Doughnuts are a beloved sweet treat enjoyed by people of all ages around the world. Whether served at breakfast with a cup of coffee or as an afternoon indulgence, their soft, fluffy texture and golden exterior make them irresistible. Making doughnuts from scratch may seem like a challenge, but with the right ingredients and a little patience, you can create a batch of delicious homemade doughnuts that rival any bakery. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step recipe to help you achieve perfectly soft and airy doughnuts.
Preparation Details
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Resting time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours
- Servings: 10-12 doughnuts
Ingredients
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of butter (softened)
- 7 grams (1 packet) of baker’s yeast
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 cup of warm milk
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar or glaze (for topping, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Activating the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (not too hot) with the baker’s yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy. This step ensures that the yeast is active and will help the dough rise properly.
Step 2: Preparing the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
- Add the softened butter and mix it into the flour using your hands or a spatula until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the beaten egg and activated yeast mixture.
- Mix everything together with a spoon or by hand until a sticky dough forms.
Step 3: Kneading the Dough
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour (but not too much, as it should remain soft).
Step 4: First Rising
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Shaping the Doughnuts
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release excess air.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness.
- Use a round cutter (or a cup) to cut out circles. To create the hole in the center, use a smaller cutter or the cap of a bottle.
- Place the doughnuts on a floured tray, cover them, and let them rest for 30 minutes to rise again slightly.
Step 6: Frying the Doughnuts
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the doughnuts in batches, flipping them once, until they turn golden brown on both sides (about 1-2 minutes per side).
- Remove the doughnuts with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 7: Topping and Serving
- While the doughnuts are still warm, dust them with powdered sugar or dip them in a glaze of your choice.
- Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your freshly made homemade doughnuts!
Tips for the Perfect Doughnuts
- Milk temperature matters: Ensure your milk is warm (not hot) to properly activate the yeast.
- Soft dough equals fluffy doughnuts: Avoid adding too much flour; a slightly sticky dough yields lighter results.
- Proper oil temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain the right frying temperature. If the oil is too hot, the doughnuts will brown too quickly without cooking inside. If too cold, they’ll absorb excess oil.
- Alternative toppings: Try cinnamon sugar, chocolate glaze, or jam-filled doughnuts for extra flavor.
Making homemade doughnuts is a rewarding experience that brings warmth and joy to the kitchen. While the process requires patience, the result is well worth the effort—soft, fluffy, golden-brown doughnuts with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you enjoy them plain, dusted with sugar, or dipped in chocolate, these doughnuts are perfect for breakfast, special occasions, or simply as a treat to brighten your day. Once you master this simple recipe, you’ll never need to buy store-bought doughnuts again!
Would you like to try different flavors or fillings next time? Let us know how your homemade doughnuts turn out! ✨