Are you craving something sweet, but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? Then these drop donuts are the perfect solution! This easy recipe requires minimal effort and yields a batch of fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth donuts that are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe for homemade cooking is simple enough for anyone to master. Get ready to experience the joy of making delicious dishes from scratch, with a recipe that's perfect for quick dinner ideas or a delightful weekend treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work well)
- Optional: Cinnamon sugar for coating
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This seemingly insignificant step is crucial for ensuring your donuts cook evenly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Make sure there are no lumps. This is a simple yet effective way to ensure your donuts have the perfect texture.
Combining Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. Don't overmix – a few lumps are okay.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts, so be gentle!
Frying the Donuts:
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Use a candy thermometer to ensure accurate temperature for perfectly cooked donuts.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the donuts from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
Coating and Serving:
- While still warm, toss the donuts in cinnamon sugar (if using) for an extra delicious touch.
- Serve warm and enjoy! These delicious drop donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Donuts:
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts. Fry in batches for best results.
- Use a thermometer: Monitoring the oil temperature is essential for even cooking.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten and results in tough donuts.
- Let the donuts cool slightly before coating: This helps the cinnamon sugar adhere better.
Variations:
- Glazed Donuts: Drizzle your cooled donuts with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Chocolate Donuts: Add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Add-ins: Mix in chocolate chips, blueberries, or chopped nuts to the batter for added flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (per donut, approximate):
- Calories: 200-250
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Protein: 3-4g
These easy recipes are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without a lot of fuss. Enjoy your delicious, homemade drop donuts! They are a great example of how healthy meals can be simple and satisfying. These are truly some of the best recipes around!