Introduction
Doughnuts are a timeless treat enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you like them filled, glazed, or sprinkled with sugar, homemade doughnuts offer the perfect combination of warmth and sweetness. Preparing them at home allows you to enjoy fresh, soft, and fluffy doughnuts in the comfort of your kitchen.
Making doughnuts from scratch might seem intimidating, but with the right ingredients and a little patience, you can create the most delicious doughnuts that rival any bakery. This recipe for classic doughnuts is simple yet incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a special treat to share with loved ones.
Ingredients
Ingredients
To prepare classic doughnuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Doughnuts
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
1/2 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, and granulated sugar.
Stir gently to dissolve the sugar, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Allow the mixture to sit for about five minutes, until it becomes foamy.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until the dough begins to form.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about five to ten minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Once the dough is ready, shape it into a ball, place it in a lightly greased bowl, and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about one hour, or until it doubles in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.
Use a round cutter to cut out doughnuts, and a smaller cutter to make the hole in the center. Gather any leftover dough, roll it out again, and cut more doughnuts.
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the doughnuts, a few at a time, for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
For the glaze, simply whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
Dip each warm doughnut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off before placing them on a cooling rack. Let the glaze set before serving.
How to Make
The key to making perfect doughnuts is allowing the dough enough time to rise properly. This ensures that your doughnuts will be light and fluffy rather than dense.
It’s important to make sure the yeast is properly activated by using warm liquid, not too hot or cold, to help the dough rise.
Kneading the dough is also a crucial step. By kneading for the right amount of time, the dough develops the proper texture that will give the doughnuts their signature soft, airy quality.
If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as it can make the doughnuts heavy.
When frying, make sure the oil is at the right temperature, as oil that’s too hot or too cold will affect the texture and flavor of the doughnuts. Frying in small batches allows.
the doughnuts to cook evenly and prevents overcrowding, which could lower the oil temperature.
The glaze should be applied while the doughnuts are still warm, ensuring it sticks and gives the doughnuts that glossy finish.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, add a little more powdered sugar to the mixture, or if you’d like a thinner glaze, add more milk.
You can also dip doughnuts into different toppings such as sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even cinnamon sugar
depending on your preference. Each glaze or topping variation adds its own unique flavor, making each bite more exciting.
Be sure to let the doughnuts cool slightly before eating. While it might be tempting to bite into a fresh doughnut right away.
giving them a few minutes allows the glaze to set properly, and it also prevents burns from hot oil.
Lastly, share the love! These homemade doughnuts are perfect for family gatherings, parties, or a weekend breakfast, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that everyone will enjoy.
Variations
If you’re craving a twist on the classic doughnut, there are plenty of variations you can try. One popular option is a chocolate glaze.
which can be made by melting chocolate and mixing it with a bit of milk to achieve the perfect consistency. Dip your doughnuts into the melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
For something fruity, try making a strawberry glaze by mixing powdered sugar with strawberry puree or fruit preserves.
The sweet, tangy glaze pairs beautifully with the soft doughnut for a refreshing change of pace.
If you prefer a doughnut with a little more texture, you can fill the doughnuts with fruit jam or custard before frying.
Once they are fried, you can dip them in a simple glaze or roll them in powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
For a more indulgent treat, try making cream-filled doughnuts. After frying, use a piping bag to inject sweetened whipped cream.
custard, or chocolate ganache into the center of the doughnut, giving each bite a rich surprise.
Another fun variation is the maple glaze, made by combining maple syrup with powdered sugar and vanilla.
This flavor adds a rich, warm sweetness that is perfect for those who love the flavor of maple.
For those who prefer something spicier, try adding cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough before frying.
These warm spices will give your doughnuts a seasonal, comforting flavor that pairs well with a simple glaze or powdered sugar.
If you’re in the mood for something savory, consider adding a bit of cheese to your doughnut batter.
A cheddar cheese doughnut is a delightful variation that pairs wonderfully with a honey glaze for a balance of sweet and savory.
Tips
The temperature of the liquid when activating the yeast is critical. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast, while if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly. The ideal temperature is around 110°F (45°C).
Make sure to flour your surface generously while rolling out the dough. This prevents the dough from sticking, making it easier to cut out the doughnuts and work with.
To check if the oil is at the right temperature for frying, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready. If it sinks without bubbling, the oil needs to be heated more.
Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil during frying. If the oil gets too hot, it can cause
the doughnuts to burn on the outside while remaining raw on the inside. Keep the temperature steady between 350°F and 375°F (175°C-190°C).
When frying the doughnuts, avoid overcrowding the pot. This can cause the temperature of the oil to drop, resulting in greasy doughnuts that don’t cook evenly.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also bake the doughnuts in the oven instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Once the doughnuts have cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to two days
They can also be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds for that just-fried taste.
Conclusion
Making doughnuts from scratch is a fun and rewarding process, yielding soft, fluffy doughnuts that are perfect for any occasion.
With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy the fresh taste of homemade doughnuts right in your own kitchen.
Whether you choose to glaze them with a classic sugary finish or get creative with toppings and fillings, these homemade doughnuts are sure to delight everyone who tries them.