bear claw donut recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
bear claw donut recipe
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The Best bear claw donut recipe

I’ve always been a fan of traditional baked goods, and the bear claw donut is one of my favorite recipes to make at home. Its rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb are a perfect combination that never fails to impress.

I first discovered this recipe when I was in college, and it quickly became a staple in my household. My kids love helping me mix and knead the dough, and they always get excited when we take the donuts out of the oven and let them cool.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make, even for those who aren’t experienced bakers. All you need is a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment to get started.

I’ve tried making this recipe with different types of flour, but I find that all-purpose flour gives the best results. The key to this recipe is getting the dough just right – it should be smooth and elastic, but not too sticky.

If you find that your dough is too dry, you can always add a little bit of water to help bring it together. Once you’ve mixed the dough, let it rise for about an hour before punching it down and shaping it into long, thin ropes.

These will become the strips that are wrapped around the filling to create the signature bear claw design.

Classic Bear Claw Donuts

Classic Bear Claw Donuts

4.7 from 1199 votes

Fluffy yeast-raised donuts shaped like bear claws, filled with sweet almond paste, and topped with a crunchy almond glaze. These homemade pastries are a delightful breakfast treat that rivals any bakery version.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 50 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

1 cup warm milk (110°F)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Almond Filling

1 cup almond paste
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg white
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon almond extract

For the Glaze

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup sliced almonds

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast with 1 tablespoon of sugar.
2Let stand for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
3In a large mixing bowl, whisk together remaining sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
4Add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients and stir.
5Gradually add flour, salt, and nutmeg, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6Knead with a dough hook on medium speed for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
7Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.
5 hours until doubled in size.
8Meanwhile, prepare the filling by beating almond paste, butter, egg white, flour, and almond extract until smooth.
9Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
10Cut the dough into 12 rectangles, each about 3×6 inches.
11Spoon about 1 tablespoon of almond filling along one long side of each rectangle.
12Fold the other half over the filling and press edges to seal.
13Use a knife to make 4-5 slits on the folded edge to resemble bear claws.
14Place the shaped donuts on parchment-lined baking sheets, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
15Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F.
16Fry 2-3 donuts at a time for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
17Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil.
18For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth.
19Dip each warm donut into the glaze, letting excess drip off, then immediately sprinkle with sliced almonds.
20Let set on a wire rack for 15 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Stand mixer with dough hook
Rolling pin
Pizza cutter or sharp knife
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Deep fryer or large heavy pot
Candy thermometer
Wire rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 180mg🌾Total Carbs: 48g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 22g🥩Protein: 8g

📝Notes

For a baked version, place shaped donuts on a greased baking sheet, brush with melted butter, and bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden. The dough can also be refrigerated overnight after the first rise for convenience.

Watch Video Of How Classic Bear Claw Donuts Works

This bear claw donut recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a delicious treat for yourself.

The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to make – even if you’re new to baking, you’ll be able to whip up these tasty treats in no time.

To reheat leftover donuts, simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Bear Claw Donuts

Q: What type of flour should I use for this recipe?

A: I recommend using all-purpose flour for this recipe, as it gives the best results in terms of texture and flavor. If you don’t have all-purpose flour on hand, you can also try using bread flour or cake flour as a substitute.

Q: How do I get the dough just right?

A: To get the dough just right, you want to aim for a smooth, elastic consistency that’s not too sticky or too dry. If you find that your dough is too dry, you can always add a little bit of water to help bring it together.

Q: Can I use a stand mixer to mix the dough?

A: Yes, you can use a stand mixer to mix the dough if you have one available. However, be careful not to overmix the dough – this can result in a tough or dense final product.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftover donuts?

A: To store leftover donuts, simply place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze them for longer storage – simply wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.

Q: Can I make these donuts ahead of time and freeze them?

A: Yes, you can make these donuts ahead of time and freeze them for later use. Simply let them cool completely before freezing – then thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to serve.

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