A delightful aroma wafts through my kitchen as I pull out a tray of golden-brown Korean Milk Cream Donuts, their fluffy surfaces calling for a taste. This Korean Milk Cream Donut Recipe is an effortless way to impress family and friends, blending a crispy exterior with a soft, whipped cream-filled center that is simply to die for. Best of all, the prep is quick and the ingredients are pantry staples, making it a perfect weekend treat or snack to crush those fast food cravings with something so much more satisfying. Imagine transforming simple ingredients into a cloud-like dessert that’s sure to warm hearts and bellies. Are you ready to dive into a world of creamy sweetness? Let’s get started!

Why are these donuts a must-try?

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fluffy donuts and rich whipped cream creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience, making each bite a delightful treat.

Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and common pantry ingredients, you can whip up these delights without needing a baking degree!

Versatile Options: Feel free to customize your filling with matcha or berries for a personalized twist, ensuring everyone finds their favorite version.

Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for sharing at brunch or as an evening snack, these donuts are bound to impress your family or friends, rivaling even the best dessert cafes.

Quick and Satisfying: In just a few simple steps, you can indulge in a homemade dessert that satisfies your cravings and elevates your dessert game. If you’re looking for more delightful homemade creations, check out my recipes for Korean Bbq Meatballs or Sun Dried Tomato to keep your cooking exciting!

Korean Milk Cream Donut Ingredients

• Dive into the creamy goodness with these delightful pastry essentials!

For the Dough

All-Purpose Flour – Provides a tender structure to ensure these donuts are soft and fluffy.
Sugar – Adds the perfect amount of sweetness; feel free to reduce for a lighter flavor.
Instant Yeast – Ensures a nice rise, creating that airy texture; always use fresh for best results.
Milk – Keeps the donuts moist; consider using almond milk for a dairy-free option.
Egg – Binds the dough while adding richness; swap for unsweetened applesauce for a vegan choice.
Butter – Infuses flavor and softness into the dough; substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free twist.

For the Cream Filling

Heavy Whipping Cream – Creates a fluffy, irresistible filling; homemade or store-bought will work wonderfully.
Condensed Milk – Adds extra sweetness and richness; this ingredient can be skipped, but it enriches the flavor.
Powdered Sugar – Ideal for dusting the donuts, enhancing their visual appeal; optional but highly recommended.

Create the perfect Korean Milk Cream Donut with these essential ingredients and treat yourself to a dessert that’s both delicious and utterly satisfying!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Korean Milk Cream Donut Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine 90 ml of lukewarm milk, 1 egg, and 30 g of melted butter. Whisk the mixture smoothly until all ingredients are well blended. The milk should feel warm to the touch, which activates the yeast later. This creamy base is essential for achieving a soft and fluffy Korean Milk Cream Donut.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 250 g of all-purpose flour, 25 g of sugar, and 7 g of instant yeast. Make sure to blend thoroughly, as the yeast needs to incorporate evenly into the flour mixture. This dry mixture will provide the structure for your donuts, ensuring they rise beautifully during the next step.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredient mixture. Mix with a spatula or use a hand mixer on low speed until a soft dough forms. Aim for a slightly sticky texture that holds together without being too wet, as this will create those airy, fluffy Korean Milk Cream Donuts.

Step 4: Let Dough Rise
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough feels pillowy and expands visibly; this rising step is crucial for achieving that delightful fluffy texture.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough
Once risen, turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thick using a rolling pin. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the donuts dense. You should see the swirls of butter and fluffy texture, making it ready for cutting.

Step 6: Cut Donuts
Use a round cutter to shape out donuts from the rolled dough, placing each donut onto a sheet of parchment paper. Keep the donuts about an inch apart, ensuring that they have enough space to rise further during frying. As you cut, you may enjoy the aroma of fresh dough wafting through your kitchen!

Step 7: Heat Oil
In a deep frying pan or pot, heat vegetable oil to 170-180°C (340-360°F). Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control. The oil should be hot enough for the donuts to sizzle upon dropping in, which ensures a crispy, golden exterior. Test with a small piece of dough first to ensure your oil is ready.

Step 8: Fry Donuts
Carefully place each donut into the hot oil, frying them in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn light golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and allow them to drain on paper towels, ensuring they remain fluffy inside.

Step 9: Whip Cream
In a chilled mixing bowl, beat 300 ml of heavy whipping cream with 50 g of sugar until stiff peaks form. This step usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. The whipped cream will be light and fluffy, perfect for filling those warm, crispy Korean Milk Cream Donuts.

Step 10: Prepare Donuts for Filling
Cut each cooled donut in half, leaving a small hinge on one side. Take a small spoonful of condensed milk and spread it on the inside of the donut halves, which adds extra sweetness and richness to the filling, enhancing the overall flavor of the Korean Milk Cream Donut.

Step 11: Fill Donuts
Using a piping bag or a spoon, carefully pipe or spread the prepared whipped cream inside each donut. Fill generously for that delicious, creamy center, making sure the filling is evenly distributed. Finish each donut with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for a touch of sweetness and an appealing presentation.

Korean Milk Cream Donut Variations

Customize your Korean Milk Cream Donuts with these delightful twists for even more creamy goodness!

