Making donuts at home is fun! You can make either fried donuts (like the classic ones) or baked donuts (for a lighter version). I’ll guide you through the traditional fried yeast donuts—soft and fluffy, with a delicious glaze!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Glaze:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    (Optional: Add cocoa powder for chocolate glaze or food coloring for fun colors)

Instructions

1. Make the Dough:

  1. Activate the yeast: In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients: In another large bowl, combine eggs, sugar, salt, and softened butter.
  3. Add the yeast mixture: Gradually add flour to the wet ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Let it rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

2. Shape the Donuts:

  1. Roll out the dough: After it has risen, punch it down and roll it to about ½ inch thickness.
  2. Cut the donuts: Use a donut cutter (or a large glass and a smaller one for the center) to cut out rounds.
  3. Rest the donuts: Place the cut donuts on a floured surface, cover them with a towel, and let them rise for 30-40 minutes until puffy.

3. Fry the Donuts:

  1. Heat the oil: In a deep pot or fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry the donuts: Carefully add a few donuts at a time and fry for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  3. Drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain.

4. Glaze the Donuts:

  1. Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  2. Dip the donuts: Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, dip them in the glaze.
  3. Let the glaze set: Place the glazed donuts on a rack until the glaze hardens slightly.

Optional Toppings & Variations

  • Chocolate glaze: Add melted chocolate to the glaze mixture.
  • Sprinkles: Dip glazed donuts into colorful sprinkles before the glaze sets.
  • Cinnamon sugar: Skip the glaze and toss hot donuts in a cinnamon-sugar mix.

Enjoy your homemade donuts warm! 🍩

Image from Wikipedia