Vanilla donuts are a classic treat, perfect for satisfying any sweet craving. These donuts are beautifully golden on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, and bursting with the subtle sweetness of vanilla. Coated in granulated sugar, they offer a delightful crunch with every bite, making them a perfect snack, breakfast indulgence, or a treat for family and friends. Whether you’re frying them fresh for a weekend brunch or serving them for an afternoon gathering, these donuts will always impress with their light texture and rich vanilla flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These vanilla donuts offer a perfect balance of soft and airy texture with a rich, sweet flavor. The combination of vanilla custard, butter, and warm milk creates a dough that is tender and flavorful. The frying process gives the donuts a golden exterior, while keeping the inside light and fluffy. The granulated sugar coating adds an irresistible sweetness that will satisfy your sweet tooth without being overpowering. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make at home, and the recipe is versatile enough to add your own twist, such as adding fillings or toppings.
Perfect Occasion
These vanilla donuts are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weekend breakfast, a sweet treat for guests, or a celebratory dessert. Serve them fresh from the fryer with coffee or tea for a classic pairing, or take them to a potluck or family gathering where they’ll surely be a hit. Their simple, timeless flavor makes them a great choice for both casual snacking and special events. Plus, they’re great for making ahead and reheating, so you can enjoy them throughout the week!
Decoration Tips
While these donuts are delicious on their own, you can elevate their presentation by adding a few simple touches. After frying, roll them in cinnamon sugar for a warm, spicy twist. For a more indulgent option, you can dip the tops in melted chocolate or vanilla glaze and sprinkle with colorful sprinkles or crushed nuts. You can also fill them with vanilla cream or jam for a delicious surprise inside. Serve them on a platter with fresh fruit or whipped cream for a beautiful and tasty display.
Ingredients:
- 75 ml warm milk
- 7 g instant yeast
- 25 g white sugar
- 16 g vanilla sugar
- 150 g vanilla custard
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 45 g butter (softened)
- 450 g all-purpose flour
- 16 g baking powder
- 4 g salt
- Granulated sugar (for coating)
- Sunflower oil (for frying)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, white sugar, and vanilla sugar. Stir well and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow the yeast to activate. The mixture should become slightly frothy. - Mix the Dough:
Add the vanilla custard to the yeast mixture and stir until smooth. Gradually incorporate the beaten egg while continuing to mix. Add the softened butter, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix everything together until a dough forms. - Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it by hand for 10-12 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough using the dough hook attachment for about 8 minutes. Once kneaded, cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. - Shape the Donuts:
Once the dough has risen, place it on a floured surface and gently roll it out to a thickness of about 1.5 cm (½ inch). Using a round cookie cutter (approximately 9 cm in diameter), cut out circles from the dough. You can use a smaller cutter or bottle cap to cut out the center hole if you prefer ring-shaped donuts. - Second Rise:
Place the shaped dough pieces on a lightly floured surface, leaving space between each one. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rest for another 30 minutes, allowing them to rise again and become puffy. - Fry the Donuts:
In a deep pan, heat sunflower oil over medium heat until it reaches around 175°C (350°F). Fry the donuts in small batches, about 2-3 at a time, until they turn golden brown on both sides (approximately 2-3 minutes per side). Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature. - Drain and Coat in Sugar:
Once the donuts are fried to a golden perfection, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. While still warm, roll the donuts in granulated sugar to coat them evenly. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the donuts warm for the best experience. You can enjoy them plain or with your choice of additional toppings, such as chocolate glaze, powdered sugar, or even jam.
Enjoy!
