Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! This deep fried donuts recipe is your ticket to fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. Forget store-bought; homemade donuts are far superior, and this recipe makes the process easier than you might think. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these irresistible golden rings of joy! This easy recipe is perfect for a weekend baking project or a fun activity with the kids. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas or simply a delightful afternoon snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Getting Started: Activating the Yeast
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and will help your donuts rise beautifully. If it doesn't foam, your yeast might be old, and you'll need a fresh packet.
Mixing the Dough:
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Whisk in the egg, melted butter, and salt until well combined. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Don't add all the flour at once; the dough should be slightly sticky but not overly wet.
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. This step develops the gluten in the flour, contributing to the texture of your final donuts.
First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size. A warm oven (with the light on) can be a great place for this.
Shaping the Donuts:
- Punch down the dough to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use a 2 ½-inch donut cutter (or a biscuit cutter and a smaller round cutter for the hole) to cut out the donuts.
Second Rise (Optional but Recommended):
- Place the donuts on a lightly floured baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes. This optional second rise will enhance the fluffiness of your donuts.
Frying the Donuts:
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Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature; this prevents burning and ensures even cooking.
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Carefully fry the donuts, a few at a time, for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Don't overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts.
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Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Making the Glaze:
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While the donuts are still warm, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
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Dip the warm donuts into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. You can also drizzle the glaze over the donuts if preferred.
Tips for Perfect Donuts:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can result in tough donuts.
- Use a thermometer: Accurate oil temperature is crucial for perfectly fried donuts.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: This lowers the oil temperature and results in unevenly cooked donuts.
- Let the donuts cool slightly before glazing: This prevents the glaze from melting too quickly.
Variations:
- Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Toss the fried donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar instead of using a glaze.
- Chocolate Glaze: Add melted chocolate to your glaze for a decadent treat.
- Glazed and Filled: Inject your favorite jam or pastry cream filling into the center of the donut.
Nutritional Information (per donut, approximate):
Calories: Around 250-300 Fat: Around 15-20g Carbohydrates: Around 30-35g Protein: Around 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy these delicious and easy-to-make homemade deep-fried donuts! They're a wonderful addition to any meal, a delicious treat for guests, or just a perfect way to end your day. They represent the best recipes for that perfect homemade touch, bringing simple joy to any occasion.