Peanut Butter Cheesecake Donuts (Printable Version)

Fluffy donuts filled with a creamy peanut butter cheesecake blend, finished with glaze and peanut accents.

# Everything You’ll Need:

→ Donut Dough

01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 1 tsp vanilla extract

→ Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling

09 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
10 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
11 - 1 cup powdered sugar
12 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
13 - 1-2 tbsp heavy cream or milk, optional to thin filling

→ Glaze and Topping (Optional)

14 - 1 cup powdered sugar
15 - 2-3 tbsp milk or water
16 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
17 - 1/4 cup chopped peanuts, optional
18 - Melted peanut butter for drizzle, optional

# Steps to Cook:

01 - If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar; let it bloom until foamy, about 5 minutes.
02 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat the egg with softened butter and vanilla extract until homogenous.
04 - Add the yeast mixture and wet ingredients to the dry mix, then knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, approximately 8 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a mixer.
05 - Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours.
06 - Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/3 inch thickness. Cut doughnuts and holes using a donut cutter or two round cutters.
07 - Arrange the cut donuts on a baking sheet and let them rest for 20 minutes to rise again.
08 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the donuts for 10-12 minutes until they are golden and cooked through.
09 - Beat together the softened cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Thin slightly with milk or cream if needed to achieve pipe-able consistency.
10 - After the donuts have completely cooled, use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to fill each donut with the cheesecake-peanut butter mixture from the side or bottom.
11 - Combine powdered sugar, milk or water, and vanilla extract until smooth to create a simple glaze.
12 - Dip the tops of filled donuts into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle with chopped peanuts and/or drizzle melted peanut butter for garnish.
13 - Allow the donuts to set for a few minutes for the filling and glaze to stabilize. Serve fresh on the day of preparation for optimal texture and flavor.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Ensure cream cheese is thoroughly softened for a smooth filling. Fully cool donuts before filling to prevent melting or leakage. Maintain consistent oil temperature if frying to avoid soggy or over-browned donuts. Use a thicker glaze or drizzle to prevent sogginess.