Dubai Donut Recipe

by Sandra
Dubai Donut Recipe

Having had the pleasure of tasting these delightful creations in their native habitat—among the towering skyscrapers and sun-kissed beaches of Dubai—I was inspired to bring a piece of that wonder back home. This Dubai Donut recipe is not merely about replicating a confectionery masterpiece; it’s about capturing the spirit of Dubai in every bite. A combination of aromatic spices, luxurious dates, and perhaps a hint of cardamom-infused glaze, this donut will transport you to the heart of the UAE without leaving your kitchen.

How to make Dubai Donut

The Dubai Donut is a unique twist on traditional donuts found in Dubai. It often highlights exotic flavors and ingredients inspired by the city’s fusion of modern and traditional culinary influences.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (one packet) active dry yeast
  • 1/8 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
  • 3/4 cup lukewarm milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Date Filling:

  • 1 cup pitted dates, finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon water

For the Rosewater Glaze:

  • 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 3-4 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon rosewater (available at Middle Eastern stores or online)
  • Crushed pistachios for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Combine the milk, remaining sugar, salt, and beaten egg in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cardamom, and cinnamon.
  4. Make the Dough: Add the frothy yeast mixture to the wet ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until the dough starts to form. Add the butter and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic about 10 minutes. You may need to add a little extra flour if the dough is too sticky.
  5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  6. Make the Date Filling: While the dough is rising, combine the chopped dates, nutmeg, orange blossom water, and water in a saucepan over low heat. Cook until the dates are soft and form a paste, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool.
  7. Roll and Cut: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out circles using a donut cutter or a large cookie cutter.
  8. Add Filling and Second Rise: Place about a teaspoon of Date filling in the center of half of the dough circles. Cover each with another dough circle and seal the edges. Place the filled donuts on a floured baking sheet, cover them, and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
  9. Frying: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or deep skillet to 375°F (190°C). Fry the donuts until golden brown on each side, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
  10. Prepare the Glaze: While the donuts cool, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and rosewater until smooth. Add more milk if you prefer a thinner glaze.
  11. Glaze and Garnish: Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, then sprinkle with crushed pistachios. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Tips:

  • Ensure your milk and water are at the right temperature to activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Keep the dough soft and pliable; it shouldn’t be too stiff or too sticky.
  • Be careful not to overcrowd the donuts while frying, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts.
  • Fry each donut until it’s just golden brown to keep the exterior crisp and the interior soft.
  • Allow the donuts to cool slightly before glazing, as a hot donut can cause the glaze to become too runny.

What to serve with

Pairing your homemade Dubai Donuts with complementary beverages and side dishes can elevate your culinary experience, transforming it into an indulgent feast.

Beverages:

  • Arabic Coffee (Qahwa): This traditional coffee is spiced with cardamom and sometimes other spices like saffron or cloves, making it a perfect match for the spice-infused Dubai Donut. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the donut.
  • Mint Tea: A refreshing alternative to coffee, mint tea can cleanse the palate and offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the donuts. Serve hot or iced depending on your preference and the weather.
  • Rose Lemonade: For a non-caffeinated option, rose lemonade complements the rosewater glaze of the donuts and adds a floral, citrusy refreshment to your snack time.
  • Date Milkshake: Blend milk with pitted dates, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a dash of cinnamon for a decadent drink that echoes the flavors inside the Dubai Donut.

Side Dishes:

  • Fresh Fruits: Serve a platter of fresh, sliced fruits to accompany the donuts. Choose fruits like figs, pears, oranges, and berries for a light, refreshing side that contrasts the deep flavors of the donuts.
  • Nut and Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses, like brie or camembert, paired with nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and more pistachios, can offer a savory counterpoint to the sweet and spiced donuts.
  • Yogurt with Honey and Nuts: A bowl of thick, creamy yogurt drizzled with honey and sprinkled with chopped nuts and a dash of cinnamon or cardamom can serve as a lighter, yet satisfying, companion to the donuts.
  • Middle Eastern Sweets: If you’re feeling indulgent, pair the donuts with other Middle Eastern sweets like baklava, halva, or qatayef (during Ramadan) for a truly opulent dessert spread.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making Dubai Donuts, with its unique mix of flavors like dates, rosewater, and cardamom, can be an inviting culinary venture. However, it’s not uncommon to find yourself missing an ingredient or needing an alternative to cater to dietary restrictions or personal taste preferences.

