There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, fluffy homemade donut! Whether you like them glazed, sugar-coated, or filled with cream, making donuts from scratch is a rewarding and delicious experience. In this recipe, I’ll guide you through every step, sharing chef’s tips to achieve that bakery-style perfection right in your kitchen. Let’s get started!
Why Make Homemade Donuts?
Better than store-bought: Fresh, warm, and made with love.
Customizable: Choose your favorite toppings, fillings, or glazes.
Fun to make: A perfect weekend baking project for the family!
Ingredients for Classic Homemade Donuts
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, softened
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Cinnamon sugar
- Melted chocolate
- Sprinkles
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and yeast mixture. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add the softened butter and knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
2: Shape the Donuts
- Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness.
- Use a round cutter (or a glass) to cut out donut shapes. Use a smaller cutter to make the center hole.
- Place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rest for 30-45 minutes.
3: Fry the Donuts
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry 2-3 donuts at a time for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
4: Glaze & Serve
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create the glaze.
- Dip warm donuts into the glaze or coat them with cinnamon sugar.
- Add sprinkles, melted chocolate, or any topping of your choice.
- Let them set for a few minutes and enjoy!
Chef’s Tips for Perfect Donuts
Use warm milk: Helps activate the yeast properly for fluffy donuts.
Don’t overcrowd the fryer: Fry in batches for even cooking.
Want baked donuts? Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes instead of frying.
Fill them! Use a piping bag to inject cream, jam, or Nutella inside.
FAQs About Homemade Donuts
1. Can I make donut dough ahead of time?
Yes! After the first rise, refrigerate overnight and continue the process the next day.
2. How do I store homemade donuts?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to a month.
3. Can I air-fry donuts?
Absolutely! Brush them lightly with oil and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
4. Why are my donuts greasy?
The oil might be too cold. Ensure it stays around 350°F (175°C) for the perfect fry.
5. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! You can skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the flour.
There you have it, the ultimate homemade donut recipe that will have your kitchen smelling like a bakery! Try it out, and let me know how your donuts turned out in the comments. Happy baking! 🍩✨