Homemade donuts are a delightful treat that can be customized with various glazes, toppings, and fillings. Here’s a simple recipe for classic fried donuts with a sugar glaze:
### Ingredients:
#### For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
#### For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
#### For the Sugar Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
### Instructions:
#### Making the Dough:
1. **Activate the Yeast:**
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
2. **Prepare the Wet Ingredients:**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, warm milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Add the eggs and mix well.
3. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:**
- Add the frothy yeast mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms.
4. **Knead the Dough:**
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
#### Shaping and Frying the Donuts:
1. **Roll Out the Dough:**
- Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface.
- Roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness.
2. **Cut the Donuts:**
- Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small) to cut out donut shapes.
- Place the cut donuts and donut holes on a floured baking sheet.
3. **Heat the Oil:**
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
4. **Fry the Donuts:**
- Carefully add a few donuts to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
- Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
#### Making the Sugar Glaze:
1. **Prepare the Glaze:**
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. **Glaze the Donuts:**
- While the donuts are still warm, dip each one into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to set.
### Optional Toppings:
- Sprinkles
- Chopped nuts
- Shredded coconut
- Chocolate chips
Enjoy your homemade donuts with a cup of coffee or as a sweet treat any time of day!
