Name: Mekitsi: Fluffy Yogurt Donuts with Optional Sweet or Savory Toppings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Bulgarian
Ingredients: 1 cup plain yogurt; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups avocado oil or any oil with a high smoke point; Powdered sugar for dusting; Feta, jam, Nutella, or honey for serving (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 48 reviews

If you’re looking to indulge in a treat that’s both delightfully fluffy and irresistibly versatile, you’ve got to try this Mekitsi: Fluffy Yogurt Donuts with Optional Sweet or Savory Toppings Recipe. These little pockets of joy come from Bulgarian cuisine and are cherished for their light texture and slightly tangy flavor, thanks to yogurt in the batter. Whether you crave a sweet dusting of powdered sugar, a smear of Nutella, or a savory bite with feta, these donuts truly shine in any form. I promise you’ll fall head over heels the minute you bite into these golden, pillowy delights.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a top-down view of several white bowls and small white dishes arranged on a white marbled surface. One large white bowl is filled with white flour, another white bowl contains powdered sugar. There are small white dishes holding salt and baking powder packets. To the right side, there is a brown egg placed on a yellow plaid cloth next to metal measuring spoons and a metal measuring cup. The items are neatly arranged and the scene looks clean and organized. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of basic, wholesome ingredients that combine perfectly to create the iconic fluff and subtle tang in every bite. Each ingredient plays its part—from the creamy yogurt to the touch of vanilla, and the baking powder that lifts the dough for that perfect softness.

Plain yogurt: Provides moisture, tenderizes the dough, and adds a subtle tang that balances sweetness.

Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
Sugar: Just a tablespoon to add a hint of sweetness, enough to enrich flavor without overwhelming.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the batter.
All-purpose flour: The foundation of the donuts, giving them their familiar chewy texture.

Baking powder: The leavening agent that makes these donuts airily fluffy.
Vanilla bean paste (or extract): Adds a warm, aromatic note that complements both sweet and savory toppings.
Avocado oil (or high smoke point oil): Perfect for frying as it withstands high heat without breaking down, giving a golden, crisp finish.

Powdered sugar: For dusting, lending a classic, delicate sweetness on top.
Optional toppings (feta, jam, Nutella, honey): Choose your adventure with either sweet or savory accouterments.

How to Make Mekitsi: Fluffy Yogurt Donuts with Optional Sweet or Savory Toppings Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

Start by whisking together the plain yogurt, egg, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. This combo forms the moist base of the batter and the whisking ensures everything blends smoothly, setting a perfect stage for the flour to join in.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This mix is key to giving your Mekitsi that golden crust and tender lift once fried.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Using an electric mixer at medium speed, gradually add the flour mixture into the yogurt bowl. Add a little flour at a time, letting each portion fully incorporate before adding more—this step ensures a smooth, well-hydrated batter without clumps. Finish by mixing in the vanilla bean paste (or extract) for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Heat the avocado oil in a small pot over medium heat. Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature and bring it up to 350°F (177°C). Maintaining this temperature is crucial as it crisps up the donuts evenly without burning them.

Step 5: Fry the Donuts

Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil carefully, using one tablespoon to scoop and another to gently release the dough. Fry 2 to 3 donuts at a time to avoid overcrowding, cooking each side for about 30 seconds until they turn a mouthwatering golden brown. Flip them gently with a fork to get an even cook all around.

Step 6: Drain and Cool

Once the donuts are perfectly golden and puffed, remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. This step keeps them light and not greasy, ready for your favorite toppings.

Step 7: Dust and Serve

While still warm, sprinkle the Mekitsi generously with powdered sugar. If you want to take it up a notch, add some feta, your favorite jam, honey, or even a dollop of Nutella. The contrast of sweet and savory toppings is what makes this Mekitsi: Fluffy Yogurt Donuts with Optional Sweet or Savory Toppings Recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

How to Serve Mekitsi: Fluffy Yogurt Donuts with Optional Sweet or Savory Toppings Recipe

A white bowl holds a pile of golden brown fried dough pieces with a rough, crispy texture and irregular shapes. Each piece is thick and puffy, and they are dusted heavily with fine white powdered sugar that covers most of their top surfaces. The bowl is lined with light brown parchment paper, and the background shows a soft, out-of-focus kitchen setting with a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a thoughtful garnish! A light sift of powdered sugar is classic, but if you’re feeling adventurous, crumble feta cheese over the warm donuts for a salty-sweet combo that’s simply divine. Alternatively, a drizzle of honey or a smear of fruit jam offers a fruity sweetness that pairs beautifully with the subtle tang of yogurt dough.

Side Dishes

Mekitsi go wonderfully alongside fresh fruit, a cup of strong coffee, or a glass of cold milk. If you’re leaning savory, pair them with sliced cucumbers and tomatoes for a light Mediterranean-inspired snack. These donuts are so versatile they work well with both breakfast and as an afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming breakfast platter, stack the Mekitsi on a wooden board, interspersed with small bowls of jams, honey, and crumbled feta. Or turn them into mini sandwiches by slicing them and adding your favorite spreads or cheeses inside. Tried and true, this Mekitsi: Fluffy Yogurt Donuts with Optional Sweet or Savory Toppings Recipe allows you to get creative and impress your guests with ease.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These donuts are best enjoyed warm and fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They might lose a bit of their crisp exterior, but the fluffiness inside remains delightful.

Freezing

If you want to keep these treats longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Mekitsi freeze well for up to 1 month, making them perfect for quick snacks whenever a craving hits.

Reheating

To revive the texture, reheat frozen or stored Mekitsi in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes their crispy outsides and warm, fluffy insides beautifully—nothing beats that just-fried feeling!

FAQs

What can I substitute for avocado oil?

Any oil with a high smoke point works well, such as vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil. Avoid olive oil as it has a lower smoke point and a stronger flavor that can overpower the delicate batter.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt works just fine but since it’s thicker, you might want to loosen the batter slightly with a teaspoon or two of milk or water to keep the dough light and easy to fry.

Are these Mekitsi suitable for kids?

Definitely! Their mild flavor and fluffy texture make them a hit with kids, and with sweet toppings like jam or Nutella, they’re sure to become a favorite snack at home.

Can I bake Mekitsi instead of frying?

While traditional Mekitsi are fried for that iconic crispy exterior, you can try baking them. However, they won’t have the same golden crust and might be less fluffy. Frying is recommended for the authentic experience.

How do I know when the oil is the right temperature?

The best way is to use a kitchen thermometer to maintain a steady 350°F (177°C). If the oil is too hot, the Mekitsi will brown too quickly and be undercooked inside; if it’s too cool, the donuts absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Final Thoughts

I'm genuinely thrilled to share this Mekitsi: Fluffy Yogurt Donuts with Optional Sweet or Savory Toppings Recipe with you because it’s a gem that combines simplicity with irresistible flavor. Whether you’re making a cozy breakfast, a fun snack for the kids, or impressing guests with your culinary skills, these donuts never disappoint. So go ahead, give it a try and watch your kitchen fill with joy and the delightful aroma of freshly fried dough. You might just find your new favorite treat!

Mekitsi: Fluffy Yogurt Donuts with Optional Sweet or Savory Toppings Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need