Homemade Donuts

Have you ever craved a warm, fluffy donut fresh from the fryer, dusted with sugar and bursting with flavor? Making Homemade Donuts from scratch is not only a rewarding experience but also a delightful treat for family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these sweet delights that will have everyone coming back for more. Let’s dive into the delicious world of donut-making!

Why It Works Every Time

The beauty of Homemade Donuts lies in the combination of rich ingredients and a little bit of science. The heavy cream and whole milk create a rich batter that yields moist and fluffy donuts, while the active dry yeast helps them rise beautifully. The key is to allow the dough to rise properly before frying, ensuring that each bite is light and airy. Plus, the frying process gives the donuts that irresistible golden exterior—a perfect contrast to their soft interior.

Ingredient Checklist

To get started on your journey to homemade bliss, gather the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)
• 1 cup + 6 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for the chocolate glaze)
• 1/4 cup Dutch-processed dark cocoa powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the chocolate glaze)
• 7 teaspoons whole milk (for the chocolate glaze)

Prep & Cook Tools

Before you start, make sure you have the following tools ready:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining your ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate measurements.
• Whisk: To mix your wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
• Doughnut Cutter: To shape your donuts perfectly.
• Deep Fryer or Heavy Pot: For frying the donuts evenly.
• Cooling Rack: To let your donuts cool and set.
• Pastry Brush: For glazing or frosting your donuts.

Homemade Donuts: From Prep to Plate

Making Homemade Donuts is a step-by-step process that is easier than you might think. Follow these instructions for delicious results:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm whole milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy. This indicates that your yeast is active and ready to rise.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and the yeast mixture. Add in the vanilla extract and mix well.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

Step 5: Let It Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 6: Shape the Donuts

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter to cut out the donuts and holes. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the cut donuts with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This will make them fluffy and airy.

Step 8: Heat the Oil

In a deep fryer or heavy pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it bubbles and rises, you’re good to go!

Step 9: Fry the Donuts

Carefully place a few donuts into the hot oil, frying them for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a cooling rack lined with paper towels.

Step 10: Glaze the Donuts

To make the glaze, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. For chocolate glaze, combine the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until creamy. Dip your cooled donuts into the glaze and let them set on the cooling rack.

Vegan & Vegetarian Swaps

If you’re looking to make Homemade Donuts vegan or vegetarian, consider the following swaps:

• Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk.
• Use plant-based milk instead of whole milk.
• Substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or agave syrup.
• Use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of eggs, if needed.

Mistakes That Ruin Homemade Donuts

To ensure your Homemade Donuts turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Not letting the dough rise long enough, resulting in dense donuts.
• Using oil that is not hot enough, leading to greasy donuts.
• Overcrowding the pot during frying, which can lower the oil temperature.
• Skipping the cooling rack, which will cause the glaze to become soggy.

How to Store & Reheat

To keep your Homemade Donuts fresh, follow these tips:

Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat in a microwave for a few seconds.

Troubleshooting Q&A

Why are my donuts dense?

Dense donuts are often a result of under-activated yeast or not allowing the dough to rise sufficiently. Ensure you let the dough rise until doubled in size and check that your yeast is fresh.

How can I make my donuts sweeter?

If you prefer sweeter donuts, increase the amount of granulated sugar in the dough or add more powdered sugar to your glaze.

What can I do if my donuts are greasy?

Greasy donuts usually indicate that the oil was not hot enough. Make sure your oil reaches 350°F (175°C) before adding the donuts, and avoid overcrowding the pot.

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake these donuts! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Keep in mind that the texture will differ slightly from fried donuts.

Desserts to Finish

If you’re looking for more delicious recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth, check out these fabulous desserts:

• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Healthy Chocolate Cake
• 5-Ingredient Vegan Chocolate Mousse
• Easy Cheesecake

Let’s Eat

Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Homemade Donuts, gather your loved ones and enjoy these delectable treats together. Whether you enjoy them plain, glazed, or chocolate-covered, these donuts are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy frying and happy eating!