Homemade donuts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Whether you’re craving something sweet for breakfast, a midday snack, or a dessert after dinner, homemade donuts are sure to satisfy your cravings. Making donuts from scratch at home allows you to customize them to your liking, whether you prefer classic glazed donuts, chocolate-covered, or filled with your favorite jam or cream.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Oil for frying
For Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4-6 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter. Gradually add in the flour and salt, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the donuts: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two different sized round cookie cutters to cut out donut shapes. Place the shaped donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
- Fry the donuts: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil, frying each side until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Make the glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve your desired consistency for the glaze.
- Glaze the donuts: Dip each donut into the glaze, coating both sides evenly. Place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
- Enjoy: Serve the homemade donuts fresh and enjoy them with your favorite beverage!