Homemade Fried Donuts Recipe

Homemade Fried Donuts

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 to 4 cups (440-500g) all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling out the dough

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, salt, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
• Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and stir to combine.
• Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may not need all the flour, so add it gradually until the dough is soft but not sticky.

1. Knead the Dough:

• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

1. Shape the Donuts:

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
• Roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) thickness.
• Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small) to cut out donut shapes. Re-roll the scraps and cut out more donuts until all the dough is used.
• Place the cut donuts and donut holes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they are slightly puffy.

1. Fry the Donuts:

• Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
• Carefully add a few donuts to the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until the donuts are golden brown.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain and cool.

1. Make the Glaze:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Dip each warm donut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off, then return the donuts to the wire rack to set.

1. Serve:

• Enjoy your homemade fried donuts fresh and warm. They are best eaten the same day they are made.

These homemade fried donuts are fluffy, golden, and deliciously sweet, perfect for a special treat or a fun baking project!