There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the house in the morning. And when it comes to breakfast treats, few things can beat the allure of a warm, fluffy donut. In this article, we'll explore the wonderful world of homemade donuts, specifically focusing on a bread machine donut recipe that will make your mornings even more delightful.
Waking up your family or guests with a fresh batch of homemade donuts is a surefire way to start the day on a sweet note. Unlike store - bought donuts that may be filled with preservatives and artificial flavors, homemade donuts are made with love and high - quality ingredients. You have full control over what goes into them, ensuring a healthier and more delicious option.
One of the biggest concerns when making donuts from scratch is the time and effort involved. Kneading the dough can be a labor - intensive process, especially if you're not used to working with dough. But fear not! The bread machine donut recipe comes to the rescue. This innovative approach allows you to skip the kneading step, significantly reducing the prep time. You can have a batch of donuts ready in no time, without breaking a sweat.
Let's take a closer look at the ingredients you'll need for this bread machine donut recipe. First and foremost, you'll need flour. The type of flour you choose can have a big impact on the texture of your donuts. All - purpose flour is a great choice as it provides a good balance of structure and tenderness. You'll also need yeast, which is responsible for making the donuts rise and become light and fluffy. Sugar adds sweetness, while salt enhances the flavor and helps to control the yeast activity.
Milk is another essential ingredient. It adds moisture to the dough and gives the donuts a rich, creamy flavor. You can use whole milk for a more indulgent treat or skim milk for a lighter option. Eggs are also included in the recipe. They act as a binder, holding the ingredients together and adding richness and color to the donuts.
Once you've gathered all your ingredients, it's time to start making the dough. The beauty of using a bread machine is that it does most of the work for you. Simply add all the ingredients to the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Then, select the dough cycle on your bread machine and let it do its magic. While the bread machine is working its wonders, you can sit back, relax, and start thinking about the different toppings you want to use for your donuts.
After the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough from the bread machine and place it on a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough a few times to shape it into a ball. Then, cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 10 - 15 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten in the dough to relax, making it easier to roll out.
Next, take a rolling pin and roll the dough out into a circle about 1/2 - inch thick. Use a donut cutter or a round cookie cutter and a smaller round cutter to cut out the donuts. Place the cut - out donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the donuts with the kitchen towel again and let them rise for another 30 - 45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
While the donuts are rising, you can start heating the oil for frying. You'll want to use a neutral - flavored oil, such as vegetable oil or canola oil. Heat the oil in a deep - sided pan or a Dutch oven to about 350°F (175°C). You can use a candy thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature. Once the oil is hot, carefully place a few donuts at a time into the oil. Fry the donuts for about 1 - 2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the fried donuts from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off the excess oil. Now comes the fun part - decorating your donuts! You can use a variety of toppings, such as powdered sugar, glaze, sprinkles, or chocolate sauce. For a simple powdered sugar topping, just sift some powdered sugar over the warm donuts. If you prefer a glaze, you can make a simple glaze by combining powdered sugar, milk, and a little vanilla extract in a bowl and whisking until smooth. Dip the top of the donuts into the glaze and let the excess drip off.
Homemade donuts are not only delicious but also a great way to bond with your family or friends. You can involve everyone in the process, from mixing the ingredients to decorating the donuts. It's a fun and interactive activity that will create lasting memories. So, the next time you're looking for a special breakfast treat, give this bread machine donut recipe a try. You'll be amazed at how easy and rewarding it is to make your own donuts at home.
In conclusion, making donuts from scratch doesn't have to be a daunting, time - consuming experience. With the help of a bread machine, you can enjoy fresh, homemade donuts with minimal effort. So, wake up your family or guests with a batch of these delicious treats and start your day off right.