Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, malasadas are the ultimate treat for anyone seeking a delightful indulgence. These golden, deep-fried doughnuts, often dusted in sugar, are a celebration of simplicity and flavor. Originating from Portuguese cuisine, malasadas have become a beloved snack across many cultures, especially in Hawaiian cuisine. In fact, they’re a popular choice during family gatherings and casual evenings when sugary treats are in demand. If you’ve ever enjoyed a doughnut bursting with sweet, warm goodness, you’ll appreciate malasadas for their unique texture—the perfect balance between crispy and airy. Compared to traditional doughnuts, malasadas bring an added layer of nostalgia and warmth. They’re perfect for sharing, much like that beloved chocolate chip cookie recipe many blog about. So, grab your apron and get ready to dive into a world of flavor!

What is Malasadas?

So, what exactly is a malasada? Besides being a fabulously tasty treat, it’s a delightful piece of culinary art that has roots in Portuguese culture. The name “malasada” might lead you to wonder, “What does it actually mean?” Some say it means “underdone” in Portuguese, but let’s be honest; when it comes to taste, there’s nothing underdone about these beauties! They’re sweet, soft, and oh-so-satisfying, affirming the age-old saying that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Each bite melts in your mouth and creates a moment of pure bliss. So, whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or keeping them all to yourself (we won’t judge!), this recipe is your new go-to for comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Malasadas

One of the best features of malasadas is how they can be the star of the show, whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or quietly enjoying them on a cozy evening. With a recipe that’s simple and cost-effective, preparing these treats at home is not just affordable but fun, too! You can sprinkle them with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or even dip them in chocolate sauce, creating a customizable snack that thrills every palate. Imagine biting into that hot, fluffy dough, and feeling the rush of flavors explode in your mouth. If you’ve ever savored a classic doughnut, you’re in for a treat—malasadas take that fluffy delight to a whole new level. Now, gather your ingredients and join us in creating these heavenly bites!

How to Make Malasadas

Quick Overview

Making malasadas is a straightforward process that begins with a patient heart and ends with a plate full of happiness. They’re wonderfully satisfying and pair perfectly with any hot beverage. You can have these delectable treats ready in about 2 hours, so carve out some time to enjoy both the preparation and the well-deserved tasting!

Key Ingredients for Malasadas

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk, warmed
2 large eggs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warmed milk with the active dry yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
Create the Dough: In the same bowl, add the frothy yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until the dough begins to come together.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth. If it feels sticky, add a tiny bit of flour as needed.
First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Malasadas: Once risen, punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick and cut into squares or circles, roughly 2-3 inches in diameter.
Second Rise: Let the cut dough pieces rise again for about 30 minutes. They will puff up nicely!
Heat the Oil: In a deep pot or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Malasadas: Carefully drop a few dough pieces into the hot oil, frying until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on paper towels to cool.
Dust with Sugar: While still warm, roll the malasadas in powdered sugar.

Top Tips for Perfecting Malasadas

Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast packet to ensure your malasadas rise beautifully.
Temperature Matters: Make sure your oil is heated to the right temperature! If it’s too cool, the malasadas could absorb excess oil and become greasy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry just a few malasadas at a time to maintain the oil temperature and allow for even cooking.
Customize It: Feel free to add flavors like vanilla or nutmeg to the dough for a unique twist.
Perfect Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a toaster oven for that freshly made taste!

Storing and Reheating Tips

For keeping your malasadas fresh, place them in an airtight container once cooled. They can last for about two days at room temperature. If you wish to keep them longer, you can freeze the un-fried dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the dough in the fridge overnight, and then fry as usual. If you have any leftover fried malasadas, heat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to revive that fresh-out-of-the-oil crispiness.

Now you’re all set to create these mouthwatering malasadas! Ready to experience the fluffy, sugary goodness yourself? Let us know how your batch turns out! Happy cooking!

Malasadas

Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, malasadas are traditional Portuguese doughnuts that are a delightful treat, especially popular in Hawaiian cuisine.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 2

Servings: 12 pieces

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: Hawaiian, Portuguese

Calories: 190

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk, warmed
2 large eggs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
as needed for frying vegetable oil

Topping Ingredients

as needed powdered sugar for dusting

Method

Preparation

In a small bowl, mix the warmed milk with the active dry yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
In the same bowl, add the frothy yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until the dough begins to come together.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth. If it feels sticky, add a tiny bit of flour as needed.
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Once risen, punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick and cut into squares or circles, roughly 2-3 inches in diameter.
Let the cut dough pieces rise again for about 30 minutes.

Cooking

In a deep pot or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully drop a few dough pieces into the hot oil, frying until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on paper towels to cool.
While still warm, roll the malasadas in powdered sugar.

Notes

For perfect malasadas, ensure the yeast is fresh and the oil is at the correct temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze un-fried dough for up to 3 months.