Yemenite Yeast Cookies

👨‍🍳 Method

For the Dough base

1. 1
   Put the flour, yeast and sugar in a large bowl.

   Bowl
2. 2
   Add the lukewarm water, eggs, vanilla and oil and Knead about 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth, pliable and doesn't stick to your hands.

   ⚙ KneadingBowlStand mixer

   💡For yeast dough, use the windowpane test: a small piece stretches into a thin, translucent sheet without tearing, and that's the sign the kneading is done. Add flour only by the tablespoon, and only if the dough is still sticky after a few minutes: too much flour makes a tough dough.
3. 3
   Cover and Let rise 45 minutes in a warm place, until the dough doubles in size.

   ⚙ ProofingPlastic wraporKitchen towel

   💡Let rise in a warm, draft-free spot. The dough is ready when it has doubled, and a gentle finger press leaves a dent that fills back slowly; if it springs right back, wait longer.

To assemble

1. 4
   Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 5 mm thick and cut out 7 cm rounds, cutting a small hole in the center of each round.

   ⚙ Rolling Out DoughRolling pinCookie cutter

   💡Roll from the center outward and give the dough a quarter turn between rolls: this keeps it even in thickness and stops it sticking to the counter. If it springs back, cover for 10–15 minutes and try again.
2. 5
   Arrange the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with a towel and Let rise another 30 minutes.

   ⚙ ProofingPlastic wraporKitchen towelKitchen towelBaking pan

   💡The second rise, after cutting, is what makes an airy doughnut: a round that didn't rise again comes out dense and greasy. On a square of paper it goes into the oil without losing its shape.
3. 6
   Heat the oil in a wide pot to 170°C (340°F) and lower the rounds into the oil. Fry 2–3 minutes per side, until browned, and transfer to paper towels.

   ⚙ Deep-fryingStoveSlotted spoonCandy/oil thermometerWide, shallow potTongs

   💡Oil that's too hot browns the outside before the center cooks: fry at a measured temperature, and a lid on the first side steams the dough and gives the pale ring.

   💡Keep the oil at 170–180°C (340–355°F): too cold, and the food soaks up oil; too hot, and it browns outside before the inside cooks. Without a thermometer, dip the tip of a wooden spoon in the oil: when medium bubbles form around it right away, the oil is hot enough.

   💡Don't overload the oil: every piece that goes in cools it down. Fry one piece as a test, then the rest in several batches, and transfer to paper towels.
4. 7
   Dust the powdered sugar over the top.

   Sifter