Homemade Donuts Recipe

A Delicious Treat Made from Scratch

There’s nothing quite like the taste of warm, freshly made donuts. Whether glazed, dusted with powdered sugar, or coated in cinnamon sugar, homemade donuts bring bakery-quality goodness straight to your kitchen. This recipe delivers light, fluffy, and slightly crispy donuts with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat, these donuts will impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – While homemade donuts may seem daunting, this recipe is simple and approachable.
• Customizable – Make them classic glazed, chocolate-dipped, or filled with jam or cream.
• Better than Store-Bought – Freshly made donuts are fluffier and more flavorful than anything from a box.
• Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for brunch, special gatherings, or an indulgent weekend treat.

Ingredients

For the Donut Dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Cinnamon Sugar Coating (Optional):

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or by hand. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape the Donuts

1. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness.
2. Use a donut cutter or two differently sized round cutters to cut out donut shapes.
3. Place the cut donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover with a towel. Let them rise again for 30-45 minutes.

Step 3: Fry the Donuts

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully place 2-3 donuts in the hot oil at a time, frying for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Add Toppings

• For a Classic Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Dip warm donuts into the glaze and let them set on a wire rack.
• For Cinnamon Sugar: Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Roll the warm donuts in the mixture until evenly coated.

Variations

• Chocolate Glaze: Replace the vanilla glaze with a mix of powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk.
• Filled Donuts: Skip the hole, fry the donut whole, and fill it with jam or custard using a piping bag.
• Baked Donuts: Instead of frying, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 12 donuts
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Rise Time: 1.5-2 hours
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: About 2.5 hours

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my yeast is still good?

If the yeast doesn’t foam after 5 minutes in warm milk, it may be expired or inactive. Use fresh yeast for best results.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! You can substitute instant yeast in equal amounts. It does not need to be dissolved in milk first—just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

What’s the best oil for frying donuts?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work best as they have a neutral flavor and high smoke point.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and frying.

Why are my donuts greasy?

If the oil temperature is too low, the donuts will absorb excess oil. Keep the temperature at 350°F for the best results.

Can I make gluten-free donuts?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I make donuts without a cutter?

Use a drinking glass or a mason jar lid for the outer shape and a bottle cap for the center hole.

Can I bake instead of fry these donuts?

Yes! Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, then brush with melted butter and coat with cinnamon sugar.

How can I make my donuts extra fluffy?

Let the dough rise fully and avoid over-kneading. Also, ensure the oil is at the right temperature for a quick, even fry.

What’s the best way to glaze donuts evenly?

Dip the top of each donut in the glaze and let excess drip off before placing on a wire rack to set.

Conclusion

Making homemade donuts is a rewarding process that results in fresh, delicious treats better than anything store-bought. Whether you prefer them glazed, sugared, or filled, this recipe is a great way to enjoy a classic favorite from the comfort of your home. Try different toppings and fillings to make them your own, and enjoy these warm, pillowy delights with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate!

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