Fluffy Donut Recipe: Easy and Delicious
Expanding Your Recipe
Great start! We have a solid foundation for a fluffy donut recipe. Let's build on it by adding more depth, flavor options, and helpful tips.
Indulge in the irresistible softness of homemade donuts! These fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth treats are a delightful treat for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a batch of homemade donuts that will impress even the pickiest sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm whole milk (for richer flavor)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup (plus 2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable shortening or canola oil for frying
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: cocoa powder, lemon juice, or other flavorings
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Create the Dough:
- Beat in the eggs and melted butter until well combined.
- Gradually whisk in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-1.5 hours.
- Shape the Donuts:
- Punch down the risen dough to release the air.
- Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch on a lightly floured surface.
- Use a donut cutter to cut out donut shapes and place them on a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Fry to Perfection:
- Heat oil or shortening in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully lower the donuts into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the donuts from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Create Delicious Glazes:
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
- For variations, stir in cocoa powder for chocolate glaze, lemon juice for lemon glaze, or other flavorings of your choice.
- Glaze and Enjoy:
- While the donuts are still warm, dip them in the prepared glaze or drizzle it over the top.
- Let the glaze set before serving.
Tips for Donut Perfection:
- For extra richness: Use whole milk instead of skim milk.
- Temperature control: Maintain the oil temperature at a consistent 375°F (190°C) for evenly cooked donuts.
- Avoid over-mixing: Overmixing the dough can result in tough donuts.
- Let it rise: Adequate rising time is crucial for fluffy donuts.
- Creative fillings: Fill cooled donuts with your favorite jelly, custard, or whipped cream for a decadent treat.
- Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
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