These homemade doughnuts are soft, fluffy, and incredibly delicious. With a perfect balance of sweetness and a light texture, they are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you’re craving a treat. Let’s dive into the recipe and make some mouthwatering doughnuts at home!

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 7 grams baker’s yeast (or 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast)
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture

• In a small bowl, warm the milk (around 110°F or 45°C). It should be warm to the touch, not hot.
• Add the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar to the warm milk and stir. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. If the yeast doesn’t bubble, it may be expired—try with fresh yeast.

2. Mix the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
• Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the egg, softened butter, and the yeast mixture.
• Stir everything together until the dough begins to come together. You may need to use your hands to knead the dough, or you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.

3. Knead the Dough

• Once the dough is formed, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a small amount of flour at a time, but be careful not to add too much—this will make the doughnuts dense.

4. Let the Dough Rise

• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

5. Shape the Doughnuts

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
• On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
• Use a round cutter to cut out doughnut shapes. For the hole in the center, use a smaller cutter or the lid of a bottle. You can also make doughnut holes by cutting small pieces from the center.

6. Heat the Oil

• In a large, deep pot or a fryer, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). You need enough oil to submerge the doughnuts completely. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping in a small piece of dough—if it bubbles and rises to the top, the oil is ready.

7. Fry the Doughnuts

• Carefully drop the doughnuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
• Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

8. Glaze or Powder

• While the doughnuts are still warm, you can coat them in a simple glaze or dust them with powdered sugar.
• For a glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk and vanilla extract to form a smooth glaze, then dip the tops of the doughnuts into the glaze.
• For powdered sugar: Simply roll the doughnuts in powdered sugar for a quick and classic finish.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the doughnuts warm for the best experience, and enjoy them with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
• You can also fill the doughnuts with your favorite jam, custard, or cream for a fun variation.

Tips and Variations

1. Flavor Variations
   • Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced flavor.
   • Try dipping the doughnuts in chocolate ganache or sprinkling them with cinnamon sugar after frying.
2. Make Mini Doughnuts
   • If you prefer smaller doughnuts, roll the dough thinner and cut out smaller shapes for bite-sized treats.
3. Baked Doughnuts
   • For a slightly healthier version, you can bake the doughnuts in a doughnut pan at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes instead of frying.
4. Storage
   • Doughnuts are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresher longer, you can freeze them and reheat them in the microwave or oven.

Why You’ll Love It

• Soft and Fluffy: These doughnuts are light, fluffy, and soft on the inside, with a slightly crispy exterior.
• Customizable: With endless glazing, filling, and topping possibilities, you can create doughnuts that suit your taste perfectly.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weekend breakfast or a fun dessert for a party, these homemade doughnuts are always a hit!

Enjoy making these delicious Homemade Doughnuts, and indulge in a sweet treat that everyone will love!