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and stir in the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball, about 1–2 minutes.

  3. Remove from heat and let the dough cool for about 10 minutes.

  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky.

  5. In a deep pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).

  6. Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough into the hot oil, frying a few at a time. Fry until puffed and golden brown on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per batch.

  7. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

  8. While still warm, roll the doughnuts in a mix of sugar and cinnamon until well coated.

  9. Serve warm or at room temperature.


Notes

  • You can use a cookie scoop for even portions.

  • These are best eaten fresh but can be reheated in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.

  • If you’d like a touch of citrus, add a little lemon zest to the dough.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 doughnut
  • Calories: 115
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 55mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 0.3g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg