Lemon Lavender Donuts

Okay, so we tried something amazing. We made donuts that taste like flowers and lemons. And yeah, they’re as good as they sound.

Here’s what happened. We added lavender to our lemon donuts. It smells so pretty and tastes even better.

The lemon makes them fresh and zingy. The lavender adds a sweet, flowery taste. And honestly, it’s like eating a garden in the best way.

We baked these on Sunday morning. Our kitchen smelled like a bakery. And our kids said they were the best donuts ever.

So, you should totally make these. Get some lemons and lavender. And let’s bake these pretty donuts together, okay?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Combination: The combination of lemon and lavender creates a sophisticated and delightful flavor profile. The tartness of the lemon is balanced by the floral sweetness of lavender, making every bite intriguing and refreshing.
• Baked Donuts: These donuts are baked instead of fried, making them lighter, fluffier, and less greasy. You get all the joy of a fresh donut without the heavy feeling that fried donuts sometimes leave behind.
• Easy to Make: With a simple list of ingredients and straightforward instructions, these donuts are a breeze to whip up. You don’t need any specialized equipment, just a donut pan!
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a spring brunch, a Mother’s Day celebration, or simply a cozy weekend treat, these Lemon Lavender Donuts will elevate any occasion.
• White Chocolate Glaze: The rich and creamy white chocolate glaze adds a touch of indulgence, making these donuts even more irresistible.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s make sure you have all the necessary tools on hand:

• Donut Pan: This is essential for making the perfect donut shape. If you don’t have one, you can also use a muffin tin, but the texture and shape will differ slightly.
• Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for combining the dry ingredients and a medium bowl for the wet ingredients.
• Whisk: A whisk will help incorporate the dry ingredients and avoid lumps.
• Spatula: For folding the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
• Saucepan: To melt the white chocolate for the glaze.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the white chocolate, especially for glazing.
• Cooling Rack: After baking, allow the donuts to cool on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Lemon Lavender Donuts:

For the Donuts:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the donut and gives it structure.
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a subtle depth of sweetness and moisture to the donuts.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the donuts rise and become fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• 1 large egg, room temperature: Eggs provide structure and richness to the donuts.
• 1/4 cup milk: Milk adds moisture to the batter, helping to create a smooth texture.
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture and a tender crumb to the donuts.
• 1/4 cup yogurt: Yogurt adds extra moisture while contributing to a slight tanginess.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor in the batter.
• Zest from 1 lemon: The lemon zest brings a burst of fresh, citrusy flavor to the donuts.

For the Lavender White Chocolate Glaze:

• 7 ounces Lindt CLASSIC RECIPE White Chocolate, chopped: High-quality white chocolate is essential for creating a smooth, creamy glaze.
• 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds: Dried lavender buds lend a subtle, floral aroma to the glaze.

Variations for Lemon Lavender Donuts

• Add Blueberries: If you want to add a fruity twist, try folding in fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter for a burst of color and flavor.
• Use a Different Citrus: If you’re not a fan of lemon, you can substitute with orange or grapefruit zest for a different citrusy note.
• Make a Glaze with Honey: If you prefer a more natural sweetener, replace the white chocolate glaze with a simple honey glaze for a slightly floral sweetness.
• Use Almond Flour: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour, but be mindful that it may alter the texture and density of the donut.
• Lavender Infused Milk: If you love the lavender flavor, steep a tablespoon of lavender buds in your milk before adding it to the batter. This will intensify the floral taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have everything ready, let’s dive into the process of making these Lemon Lavender Donuts.

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan. You can also use a non-stick spray to ensure the donuts release easily once baked.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure to break up any lumps in the brown sugar. Set this bowl aside.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vegetable oil, yogurt, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and well combined.

4. Add the Wet Ingredients to the Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix – just stir until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, so a light hand is key.

5. Fill the Donut Pan

Carefully spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. This will give the donuts room to rise and create that lovely fluffy texture.

6. Bake the Donuts

Bake the donuts for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You should see a slight golden-brown color on top, but the donuts will remain soft and airy inside.

7. Let the Donuts Cool

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.

8. Make the Lavender White Chocolate Glaze

While the donuts are cooling, it’s time to make the lavender white chocolate glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the chopped white chocolate over low heat. Be patient and stir constantly to prevent the chocolate from burning.

Once the white chocolate is melted and smooth, add the dried lavender buds. Stir and let the lavender infuse into the chocolate for a couple of minutes. Then, strain the lavender buds out of the glaze using a fine mesh sieve.

9. Glaze the Donuts

Once the donuts have completely cooled, dip each one into the lavender white chocolate glaze. Gently twist the donut to allow excess glaze to drip off. If you like, you can top the glazed donuts with a little more dried lavender for a decorative touch.

10. Let the Glaze Set

Place the glazed donuts back onto the wire rack and let the glaze set for about 10-15 minutes. This will help the glaze harden slightly, giving the donuts a nice, shiny finish.

How to Serve Lemon Lavender Donuts

These Lemon Lavender Donuts are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch or enjoying them with your morning coffee, they will certainly make an impression. Here are some serving ideas:

• At Breakfast or Brunch: Serve these donuts alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and scrambled eggs for a balanced meal.
• For Afternoon Tea: Pair these donuts with a cup of Earl Grey tea, chamomile tea, or your favorite herbal blend. The delicate lavender notes complement the floral notes in the tea beautifully.
• For a Special Occasion: Bring these donuts to a birthday party, bridal shower, or baby shower for a delightful treat that guests will love.
• As a Snack: Enjoy these donuts as a midday pick-me-up, especially with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Storing Lemon Lavender Donuts

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later. Here’s how to keep them at their best:

• Room Temperature: Keep the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. They will stay soft and fresh for a short period, but the glaze may soften slightly.
• Freezing: If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze the donuts before glazing. Once they’re completely cool, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, allow them to thaw at room temperature and glaze them once thawed.

Nutrition Information (Per Donut)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	250
Carbohydrates	35g
Protein	3g
Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	7g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	20g
Sodium	120mg

Conclusion

Lemon Lavender Donuts are a deliciously unique treat that combines the bright, fresh flavors of lemon with the subtle floral notes of lavender. The white chocolate glaze adds an indulgent touch, making these donuts perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch or enjoying them as a special treat, these donuts are sure to impress. Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, making them a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. So, grab your donut pan and give this recipe a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!