Doughnuts 

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
2. Add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients and stir to combine.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. The dough should be smooth, soft, and slightly tacky but not sticky.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

1. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Doughnuts

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.
2. Using a doughnut cutter (or a round cookie cutter for the doughnut and a smaller one for the hole), cut out as many doughnuts as possible. Re-roll the scraps and repeat until all the dough is used.

Step 5: Fry the Doughnuts

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oil is deep enough to fully submerge the doughnuts.
2. Carefully fry 2-3 doughnuts at a time, cooking them for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Be sure to fry the doughnut holes too—they’re delicious!
3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the doughnuts to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 6: Glaze the Doughnuts

1. While the doughnuts cool slightly, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Dip the warm doughnuts into the glaze, coating them evenly, and return them to the wire rack to set.

Customization Ideas

• Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Instead of glazing, you can toss the doughnuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar while they’re still warm for a sweet, spiced coating.
• Chocolate Glaze: For a chocolate version, simply replace some of the powdered sugar with cocoa powder and add a tablespoon of melted butter to the glaze.
• Filled Doughnuts: Skip the doughnut hole and instead fill your fried doughnuts with jam, custard, or Nutella by injecting the filling with a piping bag.

Tips for Perfect Doughnuts

• Don’t Overheat the Oil: Keep an eye on your oil temperature. If it gets too hot, the outside will brown too quickly while the inside remains undercooked.
• Let the Dough Rise Fully: Patience is key when it comes to doughnuts. Letting the dough rise until it doubles in size ensures a light and fluffy texture.
• Use a Thermometer: To achieve perfectly cooked doughnuts, it’s a good idea to use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.

Serve and Enjoy!

Homemade doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To refresh them, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-fryer feel.

A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion

These Homemade Doughnuts are perfect for a weekend baking project, a family get-together, or just when you’re craving a special treat. With their soft, fluffy texture and customizable toppings, they’re bound to become a favorite in your household. Whether you keep them simple with a classic glaze or go all out with fillings and toppings, these doughnuts will disappear in no time!

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