Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts

Ingredients:

For the Donuts:
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 tablespoons sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
For the Filling:
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup strawberry jam
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Donut Dough:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
In another bowl, mix the strawberry jam until smooth. You can also fold the jam into the cream cheese mixture for a marbled effect if desired.
3. Shape 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 larger and one smaller) to cut out donuts and donut holes.
Place the cut donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
4. Fry the Donuts:
In a deep pot or fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the donuts in batches for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
5. Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
6. Assemble the Donuts:
Once the donuts are cool, use a piping bag or a small knife to create a hole in the side of each donut. Fill each donut with the cream cheese filling and a little strawberry jam.
Dip the tops of the filled donuts into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
7. Serve:
Enjoy your Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts fresh! They are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days.