How to Make Delicious Donuts at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making donuts at home might seem daunting, but with this easy-to-follow guide, you'll be enjoying warm, fluffy donuts in no time! This guide focuses on the classic yeast-raised donut, but the principles can be adapted for cake donuts as well.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4-4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill a large pot about 3 inches deep)
- Candy thermometer
For the Glaze (Optional but Highly Recommended!):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Donut Making Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This proves the yeast is active and ready to work its magic!
2. Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Add the egg and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the salt and flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook until a soft dough forms. Don't be afraid to get your hands in there for the final mixing!
4. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 5 minutes.
5. First Rise (Bulk Fermentation):
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Shaping the Donuts:
- Punch down the dough to release the air. Roll it out to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or a biscuit cutter and a smaller round cutter to create the hole) to cut out your donuts.
7. Second Rise (Proofing):
- Place the donuts on a lightly floured baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until slightly puffy.
8. Frying the Donuts:
- Heat the oil in a large pot to 375°F (190°C), using a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Maintaining consistent oil temperature is crucial for perfectly cooked donuts. Fry the donuts in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
9. Draining and Cooling:
- Remove the donuts from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly before glazing.
10. Making the Glaze (Optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
11. Glazing the Donuts:
- Dip the cooled donuts in the glaze, letting any excess drip off. You can get creative here and add sprinkles or other toppings!
Tips for Donut Success:
- Fresh Yeast is Key: Make sure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising.
- Don't Overwork the Dough: Over-kneading can result in tough donuts.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Maintaining consistent oil temperature is essential for even cooking.
- Let them Cool: Allow the donuts to cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
Now you're ready to enjoy your homemade donuts! Experiment with different glazes and toppings to create your own unique donut masterpieces. Happy baking!
