There’s something truly magical about the warm, comforting bite of a freshly made doughnut. Whether you prefer them glazed, sprinkled with sugar, or filled with jelly, doughnuts have a special place in many people’s hearts (and stomachs!). Making doughnuts from scratch is easier than you might think, and with the right recipe, you can enjoy a sweet treat that rivals your favorite bakery.
Today, we’re sharing a simple and delicious homemade doughnut recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a family breakfast or want to indulge in something sweet, these doughnuts will hit the spot.
Homemade Doughnut Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Sprinkles
- Cinnamon sugar
- Chocolate glaze
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes foamy. This ensures that the yeast is active and ready to help your doughnuts rise.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Add the Flour: Gradually add the flour to the mixture, about a cup at a time, stirring until a dough forms. Once the dough starts coming together, transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Doughnuts: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Using a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small), cut out the doughnut shapes. If you don’t have a doughnut cutter, you can also use a large glass and a small lid to create the shape.
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to about 350°F (175°C). You’ll need enough oil to fully submerge the doughnuts. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into the oil—if it sizzles and floats to the surface, it’s ready.
- Fry the Doughnuts: Carefully place the doughnuts into the hot oil, frying them for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Make the Glaze: While the doughnuts are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. You can adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
- Glaze the Doughnuts: Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly, dip the tops into the glaze and let the excess drip off. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle your doughnuts with cinnamon sugar, sprinkles, or even drizzle chocolate glaze on top for a fun variation.
- Enjoy: Let the doughnuts sit for a few minutes to allow the glaze to set. Serve warm, and enjoy the delicious, fluffy goodness of homemade doughnuts!
Tips for Perfect Doughnuts:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Oil: Fry the doughnuts in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much. This will ensure that they cook evenly and stay crispy on the outside.
- Flavor Variations: Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced flavor. You can also experiment with different toppings like powdered sugar, chocolate glaze, or even a fruit jam filling.
- Freezing Doughnuts: If you have leftover doughnuts, you can freeze them! Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and when you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their freshness.
The Joy of Homemade Doughnuts
Making doughnuts from scratch is a fun and rewarding activity that will fill your home with sweet aromas and leave you with a treat that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, homemade doughnuts are sure to bring joy to your day.
So, roll up your sleeves, get into the kitchen, and make some doughnuts to enjoy this weekend. They’re the perfect indulgence and a great way to create lasting memories.
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