Nothing beats the aroma of freshly fried doughnuts! These homemade doughnuts are soft, fluffy, and lightly sweetened, making them perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Whether you dust them with sugar, glaze them, or fill them with cream or jam, they’ll quickly become a favorite!
Let’s dive into the perfect doughnut recipe that’s easy to follow and delivers bakery-style results at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Soft and Fluffy Texture – The perfect light, airy doughnuts!
✔ Simple Ingredients – No fancy ingredients, just pantry staples!
✔ Customizable – Glaze, dust with sugar, or fill with jam!
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Breakfast, parties, or a sweet treat!
Ingredients for Homemade Doughnuts
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter (softened)
7 grams (2 ¼ teaspoons) baker’s yeast
5 tablespoons sugar
1 cup warm milk (not hot)
1 egg
½ teaspoon salt
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional Toppings & Fillings:
Powdered sugar
Granulated sugar + cinnamon
Chocolate glaze
Jam, custard, or Nutella (for filling)
How to Make Homemade Doughnuts
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Activate the Yeast – In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. (If it doesn’t foam, the yeast is inactive.)
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
Add the softened butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can use a stand mixer or knead by hand.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape the Doughnuts
Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness.
Use a doughnut cutter (or a glass and a small bottle cap) to cut out circles.
Place the doughnuts on a floured tray, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Fry the Doughnuts
Heat oil (350°F/175°C) in a deep pan. (Test by dropping a small dough piece – if it sizzles, the oil is ready!)
Fry 2-3 doughnuts at a time, flipping when golden brown (about 1-2 minutes per side).
Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Sugar-Coated – Roll warm doughnuts in granulated sugar or cinnamon sugar.
Glazed – Dip in melted chocolate or vanilla glaze.
Filled Doughnuts – Use a piping bag to inject jam, custard, or Nutella inside.
Tips for the Best Doughnuts
✔ Warm Milk for Yeast – Milk should be warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
✔ Knead Until Smooth – This ensures soft, airy doughnuts.
✔ Let the Dough Rise Twice – First for volume, second for a better texture.
✔ Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer – Fry in small batches for even cooking.
✔ Drain Excess Oil – Use paper towels to prevent greasy doughnuts.
Storage & Reheating
📦 Storage:
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 days.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days (but they’re best fresh!).
🔥 Reheating:
Microwave for 10 seconds to soften.
Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
Fun Doughnut Variations
🍩 Boston Cream Doughnuts – Fill with vanilla custard and top with chocolate glaze.
🍩 Jelly Doughnuts – Fill with strawberry or raspberry jam.
🍩 Chocolate Doughnuts – Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
🍩 Sprinkle Doughnuts – Dip in glaze and cover with sprinkles for a fun look!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I Bake These Doughnuts Instead of Frying?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. They won’t be as crispy but will still taste amazing!
- Why Are My Doughnuts Dense?
This could be due to under-kneading, not letting the dough rise enough, or frying in oil that’s too cold. Ensure proper kneading, rising time, and oil temperature.
- Can I Make the Dough Overnight?
Yes! Let the dough rise overnight in the fridge. In the morning, roll, cut, and let them rise for 30 minutes before frying.
Final Thoughts – Try These Homemade Doughnuts Today!
These soft, pillowy doughnuts are so easy to make and taste better than store-bought! Whether you prefer them sugar-coated, glazed, or filled with jam, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Try them today and enjoy fresh, homemade doughnuts that will make your kitchen smell amazing! 🍩✨