There’s nothing quite like the irresistible combination of light, fluffy Perfect yeast doughnuts with a golden exterior, rolled in sugar, and filled with your choice of jam, Nutella, or cream. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these doughnuts are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Oil for frying
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
For Filling (Optional):
Jam
Nutella
Pastry cream
Directions:
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Stir in the warm milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Gradually add the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Doughnuts: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out doughnut shapes. Place the cut doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise again for about 30 minutes, until puffed up.
Fry the Doughnuts: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the doughnuts in batches for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Coat and Fill: While the doughnuts are still warm, roll them in granulated sugar to coat. If desired, use a piping bag with a narrow tip to inject jam, Nutella, or cream into the center of each doughnut.
Serving Tips:
Serve Fresh: Doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, right after they are coated in sugar and filled. The texture is light and fluffy when they are still warm.
Pairing Options: Serve your doughnuts with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a fruit smoothie.
Presentation: For a special touch, arrange the doughnuts on a decorative platter or stand. You can also garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flair.
Custom Fillings: Offer a variety of fillings (jam, Nutella, cream) so guests can choose their favorite. You can also provide small bowls of different toppings like sprinkles or chopped nuts for added fun.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store leftover doughnuts at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh but will remain tasty for a short period.
Avoid Refrigeration: Refrigerating doughnuts can make them dry out. If you must refrigerate them, place them in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming too stale. They can be stored this way for up to a week.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze doughnuts. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes to restore their softness.
Reheating: If you’ve frozen doughnuts, you can reheat them in the oven or toaster oven to bring back some of their original texture. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them chewy.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I make the doughnuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After shaping the doughnuts, you can freeze them before frying. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to fry, let them thaw and rise for about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows you to enjoy fresh doughnuts without the immediate preparation.
What type of oil is best for frying doughnuts?
For frying doughnuts, use oils with a high smoke point to ensure they fry evenly and don’t impart unwanted flavors. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are excellent choices. These oils are neutral in flavor and can handle the high temperatures required for frying.
How can I prevent my doughnuts from being too oily?
To prevent doughnuts from absorbing too much oil, ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F or 175°C) before frying. If the oil is too hot, the doughnuts may brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. If it’s too cool, they can absorb excess oil. Additionally, drain fried doughnuts on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Can I use alternative fillings or toppings?
Absolutely! While jam, Nutella, and cream are classic fillings, feel free to get creative. You can use fruit preserves, chocolate ganache, peanut butter, or even savory fillings like cheese. For toppings, consider options like cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of glaze. Personalize your doughnuts to suit your taste or occasion!
Conclusion:
These perfect yeast doughnuts are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you enjoy them with a classic jam filling or a decadent Nutella center, they are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion. Enjoy your homemade doughnuts fresh and warm, and savor every bite!
📖 Recipe:
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Perfect Yeast Doughnuts
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the perfect yeast doughnuts with a light, fluffy texture and a golden exterior. These homemade doughnuts are rolled in sugar and can be filled with your choice of jam, Nutella, or cream, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these doughnuts are a sweet indulgence that will impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Oil for frying
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
For Filling (Optional):
Jam
Nutella
Pastry cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth. Gradually add remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Knead the Dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
- Shape the Doughnuts: Punch down the dough and roll out to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out doughnut shapes and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Fry the Doughnuts: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry doughnuts in batches for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Coat and Fill: Roll warm doughnuts in granulated sugar. If desired, fill with jam, Nutella, or cream using a piping bag.
Notes
For best results, ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying.
Doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 doughnuts
- Calories: 250 kcal
