Here’s a classic, fluffy doughnut recipe perfect for homemade glazed or sugar-coated doughnuts. These are deep-fried yeast doughnuts, soft on the inside with a light golden crust. I’ll include a baked version option as well if you prefer.
🍩 Classic Homemade Doughnuts Recipe (Yeast-Raised)
🧾 Ingredients:
For the Doughnuts:
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2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
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3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
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1 large egg
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
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Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
Optional Toppings:
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Sugar coating: 1/2 cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon
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Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk + 1/2 tsp vanilla
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Chocolate glaze: 1/2 cup chocolate chips + 2 tbsp cream (melted together)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the Dough
Add butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture and mix. Gradually add in the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Doughnuts
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one big, one small) to cut out doughnuts and holes.
5. Second Rise
Place shaped doughnuts on parchment paper. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
6. Fry the Doughnuts
Heat oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry 2–3 doughnuts at a time for about 1 minute per side, or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
7. Coat or Glaze
While still warm:
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Toss in cinnamon sugar, OR
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Dip in prepared glaze and let set on a wire rack.
🧁 Optional: Baked Version
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Follow the same steps up to shaping.
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Place doughnuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, until light golden.
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Brush with melted butter and toss in sugar or glaze.
📝 Tips:
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Doughnuts are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 1–2 days.
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Reheat in a microwave for 10 seconds to refresh.
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You can freeze the fried (uncoated) doughnuts and warm them up later before glazing.