Quick & Simple Donut Recipe – Soft and Fluffy Homemade Donuts

Preparation

1. Activate the Yeast: Begin by dissolving the yeast in a small amount of lukewarm water. This helps activate the yeast and get it working to rise the dough. Be sure the water is not too hot, as this can kill the yeast. Once dissolved, set the mixture aside for a few minutes.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add 3 cups of flour, 5 tablespoons of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir them together until well combined. The flour will form the base of your dough, while the sugar and salt will provide sweetness and balance.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the activated yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add 1 cup of milk and crack in 1 egg. Mix everything together until the dough begins to form.
4. Knead the Dough: Add 2 tablespoons of softened butter to the dough mixture. Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer for about 3 minutes. The butter will give the dough a soft, smooth texture. Continue kneading until the dough is shiny and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, this step will be much easier, but you can also knead it by hand for a more hands-on approach.
5. Let the Dough Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Place the dough in a warm place to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens – the yeast will work its way through the dough, creating the light and fluffy texture that is essential for great donuts.
6. Shape the Donuts: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into balls or rings. If you prefer, you can use a donut cutter or simply roll the dough into a ball and poke a hole in the middle to form a ring. Place the shaped donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching.
7. Second Rise: Let the shaped donuts rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise will help the donuts puff up and become even fluffier.
8. Fry the Donuts: Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to around 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, frying them for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the donuts to cook unevenly.
9. Drain and Coat: Once the donuts are fried to perfection, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. While the donuts are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture made from 3 tablespoons of sugar and ½ tablespoon of cinnamon powder. For a sweeter touch, you can also frost the donuts with your favorite frosting, whether it’s chocolate, vanilla, or maple glaze.

Serving and Enjoying Your Donuts:

Once your donuts are coated in cinnamon sugar or topped with frosting, they’re ready to enjoy. These donuts are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a sweet treat after dinner. Serve them fresh and warm for the best experience, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for a few days. You’ll find that these homemade donuts rival any store-bought version in both taste and texture, and the cinnamon-sugar coating adds just the right amount of spice to each bite.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy donuts? Do you prefer them coated in cinnamon sugar or drizzled with a rich glaze? Let us know your topping preferences and how you like to serve them in the comments below! 🍩✨