Bugnes Moelleuses (French Doughnuts)

Bugnes are a doughnut-like pastry sprinkled with icing sugar that hail from Lyon. They're essential to Mardi Gras! A tradition that I never forget... making bugnes! I have loved them since I was a kid. My mother's bugnes (and now mine) have a little bit of lemon for a unique taste. Sprinkle with icing sugar before serving.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 2 mins
• Total Time: 32 mins
• Calories: 297 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 8 eggs
• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 8 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup butter, melted
• 6 cups vegetable oil for frying
• 2 lemons, zested

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Mix water and yeast together in a small bowl. Let stand until foamy, about 15 minutes.

Step 2

Combine flour, eggs, butter, 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, and lemon zest in a large bowl; add yeast mixture. Knead by hand until dough comes together. Cover with a clean dish towel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 2 hours.

Step 3

Roll out dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured work surface. Cut into diamond shapes using a small pastry wheel cutter. Brush off excess flour.

Step 4

Heat oil in a deep saucepan or wok. Cook doughnuts in batches until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined platter.