Easy Donut Recipe: Make Delicious Donuts at Home
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! This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have and requires minimal effort, resulting in homemade donuts that are just as good as (if not better than!) those from the bakery. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes approximately 12 donuts. Feel free to double or triple it depending on how many donut-loving people you need to feed!
- 1 cup warm milk (around 105-115°F): Warm milk helps activate the yeast, resulting in a lighter and fluffier donut.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast: This is the key to getting that airy texture. Make sure your yeast is fresh!
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps feed the yeast.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted: Adds flavor and tenderness.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your donuts. You may need a little more or less depending on the humidity.
- Oil for frying: Vegetable oil or canola oil work best.
Equipment You Will Need:
- Large mixing bowl: For mixing the dough.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements.
- Rolling pin: To roll out the dough.
- Donut cutter (or a biscuit cutter and a small knife/bottle cap): To cut out the donuts and donut holes.
- Large pot or deep fryer: For frying the donuts.
- Paper towels or wire rack: For draining the excess oil.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast: In your large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This shows the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the remaining sugar, salt, egg, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine.
3. Add the Flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may need to use your hands at the end to bring it all together.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Roll and Cut: Punch down the dough to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use your donut cutter (or biscuit cutter and small knife/bottle cap) to cut out the donuts and donut holes.
7. Second Rise (Optional): Place the cut donuts and donut holes on a lightly floured baking sheet. Cover and let rise for another 15-20 minutes. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it will result in slightly fluffier donuts.
8. Fry the Donuts: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Carefully place a few donuts in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
9. Drain and Cool: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly before glazing or dusting with powdered sugar.
10. Glaze or Dust: Get creative! You can glaze your donuts with a simple powdered sugar glaze, a chocolate glaze, or even a delicious caramel sauce. Or simply dust them with powdered sugar for a classic look.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pot: This will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts.
- Use a thermometer: A candy thermometer will ensure your oil is at the correct temperature.
- Let the donuts cool slightly before glazing: This will prevent the glaze from melting.
- Get creative with toppings!: Sprinkles, chocolate chips, nuts – the possibilities are endless!
Enjoy your delicious, homemade donuts! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out. Happy baking!
