Coffee-Glazed Italian Doughnuts (Zeppole)

Preparation

1. Step 1

   For the doughnuts: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, 1/2 cup water, the granulated sugar, and salt over medium heat. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally. Boil for 10 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat and add the flour. Using a wooden spoon, quickly stir the mixture until all the flour is fully incorporated and forms a thick dough. Return the pan to the heat and stir continuously for 2 minutes.

   Step 2

   Scrape the mixture into a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. With the machine running on medium speed, add the eggs and egg yolk, one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Beat the mixture for 4 to 5 minutes, until thick and glossy. Add the lemon zest and beat until smooth. Refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes.

   Step 3

   For the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream, coffee liqueur, and espresso powder until smooth. With a wooden spoon, gradually stir in the confectioners’ sugar until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, stir in water, 1/4 teaspoon at a time.

   Step 4

   In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour enough oil to fill the pan about a third of the way. Heat over medium heat until a deep-frying thermometer inserted in the oil reaches 375°F. (If you don’t have a thermometer, toss in a cube of bread; it will brown in about 3 minutes and, when it does, the oil is ready.)

   Step 5

   Using a small ice cream scoop or two small spoons, carefully drop about 1 tablespoon of the dough at a time into the oil. Cook for 3 to 3 1/2 minutes, turning occasionally, until the doughnuts are golden and puffed. Drain on paper towels. When the doughnuts are cool enough to handle, dip the top halves into the glaze.

   Step 6

   Using a hand grater, grate the chocolate over serving plates. Place 3 to 4 doughnuts on each plate and garnish with raspberries. Serve immediately.