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Korean Milk Cream Donut cut open to show filling

Korean Milk Cream Donut


  • Author: Savannah
  • Total Time: 40–45 minutes
  • Yield: 1012 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A soft, fluffy donut filled with a sweet and creamy milk custard, inspired by the popular Korean bakery treat. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these donuts are lightly sweetened, pillowy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Optional knotted shapes make them extra Instagram-worthy!


Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (makes 8–10 donuts):

For the Dough:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ cup warm whole milk (about 110°F / 45°C)

  • 1 large egg

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Milk Cream Filling:

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

  • 2 large egg yolks

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Optional Toppings:

  • Powdered sugar for dusting

  • Chocolate drizzle or sprinkles


Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.

  2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, egg, and butter.

  3. Knead dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  4. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Milk Cream Filling

  1. In a small saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch.

  2. Gradually add milk while stirring. Cook over medium heat until thickened.

  3. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla. Let cool completely.

Step 3: Shape & Fry Donuts

  1. Punch down dough and divide into 8–10 pieces. Shape into rounds or knots.

  2. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Fill the Donuts

  1. Transfer milk cream to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.

  2. Poke a hole in each donut and pipe the cream inside.

Step 5: Serve & Decorate

  • Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate if desired. Serve fresh.

Notes

  • Knotted Version: Twist dough into knots before frying for a traditional Korean bakery style.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare dough and cream a day ahead; fry and fill the day of serving.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Milk cream is best fresh.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert / Snack
  • Method: Fried / Filled / Decorated
  • Cuisine: Korean