🍩 Homemade Donuts (Fried Yeast Donuts)
Ingredients (makes about 12 donuts):
For the dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
- Oil, for frying (e.g., vegetable or canola oil)
Optional toppings:
- Granulated sugar or cinnamon sugar
- Chocolate glaze
- Vanilla glaze
- Powdered sugar
- Jam or custard for filling
🧑🍳 Instructions:
1. Activate the yeast:
- In a bowl, mix warm milk and sugar.
- Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough:
- Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture.
- Stir in the flour gradually until a dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes.
3. Let it rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1½ hours or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the donuts:
- Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick.
- Cut out donuts using a donut cutter or two round cutters (e.g., a glass and a bottle cap).
- Place on a floured baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
5. Fry the donuts:
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry donuts in batches for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
6. Add toppings:
- While warm, toss in sugar or dip in your favorite glaze.
