Doughnuts have a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many. Their soft, fluffy texture and sweet glaze make them a beloved treat for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or on their own, classic glazed doughnuts are a timeless indulgence. Making them at home can be a delightful experience, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly fried pastries. Here’s a simple recipe to create these delectable doughnuts from scratch!
Ingredients
For the Doughnut Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add 3 ½ cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, a little at a time.
2. Knead and Rise:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Shape the Doughnuts:
- Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out to about ½ inch thick.
- Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one larger for the outer shape and one smaller for the hole) to cut out doughnuts. Reroll scraps and cut out additional doughnuts.
4. Fry the Doughnuts:
- In a deep pot or fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop in a few doughnuts at a time, frying for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Prepare the Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
6. Glaze the Doughnuts:
- While the doughnuts are still warm, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place on a wire rack to set.
7. Enjoy!
- Serve fresh and enjoy the delightful sweetness of your homemade glazed doughnuts!
Tips:
- For a little extra flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough.
- Experiment with toppings like sprinkles or chocolate glaze for a fun twist!
Homemade doughnuts are a treat that can bring smiles all around. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
