Italian Donuts So Soft They Melt in Your Mouth

### Instructions: How to Make Italian Donuts So Soft They Melt in Your Mouth

#### Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **sugar**, **baking powder**, and **salt** until well combined.
2. **Add Wet Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together the **eggs**, **vanilla extract**, **ricotta cheese**, **lemon zest**, **milk**, and **melted butter**. This mixture should be smooth and creamy.
3. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until the dough forms. You should have a soft, slightly sticky dough. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a bit more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the right consistency.

#### Step 2: Heat the Oil

1. In a large pot or deep frying pan, pour enough **vegetable oil** to submerge the donuts (about 2-3 inches deep). Heat the oil to **350°F (175°C)**. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into the oil — if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready for frying.

#### Step 3: Shape and Fry the Donuts

1. **Shape the Donuts**: Lightly flour your hands and scoop out a small portion of dough (about 1 to 2 tablespoons per donut). Gently roll the dough into a ball or oval shape. For the traditional Italian donut shape, you can create a hole in the center of each ball to form a ring, but this is optional.
2. **Fry the Donuts**: Carefully drop the shaped dough into the hot oil, a few at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the donuts for **2-3 minutes on each side** or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. You may need to adjust the heat to maintain a consistent frying temperature.
3. **Drain and Cool**: Once the donuts are golden brown and cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

#### Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch

1. Once the donuts have cooled slightly, **dust them generously with powdered sugar**. This gives them that classic Italian donut look and adds a touch of sweetness.
2. For an extra touch of sweetness, you can drizzle the donuts with **honey**, **chocolate sauce**, or **fruit preserves**.
3. Serve warm for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience, or let them cool slightly and enjoy later.

### Tips for the Best Italian Donuts

– **Use Ricotta Cheese**: The ricotta cheese in the dough is key to achieving the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It gives the donuts a rich and airy consistency that sets them apart from regular fried donuts.
– **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan**: When frying, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the donuts in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent the temperature of the oil from dropping too quickly.
– **Fry at the Right Temperature**: Keep the oil at a steady temperature of **350°F (175°C)**. If it’s too hot, the donuts will burn on the outside and remain raw on the inside. Too cool, and the donuts will absorb too much oil, making them greasy.
– **Flavor Variations**: For a different twist, you can add a teaspoon of **cinnamon**, **nutmeg**, or even a splash of **vanilla extract** to the dough for added flavor.
– **Serve Immediately**: Italian donuts are best when served fresh and warm. However, if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to **2-3 days**.

### Why You’ll Love Italian Donuts

– **Light and Fluffy**: The use of ricotta cheese in the dough ensures that these donuts are light and airy, making them incredibly soft and tender.
– **Perfectly Sweet**: Dusted with powdered sugar, these donuts have just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy your cravings without being overwhelming.
– **Versatile**: Whether served as a snack, dessert, or breakfast, these donuts are versatile enough to fit any occasion.
– **Easy to Make**: Despite their rich, delicious flavor, these Italian donuts are surprisingly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.

### Conclusion

**Italian Donuts So Soft They Melt in Your Mouth** are the perfect treat for anyone who loves a soft, flavorful, and easy-to-make dessert. With their light, fluffy texture and the rich flavor of ricotta cheese, they are a delightful twist on traditional fried doughnuts. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to something sweet, these donuts are sure to be a hit.

With just a few simple steps, you can bring the flavors of Italy into your home. Serve them at family gatherings, pair them with coffee, or enjoy them as a decadent snack. Either way, these Italian donuts will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire!