Craving a sweet treat that’s soft, fluffy, and coated in sugar? Look no further than these Perfect Sugar Donuts! Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack anytime, these homemade donuts are made from scratch and offer a deliciously comforting experience. Here’s how you can make them at home.
Ingredients:
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
Directions:
Prepare the Dough:
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
Combine Ingredients: Add softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, and yeast mixture to the flour mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms.
Knead the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let it Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape and Fry the Donuts:
Roll Out the Dough: Once risen, punch the dough down and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.
Cut Donuts: Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small) to cut out donut shapes. Re-roll scraps and repeat.
Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Fry Donuts: Fry the donuts in batches, about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Drain: Remove donuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Coat with Sugar:
Sugar Coating: While donuts are still warm, roll them in granulated sugar until evenly coated.
Serving Tips:
Fresh and Warm: For the best taste, serve the donuts warm. Freshly made donuts are soft and fluffy, with a crisp sugar coating that melts in your mouth.
Pairings: These donuts go perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread or as a sweet treat for an afternoon snack.
Presentation: Dust the donuts with a little extra granulated sugar before serving for a classic, bakery-style look. You can also serve them on a platter with a side of fruit or jam for a more elaborate presentation.
Storage Tips:
Short-Term Storage: If you plan to eat the donuts within a day or two, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and maintain their soft texture.
Long-Term Storage: For longer storage, you can freeze the donuts. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy frozen donuts, let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. For a warm and crispy finish, reheat them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the donuts soggy.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast as a substitute for active dry yeast. Instant yeast does not require proofing in warm milk. Simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients, and proceed with the recipe as directed. Using instant yeast will also slightly reduce the rising time.
How can I make these donuts ahead of time?
To make these donuts ahead of time, you can prepare and fry them, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooled donuts and reheat them as needed. Alternatively, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate it after the first rise, and continue with shaping and frying the next day.
What can I use if I don’t have a donut cutter?
If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can use two round cutters of different sizes—a larger one for the outer shape and a smaller one for the center hole. If you don’t have any cutters, you can also shape the donuts by hand or use a jar lid to cut out the center.
Why are my donuts not as fluffy as expected?
If your donuts aren’t as fluffy as you’d like, there could be a few reasons. Ensure that your yeast is fresh and properly activated; it should be frothy after mixing with warm milk. Make sure to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, and allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free place. Overworking the dough or not allowing it to rise sufficiently can also affect the texture.
Conclusion:
These Perfect Sugar Donuts are a classic comfort food that’s sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth. Their fluffy texture and sugary coating make them a hit at any gathering or as a simple indulgence for yourself. Enjoy baking and savoring these delightful treats!
📖 Recipe:
Print
Perfect Sugar Donuts
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the ultimate comfort food with these Perfect Sugar Donuts. Soft, fluffy, and generously coated with sugar, these homemade donuts are a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. Easy to make from scratch, they offer a classic taste that will make any occasion special.
Ingredients
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
- Add softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, and yeast mixture to the flour mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
- Shape and Fry the Donuts:
- Punch down the dough and roll out to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out donuts using a donut cutter or two round cutters.
- Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a pot or deep fryer.
- Fry donuts in batches for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Coat with Sugar:
- Roll warm donuts in granulated sugar until evenly coated.
- Serve:
- Enjoy the donuts warm, alone or with coffee or tea.
Notes
For best results, use fresh yeast and ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast.
Donuts can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in a toaster oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 donuts
- Calories: 250 kcal
