Homemade Donuts Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Soft, Fluffy Donuts
If you’re craving fresh, soft, and delicious donuts but don’t want to leave your home, you’re in the right place. This homemade donut recipe will guide you through making classic, fluffy donuts that will melt in your mouth. With simple ingredients and a step-by-step process, you can enjoy warm, freshly fried donuts at home in no time!
Whether you prefer your donuts glazed, sugared, or filled with delicious jam or cream, this easy donut recipe serves as the perfect base for all your donut desires.
Ingredients for Homemade Donuts
For the Dough:
280g All-Purpose Flour (approximately 2 cups + 3 tbsp)
40g Sugar (about 3 tbsp)
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg (adds a subtle warm flavor)
1 Large Egg
120g Whole Milk (roughly 1/2 cup, warmed to about 110°F or 43°C)
40g Melted Butter (about 1/3 stick)
7g Dry Yeast (1 packet)
1 tsp Vanilla Extract (optional, for extra flavor)
For Frying:
Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
For the Glaze:
1 cup Powdered Sugar
2 tbsp Milk (or more, depending on desired consistency)
1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract (optional)
How to Make Homemade Donuts: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, warm the milk in the microwave or on the stovetop until it reaches around 110°F (43°C). Stir in the sugar and sprinkle the dry yeast over the milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy and bubbly. If the mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired, so you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and nutmeg. Create a small well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using). Mix everything together with a spoon or dough hook until a dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Once the dough starts coming together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You can also knead it using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment on low speed for 4-5 minutes.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. This step is essential to get fluffy, soft donuts.
Step 5: Roll and Cut the Donuts
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or two round cutters of different sizes) to cut out the donut shapes. You can also use a drinking glass for the larger circle and a bottle cap for the smaller hole.
Step 6: Heat the Oil
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to around 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature, as donuts fry best at this range. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will burn on the outside while staying raw inside.
Step 7: Fry the Donuts
Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, one or two at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 8: Glaze or Sugar the Donuts
While the donuts are cooling, prepare your glaze or sugar coating. For a simple glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Dip each donut into the glaze while it’s still warm, allowing the glaze to set. Alternatively, you can toss the donuts in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a delicious twist.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Once the donuts are glazed or sugared, they’re ready to enjoy! Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. These donuts are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or any time you want to indulge in something sweet and satisfying.
Pro Tips for Perfect Homemade Donuts
- Use Fresh Yeast: Yeast is the key to making your donuts light and airy. Always check the expiration date on the packet, and make sure to activate the yeast before using it.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Oil: Fry donuts in small batches to ensure they cook evenly. Overcrowding the pot can cause the oil temperature to drop, leading to soggy donuts.
- Let the Dough Rise Properly: Allow the dough to rise fully, as it helps the donuts get that light, airy texture. Rushed rising will lead to denser donuts.
- Test the Oil Temperature: If you’re not using a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into it. If it bubbles and rises quickly, the oil is ready. If it sinks or browns too quickly, the oil is too hot.
- Experiment with Fillings and Toppings: Once you’ve mastered the basic donut recipe, feel free to experiment with fillings like jelly, custard, or cream. You can also try different toppings like sprinkles, chocolate, or even a dusting of powdered sugar.
Why Make Donuts at Home?
Making donuts at home allows you to control the ingredients, customize your flavors, and enjoy the process. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of sinking your teeth into a freshly made, warm donut that you made yourself!
Conclusion
This homemade donut recipe is an easy, foolproof way to create delicious, fluffy donuts from scratch. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast or simply craving a sweet treat, these donuts will definitely hit the spot. From the yeast dough to the golden fried exterior and sweet glaze, every bite is a little piece of heaven.
Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family so they can enjoy homemade donuts too!