Dive into the delightful world of homemade donuts with this foolproof recipe that ensures soft, airy, and perfectly sweet treats every time. These donuts are made from scratch with a rich dough that includes fresh yeast and a hint of sugar, creating an irresistibly fluffy texture. After a deep-fried finish, these circular delights can be dipped in chocolate, caramel, or any topping of your choice for an extra layer of decadence.
Why You’ll Love This:
These homemade donuts strike the perfect balance between a tender crumb and a satisfyingly crispy exterior. The use of fresh yeast not only enhances their flavor but also contributes to their incredible softness. The detailed steps ensure that even beginners can achieve professional-quality donuts right in their own kitchen. Customize them with various toppings for a personal touch that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Perfect Occasion:
These donuts are perfect for Sunday brunch, a festive celebration, or as a treat to brighten up any day of the week. They’re particularly great for children’s parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet snack during holiday festivities. Serve them fresh for breakfast or as a dessert at your next dinner party.
Decoration Tips:
After frying, let the donuts cool slightly before dipping them into melted chocolate or a glaze of your choice. Sprinkle with crushed nuts, colorful sprinkles, or even coconut shavings for added texture and visual appeal. For a gourmet touch, drizzle them with a contrasting glaze or caramel for a visually stunning effect.
Ingredients:
- 300 ml warm milk
- 30 g fresh yeast
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 50 g sugar
- 1 whole egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 70 g soft unsalted butter
- A pinch of salt
- Approximately 530-550 g all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Preparation:
- Dough Preparation:
- In a large bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast in warm milk with sugar. Add the whole egg, egg yolk, soft butter, salt, and baking powder, mixing until combined. Gradually incorporate the flour to form a soft dough. Knead with a bit of vegetable oil until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Donuts:
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1.2-1.5 cm thickness. Use an 8-10 cm round cutter (or a glass) to cut out donuts. Remove the centers with a smaller round cutter or a bottle cap to form the classic donut shape. Re-knead and roll out any scrap dough and repeat the cutting process.
- Second Rise:
- Place the shaped donuts on parchment paper, cover, and allow them to rise for another 45 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
- Frying:
- Heat a deep pot of vegetable oil to 170-180°C. Fry the donuts in batches, turning once, until golden brown on both sides. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent overheating the oil.
- Cooling and Decorating:
- Drain the donuts on paper towels. Once slightly cooled, dip them into melted chocolate or other toppings prepared via the bain-marie method. Add any desired garnishes such as crushed nuts or sprinkles.
Enjoy these divine homemade donuts, a delightful treat that brings a touch of bakery-style indulgence into your home with each fluffy, delicious bite!
