Easy Donut Recipe: Delicious Homemade Donuts in Minutes
Are you craving a delicious, fluffy donut but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? This easy donut recipe is perfect for you! With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy homemade donuts that are just as good (if not better!) than those from the bakery. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a quick baking project.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is crucial for a smooth and fluffy dough.
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar: This provides sweetness and helps with the texture.
- 4 large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients and add richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our donut dough.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent, creating those airy donuts.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps with the texture.
- Oil for frying: Vegetable oil or canola oil works best.
- Your favorite donut toppings: Powdered sugar, glaze, sprinkles – get creative!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy steps for perfectly baked donuts every time.
1. Preparing the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential for a tender donut.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix.
2. Shaping the Donuts:
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ½ inch thickness.
- Use a donut cutter (or a biscuit cutter and a smaller round cutter to create the hole) to cut out the donuts.
- Carefully place the donuts on a lightly floured surface.
3. Frying the Donuts:
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully place a few donuts in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Adjust frying time depending on your donut cutter size and the thickness of the donuts.
- Remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
4. Decorating and Enjoying!
- Once the donuts have cooled slightly, decorate them with your favorite toppings. Powdered sugar, a simple glaze, or colorful sprinkles are all delicious options.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your freshly made donuts!
Tips for Donut Success:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough donuts.
- Use a thermometer: Accurate oil temperature is crucial for even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in unevenly cooked donuts.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different glazes, sprinkles, and even fruit!
This easy donut recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and prepare for a delicious baking adventure! Happy baking!
