There's nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked goods wafting through your home. And when it comes to indulgent treats, few can rival the classic donut. While it's easy to pick up a box of donuts from the local bakery, there's a special kind of satisfaction that comes from making them from scratch. In this guide, we'll take you through the process of creating perfect homemade donuts, allowing you to score some serious baking bragging rights.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all - purpose flour
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Your choice of toppings (such as powdered sugar, glaze, or sprinkles)
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warm water and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 - 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. The warm water should be around 110°F (43°C) - not too hot to kill the yeast, but warm enough to activate it.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, salt, egg, and milk. Add the activated yeast mixture to the bowl. Gradually start adding the flour, one - half cup at a time. Use a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer to stir the ingredients together. Keep adding flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is no longer sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if it's too dry, add a bit more milk.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8 - 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can tell the dough is ready when you can gently stretch it without it breaking. Place the kneaded 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.
Step 4: Shape the Donuts
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 donut cutter or a round cookie cutter and a smaller cutter (like a shot glass) to cut out the donut shapes. Place the cut - out donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them again with the kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 5: Fry the Donuts
Pour about 2 - 3 inches of vegetable oil into a large, heavy - bottomed pot. Heat the oil over medium - high heat until it reaches 350°F (177°C). You can use a candy thermometer to accurately measure the temperature. Carefully place a few donuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry them for about 1 - 2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
Step 6: Add Toppings
Now comes the fun part - adding the toppings! You can dust the donuts with powdered sugar, dip them in a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or sprinkle them with colorful sprinkles. Get creative and make your donuts as unique as you like.
Making homemade donuts is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy a delicious treat with your family and friends. With these step - by - step instructions, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of making perfect donuts from scratch. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and start baking!
