Soft & Fluffy Homemade Donuts (Beginner Friendly)
Ingredients
- Bread flour4 cups
- Milk1 ¼ cups
- Sugar¼ cups
- Yeast2 ¼ tsp
- Egg1
- Butter½ sticks
- Salt½ tsp
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a stand mixer or bowl, mix the warm milk, sugar and yeast, and let it sit a few minutes until slightly foamy.
- Add the egg, vanilla, flour and salt, and mix and knead until a soft dough forms.
- Add the softened butter and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5–6 minutes. The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky, not overly sticky.
- Lightly oil a bowl, put the dough in, cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1–2 hours depending on the kitchen temperature. A turned-off oven works well.
- Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1 inch thick.
- Cut out doughnut shapes with a doughnut cutter or a round object for the big circle, then cut out the centre with a smaller cutter.
- Re-roll the leftover dough and cut again until all is used. If the dough keeps springing back, rest it 10–15 minutes first. Shape any stubborn dough into balls for doughnut holes.
- Lightly dust each doughnut on both sides with flour, shaking off the excess.
- Place the doughnuts and holes on small squares of parchment paper, or on a floured tray.
- Cover loosely and let rise again until puffy and doubled. Press one gently: if it springs back slowly and leaves a slight dent, it is ready; if it springs back quickly, it needs more time; if it does not spring back, it may be over-proofed.
- Heat oil in a deep pot or wok over medium heat, aiming for about 305°F (150°C) if using a thermometer.
- Lower the doughnuts into the oil on the parchment and fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towel, let cool slightly, then roll in granulated sugar or glaze.
Summarized from Kikifoodies's video. Watch it for the details.
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