Delicious Homemade Donuts
Welcome to a delightful confectionery journey with one of the most beloved sweet treats: Donuts! These little rings of joy are not just a feast for the taste buds but also a perfect accompaniment to a cozy cup of coffee. Regardless of whether they’re glazed, filled, or dusted with sugar, donuts can instantly brighten up your day. Follow along with this detailed recipe to discover how to make mouth-watering donuts that are sure to impress your family and friends!
Kitchen Equipment Required
- Mixing Bowls
- Stand Mixer with Dough Hook Attachment
- Rolling Pin
- Donut Cutter or Circular Cutter (3-inch / 7.5 cm)
- Baking Sheet
- Deep Fryer or Large Heavy-bottomed Pot
- Slotted Spoon
- Wire Rack
- Instant-read Thermometer
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Cooking Time
Total estimated time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including dough resting time)
Ingredients
- 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 12g (2 packets) active dry yeast or 2 tsp instant yeast
- 60g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 240ml (1 cup) whole milk, warmed
- 60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 5g (1 tsp) salt
- 5ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For Glaze: 240g (2 cups) powdered sugar
- 45ml (3 tbsp) milk
- 5ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low until the dough begins to come together.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. It should be tacky but not sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Place in a warm, draft-free area until it nearly doubles in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
Step 4: Shape the Donuts
Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm). Using a donut cutter or two round cutters (approximately 3 inches/7.5 cm and 1 inch/2.5 cm), cut out the donuts, gently re-rolling scraps if necessary.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
Fill the deep fryer or pot with vegetable oil to a depth of about 2 inches (5 cm) and heat to 180°C (350°F). Use an instant-read thermometer to maintain the temperature, as precise heat is crucial for frying donuts to perfection.
Step 6: Fry the Donuts
Carefully fry the donuts, a few at a time, without overcrowding the pot. Fry until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
Step 7: Glaze the Donuts
While the donuts are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Dip each donut into the glaze, ensuring it’s evenly coated, and return to the wire rack to let the excess glaze drip off. Allow the glaze to set before serving your delicious homemade donuts!
Glaze Preparation
Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Dip the warm donuts into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place back on the wire rack for the glaze to set.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve now mastered the art of homemade donuts! The warm, fluffy texture combined with a sweet glaze makes for a timeless treat that is sure to be cherished by all who taste it. Feel free to experiment with different toppings or fillings—your creativity will only enhance the deliciousness. Enjoy your homemade donuts as a delightful breakfast or a special dessert, and watch them disappear in no time!
For more delightful recipes and baking tips, be sure to check out our baking blog or explore other dessert recipes that are perfect for any occasion.
