Sonhos | Portuguese Doughnuts
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
25 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
24 servings
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Calories
178 kcal
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Course
Dessert
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Cuisine
Portuguese
Sonhos | Portuguese Doughnuts
Description
Sonhos, or Portuguese doughnuts, begin with a unique batter formed by boiling butter, sugar, salt, and water, then stirring in flour until a stiff dough forms and dries slightly in the pan. Beating eggs into this dough creates a glossy, smooth batter. This batter is then deep-fried in vegetable oil until puffed and golden brown. After frying, the doughnuts are rolled in a cinnamon and sugar mixture for a warm, sweet coating.
The frying technique creates a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft, airy interior. The cinnamon sugar adds a fragrant spice note that balances the subtle sweetness of the dough. Sonhos can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert and are often accompanied by honey, warmed jam, or caramel to add moisture and flavor complexity.
These doughnuts are best eaten fresh to keep their light texture intact. The recipe yields a pleasant combination of textures and spices suitable for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet treat.
Ingredients
For the sonhos batter
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 large pinch salt
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large egg
For the cinnamon sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
For deep frying
- vegetable oil for deep-frying, mild
For serving
- honey optional, or warmed jam or caramel
Instructions
Make the sonhos batter
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the 1 tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1 large pinch salt, and 3/4 cup water to a boil.
- Add the 1 cup all-purpose flour and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan, gets hard to stir, and forms a stiff ball, 2 to 4 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium and continue stirring (oof!) until a thin layer of dough films the bottom of the pan, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Plop the dough in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on low speed for 1 minute.
- Add the 4 large eggs to the dough, 1 at a time, beating on medium-high speed after each addition until fully incorporated before adding the next, about 1 minute for the first egg and slightly less time for each subsequent egg, about 3 minutes total. The dough may release some steam and that's fine. When fully mixed, the batter will be glossy and smooth.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Make the cinnamon sugar
- In a medium bowl, mix together the 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
Fry the sonhos
- Add enough mild vegetable oil to a wide saucepan or Dutch oven to reach a depth of 3 inches (8 cm). Warm the oil over medium-low heat until it registers 300°F (150°C).
- Using a 2-teaspoon cookie scoop or a rounded teaspoon measuring spoon, carefully drop a few globs of dough in the hot oil. Don’t crowd the pan as these little suckers really puff up!
- The sonhos will quickly float to the surface. Fry until golden, turning them as needed so they cook evenly, 6 to 8 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sonhos to paper towels or a brown paper sack to drain for a few moments.
- Toss the hot sonhos in the cinnamon sugar. Repeat with the remaining dough and cinnamon sugar
Serve the sonhos
- Serve while still hot—maybe even while standing at the counter in the kitchen—whether plain or with honey, jam, or caramel.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 178 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1doughnut | |
| Calories | 178kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 32mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 14mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.3g | 1% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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