Golden, fluffy, and sweet, doughnuts are the kind of treat that bring joy at any time of day. Making them at home not only guarantees freshness but also lets you experiment with toppings, fillings, and glazes for a bakery-style experience right in your kitchen.

Doughnuts Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 cups of flour
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 7 grams of baker’s yeast
• 5 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 cup of milk
• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon of salt

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepare the dough base: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. This dry mixture will serve as the structure for your doughnuts. Warm the milk slightly until it’s lukewarm—not hot, or it will kill the yeast—and dissolve the baker’s yeast in it. Allow the mixture to sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy, a sign that the yeast is active.

2. Incorporate wet ingredients: Add the melted butter and egg into the yeast mixture, whisking until smooth. Gradually pour this liquid into the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until the dough starts coming together.

3. Knead for texture: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes, or until it is soft, elastic, and no longer sticky. Proper kneading helps develop gluten, which gives your doughnuts their signature chewy yet fluffy texture.

4. First rise: Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours. By the end of this stage, the dough should double in size, becoming airy and easy to work with.

5. Shape the doughnuts: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1 cm (½ inch) thickness. Using a doughnut cutter or two different-sized round cutters, cut out rings. Place them on a lined tray, cover again, and let them rise for another 30 minutes so they become extra light.

6. Fry to perfection: Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 170–180°C (340–350°F). Carefully slide in the doughnuts, a few at a time, and fry for about 1–2 minutes per side until they turn golden brown. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

7. Coat or glaze: While still slightly warm, roll the doughnuts in sugar for a classic finish, or dip them into a glaze made of powdered sugar and milk. For a fun twist, drizzle with chocolate, sprinkle with nuts, or fill with jam or cream.

Serving Suggestions

Doughnuts taste best fresh, served warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. They can also be split and filled with custard, Nutella, or fruit compote for an indulgent variation. For parties, try colorful icing and sprinkles to make them festive and eye-catching.

Storage Tips

Homemade doughnuts are best eaten the same day, as they lose their airy texture quickly. If needed, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, place them briefly in a warm oven. Avoid refrigerating, as it dries them out.

Variations to Try

Experiment with flavors by adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to the dough. You can also try baking instead of frying for a lighter version, though the texture will be less rich. For adventurous palates, fill the doughnuts with savory options like cream cheese or spiced meats for a unique twist.