Guilt-Free Baked Cardamom Donut Bites with Orange-Honey Glaze

November 28, 2013

A hearty whole wheat dough is the base for these donuts that are baked not fried, so there's no need to feel guilty about noshing on these tasty treats! Cardamom, honey, toasted pistachios and fresh orange juice makes these donuts simply pop with flavor!

Cardamom Donut Bites with Orange-Honey Glaze
Courtesy of Whole Foods Market
Makes 4 dozen

3 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour, plus more for dusting
3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 (1/4-ounce) package active dry yeast
1 cup lowfat buttermilk
2/3 cup honey, divided
4 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for the bowl
1 egg
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1 1/2 cup toasted pistachios, very finely ground
1 cup turbinado sugar

In a large bowl, combine flour, cardamom, salt and yeast. In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, 1/3 cup of the honey, butter and egg, and then add to flour mixture and stir until combined. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead until elastic and smooth, about 5 minutes. Butter a clean, large bowl, arrange dough in the bowl and set aside in a warm spot, covered, until risen by half, about 1 1/2 hours. 

Preheat the oven to 350°F. On a lightly floured surface, gently press dough into a 12x9-inch rectangle. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut into 48 squares and arrange on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet. (The donut bites will almost touch, but leave a scant 1/2-inch between them.) Bake until puffed and golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes. Meanwhile, combine orange juice and remaining 1/3 cup honey in a medium bowl. Combine pistachios and sugar in a second bowl.  

When cool enough to handle, dip donuts in orange syrup, and then roll in pistachio mixture to coat. Serve immediately.

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