How to Make the Best Doughnuts Ever

Who can resist the sweet allure of a doughnut? Certainly not me! 🍩 Especially when it’s homemade and fresh from the oven! Today, let’s get down and dough-ty, and create the Best Doughnuts Ever. These aren’t just any doughnuts, they’re the sugary ring-shaped treats of dreams!

Doughnuts, donuts, no matter how you spell it, they’re delicious. Originating from the beautiful land of freedom and eagles (the USA for those who didn’t get my super subtle clue 🦅), these sugary delights have taken the world by storm. No breakfast buffet, office party, or morning meeting is complete without them.

The Yeasty Beasts

At the heart of our doughnuts is the yeasted dough, which gives them their classic airy and light texture. The dough should be soft, but not too sticky, so that it’s easy to work with. The yeast needs some time to work its magic, so patience is key here.

Tip: Be sure to proof the yeast properly. It should be foamy and aromatic, signifying that it’s alive and ready to leaven the dough!

Once the dough is ready, it’s time for the fun part – shaping the doughnuts. A simple round cutter will do the trick, but don’t forget the classic hole in the center. This isn’t just for looks, it ensures even cooking during the frying process. And, of course, we can’t forget about those doughnut holes! They’re the perfect bite-sized treat.

Fry and Shine

Frying doughnuts is a deliciously delicate process. The oil should be hot enough to fry the doughnuts to a golden-brown perfection without burning them. A bit of a Goldilocks situation if you will. 🐻 And remember, these doughnuts will still be cooking even after they’re taken out of the oil, so don’t wait for them to be too dark before removing them.

Tip: Try to fry only a few doughnuts at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan and lowering the oil’s temperature.

The finishing touch is the sugar coating. While the doughnuts are still warm, roll them in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for that classic doughnut look and taste. The heat from the doughnuts will help the sugar to stick, creating a beautiful and tasty crust.

The Result: Doughnut Perfection

Tip: These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days. If you find them a bit stale, a quick zap in the microwave will bring them back to life.

So, there you have it – the secret to making the best doughnuts ever. Just remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Use this doughnut recipe wisely, or you might find yourself making them every weekend!

And now, it’s time for the star of the show, the doughnut recipe itself!

The Best Doughnuts Ever

Course: Breakfast, DessertCuisine: American

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Learn how to make the best doughnuts ever. They’re light, fluffy, and coated with a delightful sugar-cinnamon mix.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

• 1/2 cup warm milk

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1/4 cup melted butter

• 1 teaspoon salt

• Oil, for frying

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, for coating

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon, for coating

Directions

• Combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and knead until the dough is soft and slightly sticky.
• Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise until it has doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
• On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Using a round doughnut cutter, cut out the doughnuts and place them on a baking sheet. Let them rest for about 15 minutes.
• Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 375°F (190°C). Add the doughnuts, a few at a time, and fry until they are golden brown on both sides.
• Drain the doughnuts on paper towels. While they’re still warm, roll them in the sugar-cinnamon mixture. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Ensure your yeast is fresh for the dough to rise properly.
• Keep a close eye on the doughnuts while frying to prevent them from burning.
• Feel free to fill these doughnuts with jam or cream for extra indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying them?
A: Yes, you can bake these doughnuts in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes or until they’re golden brown. However, they might not have the same crispy exterior as the fried version.

Q: Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?
A: Absolutely! Just place all the dough ingredients in the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer and use the dough setting.

Q: How can I store leftover doughnuts?
A: Leftover doughnuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you find them a bit stale, a quick zap in the microwave will freshen them up.