Donuts
also spelled "doughnuts," are universally adored sweet treats known for their round or ring-shaped fried dough. These delightful pastries have a wide range of flavors and toppings, making them a favorite indulgence for people of all ages around the world. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast item with a cup of coffee or as a dessert, donuts have a special place in the hearts and taste buds of many. Below, you'll find a basic recipe for classic yeast-raised donuts that you can customize with various glazes, fillings, and toppings.
Recipe: Classic Yeast-Raised Donuts
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- - 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- - 2 large eggs
- - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- - 4 cups all-purpose flour
- - 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Frying:
- - Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Preparing the Dough:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, sugar, eggs, and softened butter. Mix well.
3. Add Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
5. First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Shaping and Frying:
6. Roll and Cut:
Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out donuts. You can also use a smaller cutter to create donut holes.
7. Second Rise:
Place the cut donuts and donut holes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for about 30 minutes.
8. Fry the Donuts:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place a few donuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown.
9. Drain and Cool:
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined tray to drain and cool.
Glazing and Topping:
10. Glaze and Decorate:
Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, you can glaze them with a simple powdered sugar glaze, chocolate glaze, or decorate them with sprinkles, nuts, or other toppings of your choice.
11. Enjoy:
Serve your freshly made donuts with your favorite beverages and enjoy them while they are still warm and delicious!
These homemade donuts are incredibly versatile, so you can get creative with flavors, fillings, and toppings to make them uniquely yours. From classic glazed to maple-bacon, the possibilities are endless when it comes to donut variations.

