The BEST Homemade Donut Recipe

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Why You’ll Love This Homemade Donut Recipe

• Soft & Fluffy: These donuts are pillowy soft on the inside with a lightly crispy golden exterior.
• Versatile: You can customize them with different glazes, coatings, or fillings to suit your taste.
• Made with Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, making it easy to whip up a batch any time.
• Fun to Make: Frying your own donuts at home is a fun and rewarding process with incredibly delicious results.

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Key Ingredients for Homemade Donuts

1. All-Purpose Flour

• All-purpose flour gives the donuts structure while keeping them light and fluffy.

2. Sugar

• Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the dough and helps achieve a golden-brown exterior when frying.

3. Milk

• Warm milk is used to activate the yeast and gives the dough a soft texture.

4. Butter

• Melted butter adds richness and moisture to the dough.

5. Eggs

• Eggs provide structure and help give the donuts their light and airy texture.

6. Yeast

• Active dry yeast helps the dough rise and creates that soft, airy donut texture.

7. Vanilla Extract

• Vanilla adds a hint of warmth and sweetness to the dough.

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How to Make The BEST Homemade Donuts

These homemade donuts come together easily and are perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to make them:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

• In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F), 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add 1/2 cup warm milk, 1/4 cup melted butter, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until the dough starts to come together.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Roll and Cut the Donuts

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or two round cutters, one large and one small) to cut out the donuts and donut holes.

Step 6: Heat the Oil

• In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oil stays at a consistent temperature to avoid under- or overcooking the donuts.

Step 7: Fry the Donuts

• Fry the donuts in batches, cooking each side for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 8: Glaze or Coat the Donuts

• While the donuts are still warm, dip them in a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or coat them in granulated sugar or cinnamon sugar. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Tips for Making the Best Homemade Donuts

1. Use Warm Ingredients

• Make sure the milk and water are warm (about 110°F) to help activate the yeast and allow the dough to rise properly.

2. Don’t Over-Knead the Dough

• Knead the dough just until it becomes smooth and elastic. Over-kneading can make the donuts tough.

3. Monitor the Oil Temperature

• Keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F to ensure the donuts cook evenly and get that perfect golden exterior.

4. Glaze While Warm

• For the best results, glaze the donuts while they’re still warm so the glaze melts slightly and creates a glossy finish.

5. Fry in Batches

• Fry the donuts in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the oil temperature to drop and result in greasy donuts.

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Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Glazed Donuts

• Dip the warm donuts in a rich chocolate glaze made from melted chocolate chips and heavy cream for a decadent treat.

2. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

• Toss the warm donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a classic, simple coating.

3. Filled Donuts

• Use a piping bag to fill the donuts with your favorite filling, such as jelly, custard, or Nutella.

4. Maple Bacon Donuts

• Top the donuts with a maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup, then sprinkle with crispy bacon pieces for a sweet and savory combination.

5. Sprinkle Donuts

• Dip the glazed donuts in colorful sprinkles or crushed candy for a fun, festive look.

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FAQs: Homemade Donuts

1. Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying Them?

• Yes, you can bake the donuts at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, but they will have a slightly different texture than fried donuts. Brush them with melted butter before baking for a golden finish.

2. How Do I Store Leftover Donuts?

• Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.

3. Can I Freeze the Donuts?

• Yes! You can freeze the fried (but unglazed) donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature and reheat them in the oven before glazing or coating.

4. Why Didn’t My Donuts Rise?

• If your donuts didn’t rise, the yeast may not have been activated properly. Make sure the water and milk are warm enough (but not too hot), and that the yeast is fresh.

5. Can I Make Donut Holes with This Recipe?

• Absolutely! Fry the small rounds of dough cut from the center of the donuts to make delicious donut holes.

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