Doughnuts are one of the most beloved sweet treats enjoyed around the world. Soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden, these fried delights can be coated in sugar, glazed with icing, or filled with jam or cream to satisfy any craving. Making doughnuts at home is not only rewarding but also allows you to enjoy them fresh and warm straight from the pan. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating light and airy doughnuts that are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. With the right ingredients, proper technique, and a few helpful tips, you can achieve bakery-quality doughnuts in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, chocolate glaze, or sprinkles
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes until foamy, showing that the yeast is activated.
- In a large mixing bowl, add flour, remaining sugar, salt, eggs, and butter. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms. Knead for about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1–2 hours or until it doubles in size. Punch down the dough, roll it out to about ½ inch thickness, and cut out circles using a doughnut cutter or two round cutters. Let the cut dough rest on a tray for 30–40 minutes. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry doughnuts until golden brown on each side. Drain on paper towels, then coat with sugar or glaze as desired.
Servings
This recipe makes approximately 12 doughnuts.
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 220
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 8g
Notes
Doughnuts taste best when enjoyed fresh on the same day. If storing, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed doughnuts and reheat before serving. Always ensure oil is at the right temperature to avoid greasy doughnuts.
Tips
Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature. Roll dough evenly for uniform doughnuts. Do not overcrowd the pan while frying, as this lowers the oil temperature. Experiment with fillings like jam, custard, or chocolate cream for variety. If you prefer baked doughnuts, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 12 minutes, though the texture will be different.
Health Benefits
While doughnuts are considered an indulgence, making them at home gives you control over the ingredients. Using quality oil and moderate sugar makes them a better option than store-bought varieties with preservatives and artificial flavors. Eggs and milk in the recipe provide protein and calcium. When enjoyed occasionally and paired with a balanced diet, homemade doughnuts can bring joy without being harmful. Choosing baked doughnuts instead of fried ones can further reduce fat content.
Q & A
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise and fry the next day.
Q: Why are my doughnuts dense instead of fluffy?
A: This usually happens if the dough wasn’t kneaded enough or if the yeast wasn’t properly activated.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, but the texture will be denser. A 50-50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour works best.
Q: How do I prevent greasy doughnuts?
A: Make sure the oil temperature stays steady at 350°F (175°C). Too low will make them absorb oil, and too high will burn them outside while leaving them raw inside.
Q: Can I bake instead of frying?
A: Yes, but expect a more bread-like texture compared to classic fried doughnuts.