Flour Substitutes:

  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary ingredient for most donut doughs. For a gluten-free alternative, you could use a blend of rice flour, potato starch, and xanthan gum to mimic the texture of traditional flour.
  • Whole Wheat Flour: Offers a healthier option with a denser texture and nuttier flavor. Use it in a 1:1 ratio with all-purpose flour to retain some of the dough’s lightness.

Sugar Substitutes:

  • Granulated Sugar is essential for sweetness. For healthier alternatives, you can use coconut sugar or even honey. When using liquid sweeteners like honey, you might need to adjust the liquid quantities in your recipe slightly.

Milk Substitutes:

  • Cow’s Milk provides moisture and richness. Almond, soy, or coconut milk can be used in a 1:1 ratio for vegan versions. Each imparts a slight flavor change, which could nicely complement the overall taste of the donuts.

Butter Substitutes:

  • Unsalted Butter adds to the dough’s richness. For a dairy-free option, you can opt for margarine or coconut oil. However, keep an eye on the salt content of margarine and adjust your recipe accordingly.

Date Paste:

  • For Filling: If date paste is unavailable, you can make your own by blending softened dates with a bit of water until smooth. Alternatively, fig paste or apricot preserves can offer a similar texture and natural sweetness.

Rosewater Substitutes:

  • Rosewater gives a floral note. If unavailable, it can be omitted, or you can use orange blossom water for a slightly different but equally aromatic experience. A tiny bit of vanilla extract mixed with water can also be used as a last resort.

Cardamom Substitutes:

  • Ground Cardamom imparts a distinctively warm, slightly sweet flavor. In its absence, an equal mix of ground cinnamon and nutmeg or allspice can be used for a different but complementary spice profile.

Yeast Substitutes:

  • Instant Yeast: Helps the dough rise. Active dry yeast is a direct substitute, though it needs to be activated in warm water first. For a yeast-free option, look into using baking powder, but expect a different texture and potentially denser dough.

Final Thoughts

Combining Dubai Donuts with these complementary beverages and side dishes not only creates a well-rounded culinary experience but also showcases the versatility and richness of Middle Eastern flavors.

More Donut Recipes:

Dubai Donut Recipe

Dubai Donut

Serves: 4 Prep Time: Cooking Time:
Nutrition facts: 206 calories 22 grams fat
Rating: 5.0/5
( 1 voted )

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (one packet) active dry yeast
  • 1/8 cup warm water
  • 3/4 cup lukewarm milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Date Filling:

  • 1 cup pitted dates, finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon water

For the Rosewater Glaze:

  • 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
  • 3-4 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon rosewater 
  • Crushed pistachios for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Combine the milk, remaining sugar, salt, and beaten egg in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cardamom, and cinnamon.
  4. Make the Dough: Add the frothy yeast mixture to the wet ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until the dough starts to form. Add the butter and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic about 10 minutes. You may need to add a little extra flour if the dough is too sticky.
  5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  6. Make the Date Filling: While the dough is rising, combine the chopped dates, nutmeg, orange blossom water, and water in a saucepan over low heat. Cook until the dates are soft and form a paste, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool.
  7. Roll and Cut: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out circles using a donut cutter or a large cookie cutter.
  8. Add Filling and Second Rise: Place about a teaspoon of Date filling in the center of half of the dough circles. Cover each with another dough circle and seal the edges. Place the filled donuts on a floured baking sheet, cover them, and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
  9. Frying: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or deep skillet to 375°F (190°C). Fry the donuts until golden brown on each side, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
  10. Prepare the Glaze: While the donuts cool, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, milk, and rosewater until smooth. Add more milk if you prefer a thinner glaze.
  11. Glaze and Garnish: Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, then sprinkle with crushed pistachios. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

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