Homemade Fluffy Doughnuts
Making homemade fluffy doughnuts fills your kitchen with the sweet aroma of fresh-baked goodness and creates memories that last a lifetime. These pillowy-soft treats rival any bakery creation with their tender crumb and golden exterior.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F) whole milk works best
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Frying & Glaze
- 6-8 cups vegetable oil for frying, high smoke point
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk for glaze
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for glaze
Instructions
- 1. Activate the Yeast: Warm milk to 110°F. Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Stir gently and let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- 2. Mix the Dough: Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla to the yeast mixture. Whisk to combine. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing into a soft dough.
- 3. Knead: Turn dough onto a floured surface. Knead 5-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4. First Rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place 60-120 minutes until doubled.
- 5. Shape Donuts: Roll dough to ½-inch thickness. Cut with donut cutter. Place on trays, cover, and let rise 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- 6. Fry: Heat oil to 375°F. Fry donuts 1-2 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
- 7. Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Dip warm donuts in glaze and place on wire rack to set.
Notes
Temperature control is crucial—use a thermometer for oil temperature. Don’t skip the second rise, and fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 285
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 7g
