Ingredients
For the Donuts:
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
For Coating:
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
• In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
• In a large bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract. Stir in the yeast mixture until well combined.
• Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling:
• In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Gently fold in the finely chopped strawberries and set aside.
Shape and Fry the Donuts:
• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness.
• Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small) 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 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
• Transfer the donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Stuff the Donuts:
• Once the donuts have cooled slightly, use a piping bag with a small tip to fill each donut with the strawberry cheesecake filling.
Coat the Donuts:
• In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together.
• Roll each stuffed donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.