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Delicious Leonard's malasadas served warm.

leonard's malasadas

★★★★★ (4.6 from 124 reviews)
Indulge in the delightful taste of Leonard's malasadas! Fluffy, sweet, and perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Instructions Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour This is the foundation of your malasadas, providing the necessary structure.
  • ½ cup granulated sugar Sweetness is key, and this will help balance the flavors beautifully.
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast This magical ingredient ensures your malasadas rise to fluffy perfection.
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup whole milk Warmed to about 110°F, this will activate the yeast and enrich the dough.
  • 2 large eggs They add richness and moisture, contributing to that soft texture.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter Melted and cooled, this will give your malasadas a lovely buttery flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract A splash of this will enhance the overall taste, making it even more irresistible.
For Frying
  • as needed oil Choose a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil for frying your malasadas to golden perfection.
  • as needed cinnamon sugar A delightful finishing touch that adds sweetness and a hint of spice.

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl For combining ingredients.
  • 1 Rolling Pin For rolling out the dough.
  • 1 Deep pot For frying the malasadas.
  • 1 Thermometer To check oil temperature.
  • 1 Slotted Spoon For removing malasadas from oil.
  • 1 Baking sheet For placing shaped malasadas.

Method
 

Prepare the Dough
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of instant yeast. Mix these dry ingredients well to ensure even distribution.
Add Wet Ingredients
  1. Next, add 1 cup of warm milk, 2 large eggs, ½ cup of melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until a sticky dough forms. If you find it too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.
Knead the Dough
  1. Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for achieving that fluffy texture.
Let It Rise
  1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This is where the magic happens!
Shape the Malasadas
  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll it out to about ½ inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut out circles, about 2-3 inches in diameter. Place them on a floured baking sheet.
Heat the Oil
  1. In a deep pot, heat about 2 inches of frying oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy. This temperature is key to achieving that perfect golden-brown color.
Fry the Malasadas
  1. Carefully drop a few dough circles into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
  1. While the malasadas are still warm, roll them in a mixture of ½ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. This adds a delightful sweetness and flavor.
Cool and Serve
  1. Allow the malasadas to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later. Serve them warm for a truly indulgent treat!

Notes