Making donuts at home is a fun and rewarding experience that lets you enjoy freshly made, warm, fluffy treats! Whether you prefer classic glazed donuts or ones filled with your favorite jam, this simple recipe will guide you through the process of making homemade donuts from scratch.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Sprinkles, cinnamon sugar, or chocolate glaze for variety
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water (110°F/45°C) with 1 teaspoon of sugar and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is activated.
2. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining sugar, warmed milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until combined.
- Add the activated yeast mixture to the wet ingredients and stir.
- Gradually add the flour, about 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but still manageable.
3. Knead the Dough
- Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but avoid adding too much to keep the donuts soft.
- Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
4. Shape the Donuts
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Use a donut cutter (or a large round cutter and a small one for the hole) to cut out the donut shapes. Gather and re-roll any scraps of dough to cut out more donuts.
- Place the donuts and donut holes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover again and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes.
5. Fry the Donuts
- In a deep pot or fryer, heat about 2–3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature with a candy thermometer or by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil—it should sizzle and turn golden brown in about 1 minute.
- Fry the donuts in batches, cooking each side for about 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot.
- Once fried, place the donuts on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Make the Glaze
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Dip each donut into the glaze, turning it to coat both sides. Let any excess glaze drip off before placing the donuts on a wire rack to set.
7. Add Toppings (Optional)
- If you want to add sprinkles, chocolate glaze, or cinnamon sugar, now’s the time! While the glaze is still wet, top your donuts with sprinkles or roll them in cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.
Tips:
- Filling Donuts: If you prefer filled donuts, skip the donut hole and use a piping bag to fill the donuts with jam, custard, or cream once they cool.
- Air Fryer Option: You can make a healthier version by air-frying your donuts at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious!
Enjoy Your Donuts!
Homemade donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They can also be frozen and reheated when you’re craving a quick treat.
Now that you know how to make donuts at home, the possibilities are endless.
