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Pistachio Cream Donuts

These soft and airy pistachio cream donuts are fried to golden perfection and coated in a fragrant citrus sugar. Filled with rich pistachio cream, they deliver a delicate balance of sweetness and nutty indulgence—perfect for special occasions or an elegant homemade treat.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rise Time 2 hours
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 donuts
Course: Baked Goods, Breakfast, Dessert, Holiday Treats, Pastry
Cuisine: American, European
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup milk warmed
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar divided
  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 eggs room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 6 cups vegetable oil for frying
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar for coating
  • 1 tbsp orange zest optional
  • 3/4 cup pistachio paste

Method
 

  1. Activate yeast by mixing warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit until foamy.
  2. Combine flour, salt, eggs, butter, remaining sugar, and yeast mixture. Knead until smooth and elastic.
  3. Let dough rise until doubled, about 60–90 minutes.
  4. Roll dough and cut into rounds. Let rise again for 30 minutes.
  5. Heat oil to 350°F and prepare sugar coating with zest.
  6. Fry donuts until golden, about 60–90 seconds per side.
  7. Coat warm donuts in sugar and cool completely.
  8. Fill with pistachio paste using a piping bag and serve.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature for even frying. Allow donuts to cool before filling to prevent melting the pistachio cream.