Classic French Pressed Coffee and Cardamom Donuts
Fluffy yeast-raised donuts infused with warm cardamom, served alongside robust French pressed coffee for a perfect breakfast treat. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 105 minutes layers all-purpose flour, (1 packet) active dry yeast, warm (110°F) whole milk into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 270 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup, warm (110°F) whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp, softened unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp salt
- for frying, about 4 cups vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup, for dusting powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups boiling water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast in 1 cup warm (110°F) whole milk with 1 tbsp granulated sugar. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cardamom, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Step 3: Add the yeast mixture, 2 large eggs, and 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 4: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Step 5: Roll the dough out to 1/2-inch thickness and cut 12 donuts using a 3-inch donut cutter. Let the cut donuts rise on a floured baking sheet for 30 minutes.
- Step 6: Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry donuts in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 7: Dust the warm donuts with 1/2 cup powdered sugar.
- Step 8: Meanwhile, prepare French pressed coffee by adding 1/4 cup coarsely ground coffee to a French press, pouring 4 cups boiling water over it, stirring gently, and steeping for 4 minutes before pressing and serving alongside donuts.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic French Pressed Coffee and Cardamom Donuts take to make?
Total time is about 105 minutes (90 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Classic French Pressed Coffee and Cardamom Donuts?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic French Pressed Coffee and Cardamom Donuts?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic French Pressed Coffee and Cardamom Donuts for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic French Pressed Coffee and Cardamom Donuts?
French desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
