Light, fluffy fried dough pillows coated in a generous layer of sugar. Perfect for a sweet treat any time of day!
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (not hot)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- For Frying and Coating:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon of cinnamon mixed into the sugar.
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and yeast.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and salt to the foamy yeast mixture.
- Whisk until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add 3 cups of the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Add the melted butter.
- Add the remaining flour a little at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- The dough should be slightly sticky, but manageable.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat.
- Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
- Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down to release the air.
- Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into desired shapes (squares, circles, triangles) using a knife or cookie cutter.
- Second Rise (Optional):
- For a lighter and airier donut, place the cut dough onto a lightly floured baking sheet, cover lightly, and let rise for 15-20 minutes.
- Fry the Dough:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully drop the dough pieces into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Remove the fried dough with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Coat with Sugar:
- While the fried dough is still warm, generously coat them with the granulated sugar (or sugar-cinnamon mixture).
- Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, you can use whole milk or add a bit of nutmeg to the dough.
- You can fill the fried dough with jam, custard, or chocolate after frying.
- Powdered sugar also works well for coating the fried dough.
- Make sure your oil is at the correct temperature, or the dough will either absorb too much oil or not cook properly.
- For a yeast free version, search for baking powder fried dough recipes.