Brazilian Cream-Filled Donuts (Sonhos)
Soft and pillowy Brazilian fried donuts, known as *sonhos* ("dreams"), stuffed with a silky condensed milk custard cream. Golden on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth on the inside — these are pure comfort food perfect for any celebration or afternoon treat.
🛒 Ingredients
80 servings
- 1 kg (8 cups) all-purpose flour
- 10 g (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 whole egg
- 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 125 ml (½ cup) neutral vegetable oil
- 500 ml (2 cups) warm milk
- Oil for deep frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- For the cream: 500 ml (2 cups) whole milk
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 can (395 g) sweetened condensed milk
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Directions
- 1
Combine yeast with warm milk and a pinch of sugar. Let stand 10 minutes until foamy and active.
- 2
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and oil. Pour in the yeast mixture and beaten egg; mix until a rough dough forms.
- 3
Knead for 10–15 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. Cover and let rise for 1 hour in a warm spot.
- 4
Punch down the dough and roll into balls of about 30 g each. Place on a floured tray, cover, and allow a second rise of 30 minutes.
- 5
Heat frying oil to 170–180 °C (340–355 °F). Fry in small batches for 2–3 minutes per side until evenly golden brown.
- 6
Drain on paper towels and roll in powdered sugar while still warm.
- 7
Make the cream: whisk milk, egg yolk, cornstarch, and condensed milk in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and creamy. Cool completely before using.
- 8
Fill each donut using a piping bag or pastry syringe inserted through the side until you feel slight resistance.
💡 Chef's Tip
Use a kitchen thermometer to keep the oil at a steady 175 °C — temperature drops quickly when you add dough. Chocolate brigadeiro also makes an incredible filling and is a classic Brazilian twist!
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