✔ In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
✔ Add egg, vanilla, softened butter, remaining sugar, salt, and flour.
✔ Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
✔ Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours (until doubled in size).
✅ The dough should be soft but not sticky—adjust with flour or milk as needed!
2️⃣ Shape the Doughnuts
✔ Roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness on a floured surface.
✔ Use a doughnut cutter or a round glass to cut out circles.
✔ Cut small holes in the center (or leave whole for filled doughnuts).
✔ Place doughnuts on a tray, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
✅ For extra soft doughnuts, let them rise a second time before frying!
3️⃣ Fry the Doughnuts
✔ Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan.
✔ Fry doughnuts in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
✔ Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
✅ Keep oil at the right temp—too hot, they’ll burn; too cool, they’ll absorb oil!
4️⃣ Coat or Fill the Doughnuts
✅ For Sugared Doughnuts:
✔ Mix sugar & cinnamon in a bowl.
✔ Roll warm doughnuts in the sugar mixture.
✅ For Glazed Doughnuts:
✔ Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a smooth glaze.
✔ Dip doughnuts while warm, letting excess drip off.
✅ For Filled Doughnuts:
✔ Use a piping bag to inject jam, custard, or Nutella into the center.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
✔ Serve warm with coffee, tea, or milk!
✔ Top with chocolate drizzle or sprinkles for extra fun.
✅ Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored!
🔥 Variations & Customization
🔹 Chocolate Doughnuts – Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the dough. 🍫
🔹 Baked Doughnuts – Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes instead of frying.
🔹 Boston Cream Doughnuts – Fill with vanilla custard & top with chocolate glaze.
🔹 Matcha Glazed Doughnuts – Add ½ teaspoon matcha powder to the glaze. 🍵
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
✔ Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days.
✔ Reheat in the microwave for 10 seconds for that fresh taste.
✔ Freeze unfrosted doughnuts for up to 2 months—thaw before serving.
✅ Always reheat gently to keep them soft & fluffy!
🏆 Final Thoughts: The Best Homemade Doughnuts!
These soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden doughnuts are better than store-bought and easy to make at home! Whether you love them glazed, sugared, or filled, this recipe is a must-try for any doughnut lover.
💡 Will you try this recipe? Let me know your favorite toppings & fillings
