Introduction:
Discover the joy of making homemade doughnuts with this beginner-friendly recipe. These fluffy, golden doughnuts are soft on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside, making them a perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or any time in between. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be enjoying delicious doughnuts in no time.
Ingredients Quantities:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Optional Additions:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Granulated sugar mixed with cinnamon, for coating
- Glaze or icing, for dipping
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Add the frothy yeast mixture to the bowl and stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
4. First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Doughnuts:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one larger for the outer circle and one smaller for the hole) to cut out the doughnuts and holes.
6. Second Rise:
- Place the cut doughnuts and holes on a lightly floured baking sheet, cover with a kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
7. Heat the Oil:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
8. Fry the Doughnuts:
- Carefully place a few doughnuts at a time into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
- Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the doughnuts and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. Optional Coatings:
- While the doughnuts are still warm, dust them with powdered sugar or roll them in granulated sugar mixed with cinnamon.
- Alternatively, dip the cooled doughnuts in your favorite glaze or icing.
Tips for Success:
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
- The dough should be soft and slightly sticky; avoid adding too much flour during kneading.
- Allow the doughnuts to rise in a warm, draft-free area to ensure proper puffing.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain the oil temperature for even frying.
Nutritional Estimate:
(Per Serving, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 5g
Recommendation:
Fluffy doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain some of their original fluffiness. Serve with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for a delightful treat any time of day!
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