Who doesn’t love a freshly made doughnut? Whether glazed, powdered, or filled with jelly, doughnuts are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed any time of day. Making your own doughnuts at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, and with the right ingredients and techniques, you can create perfect doughnuts every time. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make doughnuts from scratch.
For the dough:
All-purpose flour, sugar, salt, yeast, milk, eggs, unsalted butter
For the glaze:
Powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract
Step 1: Make the dough
Mix together flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. In a separate bowl, heat milk, add eggs, and melted butter. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients to form a dough.
Step 2: Knead the dough
Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for about an hour.
Step 3: Cut and shape the doughnuts
Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface. Cut the dough with a doughnut cutter or a glass and shape them into doughnuts.
Step 4: Let the doughnuts rise
Place the doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise for about 30 minutes.
Step 5: Fry the doughnuts
Heat oil in a deep fryer or a pan, and fry the doughnuts for about a minute on each side until they turn golden brown. Remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel to cool.
Step 6: Glaze the doughnuts
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create the glaze. Dip the cooled doughnuts into the glaze, and let them sit until the glaze hardens.
What is the best type of flour to use for making doughnuts?
All-purpose flour is the best type of flour to use for making doughnuts.
Do I need a doughnut cutter to make doughnuts?
No, you can use a glass to cut the dough into circles and a smaller object, such as a bottle cap, to cut out the center of the doughnut.
Can I use a different type of oil to fry the doughnuts?
Yes, you can use any type of oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil.
How long do the doughnuts last?
Doughnuts are best when eaten fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Can I freeze the doughnuts?
Yes, you can freeze the doughnuts before frying them. Place the cut-out doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for at least 30 minutes before transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to use, let them thaw and rise before frying.
Can I make the doughnuts without eggs?
Yes, you can make the doughnuts without eggs by using a substitute such as applesauce or mashed bananas.
Can I use a glaze other than vanilla?
Yes, you can use any type of glaze or topping you like, such as chocolate glaze, sprinkles, or powdered sugar.
Can I make doughnuts without a deep fryer?
Yes, you can fry the doughnuts in a pan with about 1 inch of oil, flipping them halfway through cooking.
Pros
Making your own doughnuts allows you to customize the flavor and toppings to your liking. It is also a fun activity to do with friends and family.
Tips
- Make sure your oil is at the right temperature to prevent greasy doughnuts.
- Let the doughnuts cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- Experiment with different flavors and toppings to create unique doughnuts.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the doughnuts to ensure even cooking.
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the doughnuts from the oil.
Summary
Making doughnuts from scratch is a simple and fun process that can result in delicious treats. By following these steps and tips, you can create perfect doughnuts every time and enjoy them with your favorite toppings.