Donut Dough Recipe

Classic Donut Dough Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh donuts in your kitchen! This recipe creates a soft, tender dough that fries up golden and delicious—perfect for glazing, sugaring, or filling with jam or cream.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)

• 3/4 cup warm milk

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 large egg

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)

• Vegetable oil, for frying

 

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready to work.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, stir together the warm milk, sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg. Once the yeast is foamy, add it to this mixture and stir to combine.

3. Add the Flour:
   Gradually mix in the flour, about 1/2 cup at a time. Once the dough starts to come together, transfer it to a floured surface.

4. Knead the Dough:
   Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.

5. Let It Rise:
   Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

6. Shape the Donuts:
   Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or a round cutter and a small cap for the center hole) to cut out donuts and holes.

7. Second Rise:
   Place the cut donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy.

8. Fry the Donuts:
   Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry a few donuts at a time, about 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined tray.

9. Add Toppings:
   While still warm, toss donuts in cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or dip them in a glaze. You can also fill them with jam or custard using a piping bag.

Tips:

• Don’t over-knead the dough—it should be soft and a little tacky.

• Make sure the oil stays at a consistent temperature to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts.

• These are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.