Welcome to the fluffy and delightful world of homemade donuts! In this post, we’ll go through an easy donut recipe that’ll leave your loved ones and customers wanting more.
Here, you’ll learn the art and science behind transforming simple baking ingredients into mouthwatering treats. So wear your apron and preheat the fryer, as we dive deep into the fun world of homemade donuts.
Why People Love Donuts
People’s love for donuts goes beyond their sweet flavor. For one, people love donuts because of their fluffy texture. Many also love donuts for their rich, creamy fillings (just like this Bavarian donut).
But at their core, donuts exude comfort and nostalgia. For many, it’s a piece of edible joy that takes us back to simpler times. They also remind us of childhood weekend mornings, fun fairs, and fragrant bakeries.
Additionally, people love donuts for their versatility. From classic glazed rings to stuffed ones, there’s always a donut for everyone’s preference. Cake donuts even exist for those who prefer denser treats. They can also be simple or sophisticated, topped with mere sugar, icing, or chocolate buttercream.
Donut Cooking Tips
Take your easy donut recipe to the next level by following these tips:
1. Use the right temperature.
Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature (usually around 375°F or 190°C) when frying your donuts. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will burn on the outside while remaining uncooked on the inside. If the temperature’s too low, your donuts will absorb too much oil. As a result, they’ll be greasy.
2. Let the dough proof properly.
Allow the dough to proof properly. Doing this allows the yeast to create gas, which gives your donuts light and airy goodness. However, rushing this process leads to dense and heavy donuts.
3. Avoid frying too many donuts at once.
Never overcrowd the frying pan. Frying too many donuts at once will lower the oil’s temperature. As a result, your donuts will cook unevenly.
4. Drain the donuts well.
After frying, drain the donuts well on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or paper towel. This helps keep them crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
5. Freshness matters.
Donuts are best served fresh. If you can, serve them within a few hours of frying for the best taste and texture.
6. Experiment with toppings.
Try experimenting with different glazes, icings, and toppings. Doing this adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to your donuts.
7. Think of your safety first.
Always be careful when working with hot oil. Use a slotted spoon or a frying spider to carefully lower and raise the donuts in and out of the oil.
What to Serve With Donuts
Donuts can be paired with many beverages and other treats. Here are some delightful stuff you can serve after finishing this easy donut recipe:
Coffee
This classic donut pair works perfectly for breakfast or a mid-morning snack. The bitterness of the coffee counteracts the sweetness of the donuts.
Tea
A comforting cup of tea, whether black, green, fruit, or floral, provides a nice contrast with the donut’s rich flavor.
Milk
A glass of cold milk also works well with donuts, making it a popular choice for a sweet afternoon treat or dessert.
Fruit
Fresh fruit can also add a fresh, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the donuts, especially to rich or heavy donuts.
Ice Cream
Pairing donuts with ice cream means having a decadent dessert. A scoop of vanilla ice cream, in particular, goes well with many donut types.
Hot Chocolate
A cup of hot chocolate also works well with donuts, especially on a cold day.
How to Store Donuts
Storing donuts properly keeps their freshness and taste. Here’s how to do it:
Avoid Refrigerating
Don’t refrigerate your donuts if possible. The cool temperature can often make them stale and can affect the texture of the icing or glaze. However, it’s okay if you prefer your donuts cold. You can also reheat your donuts after refrigerating them.
Store Them In Room Temperature
If you plan on eating the donuts within a day or two, it’s best to store them at room temperature. Keep them in a paper bag, wax paper, or napkin to absorb any excess oil. Then, place them in a plastic bag or airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Reheat Properly
When you’re ready to enjoy a refrigerated donut, heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for five to ten minutes. For donuts stored at room temperature, you can freshen them up with a quick five to ten seconds in the microwave.
Donut Recipe
Donut Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast one packet
- 8 tbsp butter melted and cooled
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour plus more for rolling out the dough
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 4 cups vegetable oil
For the glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Heat the milk until it's about 110°F (warm but not hot to the touch). Then, add the yeast and let it sit for about five minutes to activate.1 1/4 cups milk, 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- Combine the yeast mixture, eggs, butter, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Mix until well incorporated. Then, gradually add the flour and nutmeg. Stir continuously until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.8 tbsp butter, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup granulated white sugar, 1 tsp salt, 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- Next, knead the dough on a floured surface for about five minutes, until it's smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl. Next, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for one to two hours, or until the dough doubles in size.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it's about 1/2 inch thick. Then, cut out the donuts with a donut cutter. Cover with a cloth and let them rest for 15 minutes.
- While the donuts rest, heat your oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F.4 cups vegetable oil
- Carefully slide the donuts into the oil, frying each side until golden brown (about one minute per side). Fry the donut holes for about two minutes, turning them as necessary.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and set them on a cooling rack set over a layer of paper towels to drain.
- To make the glaze, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the donuts get cool enough to handle, dip the top side into the glaze. Then, place them back on the rack to let the glaze harden.2 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 donuts
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups milk
2 1/4 teaspoons (one packet) of active dry yeast
8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, melted and cooled
2 eggs
1/4 cup granulated white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling out the dough
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
4 cups vegetable oil, for frying
For the glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Heat the milk until it’s about 110°F (warm but not hot to the touch). Then, add the yeast and let it sit for about five minutes to activate.
2. Combine the yeast mixture, eggs, butter, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Mix until well incorporated. Then, gradually add the flour and nutmeg. Stir continuously until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
3. Next, knead the dough on a floured surface for about five minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl. Next, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for one to two hours, or until the dough doubles in size.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. Then, cut out the donuts with a donut cutter. Cover with a cloth and let them rest for 15 minutes.
5. While the donuts rest, heat your oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F.
6. Carefully slide the donuts into the oil, frying each side until golden brown (about one minute per side). Fry the donut holes for about two minutes, turning them as necessary.
7. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and set them on a cooling rack set over a layer of paper towels to drain.
8. To make the glaze, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the donuts get cool enough to handle, dip the top side into the glaze. Then, place them back on the rack to let the glaze harden.
Frequently Asked Questions
You need milk, yeast, butter, eggs, sugar, salt, flour, nutmeg, and oil to make doughnuts.
Doughnuts are good both fried and baked. However, it depends on your preference. For instance, if you want donuts with lower calories, you better bake them.
Donut batter is made of flour, milk, yeast, egg, and sugar.
Conclusion
Making treats at home with this easy donut recipe can be an incredibly rewarding experience. With this basic recipe, you have a reliable foundation to start your journey. Remember, the real beauty of donut-making lies in the endless possibilities for creativity. By experimenting with different flavors, glazes, and fillings, you can create a unique array of delicious, homemade donuts. So what are you waiting for? Grab your kitchen tools and equipment and start whipping up some goodness now!
About HICAPS
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