Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love making donuts at home because it’s so easy and the results are always amazing. These donuts come out fluffy and soft, with the perfect amount of sweetness. Plus, you can customize them with various toppings and fillings, so there’s always something new to try. The best part is that they’re made with simple ingredients that I always have on hand.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- Vegetable oil, for frying
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk along with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining sugar, butter, salt, and eggs. Add the yeast mixture once it’s ready.
- Gradually add in the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing well until the dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Using a donut cutter, cut out the donut shapes and place them on a floured surface.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the donuts in small batches, turning them when golden brown, for about 2 minutes on each side.
- Remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Once cooled slightly, you can dip them in glaze or powdered sugar, or serve them plain.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 donuts, depending on the size you cut them.
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour
- Frying time: 2-3 minutes per batch
- Total time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Glazed Donuts: Make a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla extract, then dip the warm donuts into it.
- Filled Donuts: After frying, fill your donuts with jam, cream, or chocolate using a piping bag.
- Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Toss the fried donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet, spiced coating.
- Chocolate Donuts: Dip the tops of the donuts in melted chocolate and let them set for a decadent treat.
Storage/Reheating
To store leftover donuts, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. Just let the donuts cool completely, wrap them in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, heat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes to restore their soft texture.
FAQs
How do I know when the oil is the right temperature for frying?
To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the top quickly, the oil is ready.
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe as it provides the best texture, but you can experiment with bread flour if you want a slightly chewier donut.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after it rises for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and frying.
How can I make my donuts extra fluffy?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and activate it properly with warm milk. Also, don’t skip the kneading process as it helps develop the dough’s structure.
Can I bake the donuts instead of frying them?
While frying gives the donuts their characteristic texture and taste, you can bake them at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes if you prefer a healthier alternative.
Conclusion
Homemade donuts are a fun and rewarding treat that I can make from scratch with simple ingredients. Whether I’m serving them to friends, family, or just indulging in one (or two!) myself, these donuts always hit the spot. Plus, with so many variations to try, I can keep changing things up. If you’re craving a delicious, warm donut, this recipe is the perfect place to start!
PrintDonuts
Homemade donuts that are soft, fluffy, and customizable with various toppings and fillings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk along with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining sugar, butter, salt, and eggs. Add the yeast mixture once it’s ready.
- Gradually add in the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing well until the dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Using a donut cutter, cut out the donut shapes and place them on a floured surface.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the donuts in small batches, turning them when golden brown, for about 2 minutes on each side.
- Remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Once cooled slightly, you can dip them in glaze or powdered sugar, or serve them plain.
Notes
- For a glaze, mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla extract.
- For filled donuts, use a piping bag to inject jam, cream, or chocolate into the fried donuts.
- For cinnamon sugar donuts, toss the fried donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
- To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
