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Activate the yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. -
Make the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture with the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Stir to combine, then add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until the dough forms and is not too sticky. -
Knead the dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if necessary. -
Let the dough rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. -
Shape the doughnuts:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out doughnut shapes, and a smaller cutter for the holes in the center. -
Fry the doughnuts:
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the doughnuts into the hot oil, frying them in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. -
Make the glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. -
Glaze the doughnuts:
Dip the warm doughnuts into the glaze, making sure to coat them evenly. Place on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set. -
Serve:
Enjoy these fresh, warm doughnuts with your favorite cup of coffee or tea!
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve fresh: Both the pizza and doughnuts are best served fresh. The pizza will be warm, cheesy, and crispy, while the doughnuts will be soft and perfectly sweet.
- Storage: Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheated in the oven. Doughnuts should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, or they can be frozen for up to a month.
Variants:
- Savory Pizza: Add different cheeses, meats, or vegetables to customize your pizza toppings.
- Filled Doughnuts: Instead of glazing, you can fill the doughnuts with jam, custard, or chocolate ganache for a fun twist.
FAQ:
1. Can I use a store-bought pizza dough? Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough as an alternative to homemade dough.
2. Can I use non-dairy milk for the doughnuts? Yes, feel free to substitute the milk with almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free version of doughnuts.
3. Can I bake the doughnuts instead of frying? Yes, you can bake doughnuts at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, but they won’t have the same crispy texture as fried doughnuts.