Irresistibly Easy Homemade Doughnut Recipe

Irresistibly Easy Homemade Doughnut Recipe

Who can resist the sweet, pillowy goodness of a freshly baked doughnut? Making doughnuts from scratch might sound intimidating, but fear not! With this easy recipe, you'll be able to create delicious homemade doughnuts that will impress your friends and family. Get ready to indulge in the ultimate treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Let's dive right into the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or coconut oil)
• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, glaze, chocolate ganache, sprinkles, etc.

Instructions:

1. Proof the yeast:

   • In a small bowl, combine the yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and ¼ cup of warm water (around 110°F or 43°C). Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Prepare the dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
   • Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and the activated yeast mixture.
   • Stir the ingredients together until a sticky dough forms.

3. Knead and rise:

   • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

4. Shape the doughnuts:

   • Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles.
   • Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about ½ inch.
   • Use a doughnut cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out doughnut shapes. If you don't have a cutter, you can use a glass for the outer shape and a bottle cap for the inner hole.
   • Place the cut-out doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them with a kitchen towel. Let them rise for another 30 minutes.

5. Fry the doughnuts:

   • Heat oil in a deep pan or a fryer to about 350°F (175°C).
   • Carefully place a few doughnuts into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding.
   • Fry each side for about 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
   • Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried doughnuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

6. Add your favorite toppings:

   • Allow the doughnuts to cool slightly before adding your desired toppings.
   • Dust them with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for a classic touch.
   • You can also dip them in glazes, chocolate ganache, or decorate them with sprinkles, nuts, or shredded coconut.

7. Serve and enjoy:

   • Serve the freshly made doughnuts warm and enjoy their delightful flavor and texture.
   • These doughnuts are best enjoyed on the same day they are made, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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