Making homemade doughnuts is a fun and delicious project! Here’s a simple recipe for classic fried doughnuts that you can enjoy with a variety of toppings like glaze, chocolate, or powdered sugar.
Classic Fried Doughnuts Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Glaze (optional):
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust to desired consistency)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the yeast becomes frothy.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined, then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
- Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Doughnuts:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one large for the outer ring, one smaller for the hole) to cut out doughnut shapes. If you don’t have a doughnut cutter, you can also shape the dough by hand or use a glass and a smaller lid for the center.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large pot or deep fryer, heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You can test the temperature by dropping in a small piece of dough; it should fry up quickly and float to the surface.
- Fry the Doughnuts:
- Carefully drop the doughnuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, without overcrowding the pot. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain.
- Make the Glaze (optional):
- While the doughnuts are cooling, mix together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve a smooth glaze consistency. Dip the warm doughnuts into the glaze, coating them completely or just the top half, and allow the glaze to set.
- Serve:
- Once glazed, serve your homemade doughnuts warm. You can also dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle chocolate syrup on top for added indulgence.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add cinnamon or cardamom to the dough or glaze.
- If you prefer baked doughnuts, you can use a doughnut pan and bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
- You can also fill doughnuts with jam or cream using a pastry bag for an added twist.
Enjoy your homemade doughnuts, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet treat anytime!