Description
Soft and fluffy homemade donuts, fried to golden perfection and coated with sugar or glaze—perfect for breakfast or treats.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp)
- 3/4 cup warm milk (around 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
For Frying and Coating
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
- Optional: sugar or glaze for coating
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast: In a bowl, combine the warm milk with the active dry yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix wet ingredients: Add sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt into the yeast mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Add flour and form dough: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until a dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky.
- Knead and rise: Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, approximately 8–10 minutes. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape donuts: Roll out the risen dough to about 1/2-inch thickness and use a donut cutter or two round cutters to shape into donut rings. Place the cut donuts on a baking sheet and let them rest for 20 minutes to slightly puff up.
- Heat oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 175°C (350°F) for frying.
- Fry donuts: Carefully fry the donuts in batches, cooking each side for about 1–2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and coat: Remove donuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. While still warm, coat with granulated sugar or dip in glaze as desired.
Notes
- Maintain oil temperature around 175°C (350°F) for even frying and to avoid greasy donuts.
- For a lighter option, donuts can be baked instead of fried (bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes).
- Ensure that the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- If dough is too sticky, lightly flour your hands and surface during kneading.
- Use fresh yeast for best rising results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American