Easy Doughnut Recipe: Make Delicious Donuts at Home
Are you craving delicious, fluffy doughnuts but don't want the hassle of a complicated recipe? Look no further! This easy doughnut recipe will guide you through making perfect doughnuts from the comfort of your own kitchen. No special equipment needed, just simple ingredients and a little bit of love.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a quick baking project.
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F): Warm milk helps activate the yeast for a lighter dough.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): The rising agent for fluffy doughnuts.
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and to feed the yeast.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds flavor and tenderness.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting: The structure of your doughnuts.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Use a high smoke point oil like canola or vegetable oil.
- Your favorite glaze or topping: Get creative!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy steps for perfectly fried doughnuts every time.
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This shows the yeast is alive and active.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Add the egg and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine.
3. Add Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, flour, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
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. Shape the Doughnuts:
- Punch down the dough to release the air. Roll it out to about ½ inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
- Use a doughnut cutter (or a biscuit cutter and a smaller round cutter for the hole) to cut out the doughnuts.
- Place the doughnuts on a lightly floured surface, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
7. Fry the Doughnuts:
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large saucepan to 375°F (190°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Carefully fry the doughnuts for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
8. Glaze and Enjoy!
- Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly, glaze them with your favorite glaze or topping. Get creative with sprinkles, chocolate, powdered sugar – the possibilities are endless!
Tips for Perfect Doughnuts:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Fry the doughnuts in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Maintain oil temperature: Keep a close eye on the oil temperature and adjust the heat as needed to maintain 375°F (190°C).
- Let them cool completely: Before glazing, let the doughnuts cool completely to prevent the glaze from melting.
This easy doughnut recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy homemade treats without the complexity. Experiment with different glazes and toppings to create your own signature doughnuts! Happy baking!
