Here’s a classic recipe for homemade donuts—soft, fluffy, and perfect for glazing, dusting with sugar, or filling with jam or cream.
🍩 Homemade Donuts (Yeast-Raised)
Ingredients (makes about 12 donuts)
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
For Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Activate Yeast
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water with 1 tsp sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make Dough
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, remaining sugar, salt, melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture.
- Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
3. Shape Donuts
- Roll dough to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut with a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small for the hole).
- Place on a floured baking sheet and cover lightly; let rise another 30–45 minutes.
4. Fry Donuts
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry donuts 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
5. Glaze or Sugar Coat
- Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Dip warm donuts.
- Sugar coat: Toss warm donuts in granulated sugar or cinnamon sugar.
Tips & Variations
- Baked option: Bake donuts at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes instead of frying.
- Fillings: Pipe jam, chocolate, or cream into cooled donuts using a piping bag.
- Flavor twists: Add nutmeg, cinnamon, or citrus zest to the dough for extra flavor.
- Storage: Best eaten fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container 1–2 days; reheat slightly before serving.
These homemade donuts are light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, a fun project and treat that tastes way better than store-bought.
I can also give a quick no-yeast donut recipe that uses baking powder and takes only 30 minutes if you want.
Do you want me to do that?
