Introduction:
Doughnuts are a delightful treat enjoyed by many across the globe.
Whether you like them glazed, sprinkled with sugar, or filled with cream, doughnuts are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.
This recipe will guide you in making soft, fluffy, and flavorful doughnuts at home, bringing the café experience right to your kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Doughnuts:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup whole milk (warm)
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup warm water
Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Glaze (optional):
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 110°F) and a teaspoon of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Once the yeast is activated, add it to the wet mixture. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir to form a dough.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
Let It Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Shape the Doughnuts: Punch the dough down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough to about ½ inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out circles, and a smaller cutter for the center hole. Gather the scraps, roll out again, and cut more doughnuts.
Fry the Doughnuts: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F. Fry the doughnuts in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Make the Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip each doughnut into the glaze while it’s still warm.
Serve: Let the doughnuts sit for a few minutes for the glaze to set, and enjoy!
Description: These homemade doughnuts are a warm, fluffy delight that melts in your mouth. With a rich, soft texture on the inside and a crispy golden crust on the outside, they offer the perfect balance of sweetness. Topped with a simple glaze, they’re irresistible and can be customized with various toppings like sprinkles, chocolate, or powdered sugar.
Tips:
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry doughnuts in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which can make the doughnuts greasy.
Check Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil at the ideal temperature (350°F). If the oil is too hot, the doughnuts will burn on the outside but remain raw inside.
Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is active and fresh to guarantee that your doughnuts rise properly.
Rest Time: Allow the doughnuts to rise properly during both the first and second rises for a fluffy texture.
Variations:
Chocolate Glaze: Melt chocolate chips and combine with a little cream or milk to create a rich chocolate glaze.
Filled Doughnuts: After frying, inject your doughnuts with jam, custard, or chocolate filling using a pastry bag.
Spiced Doughnuts: Add ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a seasonal twist.
Corrections:
If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour, but don’t overdo it, as you want to maintain softness.
If you find the doughnuts are too dense, make sure your yeast is fresh and properly activated.
If the doughnuts are oily, the frying temperature may have been too low. Ensure the oil stays around 350°F throughout the frying process.
Enjoy: Your homemade doughnuts are now ready to enjoy! Serve them fresh, with a cup of coffee or milk, and indulge in these soft, sweet bites. Perfect for any occasion or simply as a treat to brighten your day!