Description
Soft and fluffy homemade donuts, fried to a golden perfection and coated with sugar or glaze—ideal for breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp)
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
For Frying and Coating
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
- Optional: granulated sugar or glaze for coating donuts
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture and whisk together until combined.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing continuously until a dough starts to form.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape Donuts: Roll out the risen dough to about 1/2 inch thickness and cut out donut shapes using a donut cutter or two round cutters of different sizes.
- Second Rest: Place the cut donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rest for 20 minutes to slightly puff up.
- Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large deep pan to 175°C (350°F). Use a thermometer for accurate temperature control.
- Fry Donuts: Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil, frying a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Drain and Coat: Remove the fried donuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. While still warm, coat with granulated sugar or drizzle with your favorite glaze.
Notes
- Maintain the oil temperature around 175°C (350°F) to ensure donuts cook evenly and absorb minimal oil.
- For a lighter alternative, you can bake the donuts at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Ensure the dough is kneaded well to develop gluten for fluffy texture.
- Allow the dough to rise properly in a warm, draft-free spot for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