Matcha Whipped Cream: Add matcha powder to the whipped cream for a unique green tea flavor that’s all the rage in desserts.
This subtle earthiness perfectly complements the sweetness of the donuts, creating a beautiful balance that will leave your taste buds singing.
Chocolate Cream Filling: Incorporate cocoa powder or melted chocolate into your whipped cream for a rich, chocolatey delight.
The indulgent flavor pairs beautifully with the soft texture of the donuts, satisfying any chocolate lover’s craving.
Berry Infusion: Mix in fresh berries or strawberry slices with the cream for a fruity twist.
This addition provides a pop of color and fresh sweetness, enhancing the overall experience with each delicious bite.
Nutty Delight: Add crushed nuts like hazelnuts or almonds to the whipped cream for a delightful crunch.
The contrasting textures create an interesting mouthfeel, transforming your donuts into an exquisite treat that’s hard to resist.
Coconut Cream: Replace regular cream with coconut cream for a tropical vibe.
This subtle coconut flavor brings a refreshing twist, making every bite taste like a beach vacation.
Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Instead of powdered sugar, dust your donuts with a blend of cinnamon and sugar for a warm spiciness.
This little touch adds a comforting flavor, perfect for cozy weekends with a warm drink.
Spicy Twist: Introduce a teaspoon of chili powder or a spicy syrup in the filling for those who love a kick.
The heat creates a surprising but enjoyable contrast with the sweetness, ideal for adventurous palates.

Why not pair your delicious donuts with a cup of coffee or a refreshing fruit juice? For more delightful desserts that inspire creativity in the kitchen, consider whipping up some Korean Rice Balls or the irresistible Oreo Milkshake Indulgence. Your taste buds will thank you!

Expert Tips for Korean Milk Cream Donuts

Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh yeast and lukewarm milk. This encourages proper rising, ensuring your donuts remain light and fluffy throughout.
Controlled Frying: Maintain oil temperature while frying; too hot, and the donuts burn, too cool, and they absorb excess oil. Test with a small piece of dough first.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough until just combined to prevent dense donuts. A soft, slightly sticky texture is key for achieving perfect Korean Milk Cream Donuts.
Cooling Time: Let donuts cool slightly before filling. This helps the whipped cream maintain its structure when piped inside and avoids a gooey mess.
Customize Fillings: Experiment with various fillings like flavored whipped cream or fruit preserves. This adds a personal touch, making each bite of your Korean Milk Cream Donut uniquely delightful!

How to Store and Freeze Korean Milk Cream Donuts

Room Temperature: Store leftovers in a covered container at room temperature for up to 1 day. They are best enjoyed fresh, as the texture may change.
Fridge: If you prefer to keep them longer, store the donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best experience.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the donuts individually in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, gently warm in the microwave or toaster oven for a few seconds, but avoid overheating to retain a soft, fluffy texture inside.

Make Ahead Options

These Korean Milk Cream Donuts are perfect for meal prep lovers! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first six steps, then cover the shaped donuts with plastic wrap and refrigerate them until you’re ready to fry. This helps maintain their fluffy texture while saving you time during busy days. Additionally, you can whip the cream and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just be sure to re-whip it slightly before filling. When you’re ready to serve, simply fry the donuts and fill them with fresh cream, ensuring they remain just as delicious and delightful!

What to Serve with Korean Milk Cream Donuts?

Imagine gathering around the table, indulging in these fluffy donuts while savoring delightful accompaniments that elevate your treat to a full experience.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A burst of colorful, juicy fruits balances the sweetness of the donuts while adding a refreshing crunch.
Rich Coffee: The warmth of a freshly brewed cup complements the creamy richness of the donuts, enhancing your enjoyment.
Coconut Milk Tea: A smooth, slightly sweet tea adds an exotic twist to your donut experience, marrying flavors beautifully.
Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate over the donuts deepens their indulgence, making them even more irresistible.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess and temperature contrast create a delightful pairing that feels like a dreamy dessert combo.
Homemade Whipped Cream: For an extra layer of flavor, serve a bowl alongside to dip and enhance each creamy bite.
Chai Spiced Milk: The aromatic spices of chai complement the donut’s subtle sweetness, offering a comforting, flavorful drink.
Matcha Latte: The earthy flavor of matcha meshes wonderfully with whipped cream, adding a unique twist to the traditional pairing.

Korean Milk Cream Donuts Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best milk for these donuts?
Absolutely! For the creamiest results, I recommend using whole milk, as its fat content contributes to a tender crumb. However, if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, almond or oat milk can work wonders too. Just make sure whichever milk you choose is at room temperature to activate the yeast properly!

How should I store leftover donuts?
You can easily store leftover donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but for the best flavor and texture, I suggest enjoying them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, they can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 day. Just let them sit out for a bit to return to room temp before serving.

Can I freeze Korean Milk Cream Donuts?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your homemade donuts, let them cool completely after frying. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that lovely fluffy texture!

What if my donuts turn out dense?
Oh no, don’t worry! If your donuts come out dense, it’s likely they were overmixed or the dough didn’t rise properly. Ensure you mix the dough just until combined, and make sure your yeast is fresh! For rising, keep the dough in a warm, draft-free spot for 1.5 to 2 hours. It should double in size!

Are these donuts suitable for people with allergies?
Great question! These donuts contain common allergens like wheat (in flour), dairy, and eggs. For dairy-free options, substitute cow’s milk with almond or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. For a vegan twist, replace the egg with unsweetened applesauce. Always check with guests for any specific dietary needs when serving!

How can I achieve the perfect filling texture?
Filling your donuts with whipped cream to the right texture can elevate your experience! Make sure to whip your heavy cream until stiff peaks form—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. If you want extra sweetness, you can gradually mix in powdered sugar to taste. Remember to fill the donuts just before serving to keep the cream perfectly fluffy!