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Introduction:
Donuts are a beloved treat worldwide, known for their soft, fluffy texture and sweet flavor.
Whether enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, these fried delights bring joy with every bite.
Making homemade donuts may seem daunting, but with a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create your own batch of these golden, sugary wonders right in your kitchen.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making classic yeast-raised donuts from scratch. The result is a batch of delicious donuts that are perfect for sharing—or for keeping all to yourself!
Homemade Donuts: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
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2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For Frying and Finishing:
Vegetable oil for frying
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Granulated sugar or powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Optional fillings: jam, custard, or chocolate
Instructions:
Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
Make the Dough:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, melted butter, and salt. Stir in the yeast mixture and eggs.
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Donuts:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
Use a donut cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out donut shapes. If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can use two different-sized round cutters to create the donut shape and the hole in the center.
Transfer the cut-out donuts and donut holes to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
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Fry the Donuts:
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the donuts to the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry them for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and transfer them to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Finish the Donuts:
While the donuts are still warm, you can dust them with granulated sugar or powdered sugar. If you prefer filled donuts, use a piping bag fitted with a narrow tip to inject the center of each donut with your desired filling, such as jam, custard, or chocolate.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the donuts warm or at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for a day or two.
Conclusion:
Homemade donuts are a labor of love, but the reward is well worth the effort.
The satisfaction of biting into a warm, freshly made donut is unparalleled, and the process of making them can be a fun and fulfilling kitchen project.
Whether you keep them plain, dust them with sugar, or fill them with your favorite filling, these homemade donuts are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Enjoy them with a cup of coffee, share them with friends and family, or savor them as a special treat just for yourself.