Bugnes Moelleuses (French Doughnuts)

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Bugnes are doughnut-like pastries that hail from Lyon and are essential to Mardi Gras. Making bugnes are a tradition that I will never forget. 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.

2
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Additional Time:
2 hrs 15 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 55 mins
Servings:
24
Yield:
24 doughnuts
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 24 servings

  • ¼ cup water

  • 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast

  • 8 cups all-purpose flour

  • 8 large eggs

  • ¾ cup butter, melted

  • ½ cup white sugar

  • 2 tablespoons white sugar

  • 2 lemons, zested

  • 6 cups vegetable oil for frying

Directions

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

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

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

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

Tips

To test if the oil is hot enough, dip in 1 piece of dough and observe the change of color. The color should change very quickly.

Editor's Note:

We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. Amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and specific type of oil used.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

297 Calories
13g Fat
37g Carbs
7g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 24
Calories 297
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 13g 17%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 77mg 26%
Sodium 65mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 37g 14%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 7g 13%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 18mg 1%
Iron 2mg 13%
Potassium 81mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.