How to Make Doughnuts

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making doughnuts from scratch is a rewarding experience, and this recipe gives you a soft, airy doughnut that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. With basic ingredients like flour, yeast, butter, and milk, you can create a treat that rivals any bakery doughnut. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings or fillings. The best part? You’ll get the satisfaction of having freshly made doughnuts with that irresistible homemade taste.

Ingredients

  • 352g of plain flour
  • 2 teaspoons yeast
  • 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
  • 1 large egg
  • 240ml lukewarm milk
  • 30g of sugar
  • ½ teaspoon of salt
    (Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, add the yeast, sugar, and lukewarm milk, then mix together. Cover and let it sit in a warm place until it rises and forms small bubbles, about 5-10 minutes. This mixture is called a “starter” and helps kick-start the leavening process of the dough.

  2. In a large bowl, add the flour and salt. Mix well.

  3. Add the egg to the lukewarm milk mixture, then mix and bring everything to a work surface. Knead in the butter until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Once done, form the dough into a rough ball and place it into a greased bowl. Cover with a clean napkin or plastic wrap, and leave it to rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

  4. Once the dough has risen, place it on a floured work surface. Divide the dough into portions of about 60-80g each.

  5. Roll each portion of dough into a ball and set aside to rise for 5 minutes. Flatten each dough ball and create holes in the center using a piping tip. Let them rise for another 15 minutes.

  6. Heat the oil to 180ºC (use a thermometer for accuracy). You can also drop a small piece of dough into the oil to test the temperature—if it fries quickly, the oil is ready.

  7. Fry the doughnuts in the hot oil for 1 minute on each side until golden brown. Remove them and place them on a sieve lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

  8. Optional: If you prefer, you can roll the doughnuts in powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or your favorite glaze.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Makes about 15-20 doughnuts.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes (not including the rising time).
  • Cook Time: 10-15 minutes.
  • Total Time: About 2 hours (including rising time).

Variations

  • Filled Doughnuts: After frying, you can inject your doughnuts with jelly, custard, or chocolate cream.
  • Vegan Doughnuts: Substitute butter with vegan margarine and use a flaxseed egg replacement instead of the egg.
  • Glazed Doughnuts: After frying, dip the doughnuts in a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finish.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Keep the doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: You can reheat doughnuts in a microwave for a few seconds or in a toaster oven for a few minutes to bring back their freshness.

FAQs

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of plain flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour works well for doughnuts. Just make sure it is unbleached for best results.

2. What is the purpose of the yeast in this recipe?

Yeast helps the dough rise, giving the doughnuts their light and fluffy texture.

3. Can I freeze doughnuts?

Yes, doughnuts can be frozen. After frying, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

4. Can I make doughnut holes with this recipe?

Yes! After shaping the doughnuts, you can use a small cutter to make doughnut holes from the leftover dough.

5. Why are my doughnuts not rising properly?

If your doughnuts aren’t rising, the yeast might not be fresh or the dough could be too cold. Make sure your yeast is active, and allow the dough to rise in a warm place.

6. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used instead of butter in this recipe. It will still provide a good texture and flavor.

7. Can I make the doughnut dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise once, then refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and frying.

8. How hot should the oil be for frying doughnuts?

The oil should be heated to about 180ºC. Too hot and the doughnuts will burn; too cool and they’ll absorb too much oil.

9. What is the best way to make doughnuts crispy?

Fry the doughnuts for about 1 minute on each side and make sure the oil is at the right temperature. The crispy texture comes from a quick fry at high heat.

10. Can I make doughnuts without a deep fryer?

Yes, you can use a deep pan or skillet to fry your doughnuts. Just make sure the oil is deep enough to submerge the doughnuts.

Conclusion

Making doughnuts at home is a fun and rewarding experience, and this recipe ensures you’ll get soft, fluffy doughnuts that are perfect every time. Whether you enjoy them as they are, with a dusting of sugar, or drizzled with glaze, homemade doughnuts are a treat you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

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How to Make Doughnuts

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: About 2 hours (including rising time)
  • Yield: 15-20 doughnuts
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Learn how to make homemade doughnuts with this simple and delicious recipe. Soft, fluffy, and golden on the outside, these doughnuts are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack. Customize them with your favorite toppings or fillings, and enjoy the irresistible homemade taste!

Ingredients

  • 352g of plain flour
  • 2 teaspoons yeast
  • 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
  • 1 large egg
  • 240ml lukewarm milk
  • 30g of sugar
  • ½ teaspoon of salt

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and lukewarm milk. Mix and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it forms bubbles.
  • In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
  • Add the egg to the milk-yeast mixture and mix well. Bring the mixture to a work surface, then knead in the butter until the dough is smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes).
  • Shape the dough into a rough ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Once the dough has risen, divide it into 60-80g portions and roll them into balls. Let them rise for 5 minutes before flattening each ball and creating a hole in the center using a piping tip.
  • Let the doughnuts rise for another 15 minutes.
  • Heat the oil to 180ºC and test the temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil. If it fries quickly, the oil is ready.
  • Fry doughnuts for about 1 minute per side until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  • Optionally, roll in powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or dip in glaze.

Notes

  • You can fill your doughnuts with jelly, custard, or chocolate cream after frying.
  • For a vegan version, use margarine and a flaxseed egg replacement.
  • Ensure the oil temperature is accurate for perfect results.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes (excluding rising time)
  • Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

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