Who can resist a warm, freshly made doughnut? Whether glazed, sprinkled, or filled, doughnuts are a favorite treat for many people around the world. Making doughnuts at home is easier than you might think, and the reward is well worth it. Let’s dive into a simple recipe and step-by-step guide for making classic fried doughnuts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the doughnuts:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
For the glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast and warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is activated and ready to use.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and activated yeast. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring to combine.
- Gradually add the flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. You can use a wooden spoon, but a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment makes this process easier.
- Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using your hands, lightly flour your surface and knead the dough, but avoid adding too much extra flour.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
- Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or non-stick spray.
- Place the dough in the bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Shape the Doughnuts
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Roll it out to about ½-inch thickness using a rolling pin.
- Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one larger for the outside and a smaller one for the hole) to cut out doughnut shapes.
- If you don’t have a cutter, you can use a glass for the outer circle and a bottle cap for the inner hole.
- Place the cut doughnuts and doughnut holes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them with a towel and let them rest for about 15–20 minutes.
Step 5: Fry the Doughnuts
- Heat oil in a large, deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Make sure there’s enough oil to fully submerge the doughnuts.
- Carefully lower a few doughnuts into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
- Fry the doughnuts for about 1 minute on each side, or until golden brown. The doughnut holes will take less time to fry.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the doughnuts and place them on a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Glaze the Doughnuts
- In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Dip each warm doughnut into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off.
- If you prefer, you can also coat your doughnuts in cinnamon sugar or leave them plain.
- Let the glazed doughnuts sit on a cooling rack for the glaze to set.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Homemade Doughnuts!
Once the glaze has set, your doughnuts are ready to eat! Serve them fresh with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. These doughnuts are best enjoyed on the same day, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to two days.
Tips for Perfect Doughnuts
- Temperature control: Make sure your oil stays at a steady 350°F. Too hot, and your doughnuts will burn on the outside while staying raw inside; too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Kneading the dough too much can make the doughnuts tough. Knead until the dough is just smooth and elastic.
- Experiment with flavors: While the classic glaze is delicious, you can try chocolate, maple, or even fruity glazes. Top with sprinkles, nuts, or coconut flakes for extra fun.
Bonus: Baked Doughnuts Alternative
If you prefer a healthier alternative to frying, you can bake your doughnuts. Use the same dough recipe, but instead of frying, place the doughnuts in a greased doughnut pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes, or until they are golden and cooked through. Glaze them as you would with the fried version.
Making doughnuts from scratch is not only fun but also incredibly satisfying. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you’ll be enjoying soft, fluffy doughnuts straight from your own kitchen.