The EASIEST Donuts Recipe!

Soft, fluffy and just amazing, this homemade donuts recipe is the only recipe you need to make any kind of donut! Easy, simple steps and ingredients make this recipe beginner friendly.

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About This Recipe

Donuts are way easier to make than it may seem, this donuts recipe is made with yeast, so it does require a few extra steps, but the end result is totally worth it! No need for a stand mixer or any equipment, just a bowl and your hands(clean:))! Bonus: this recipe is eggless, so anyone can enjoy these scrumptious treats!

My favorite part about making donuts is decorating! There are endless options and flavors for the glaze, but today I used a classic chocolate glaze and vanilla glaze which I dyed for some fun and colorful donuts! Perfect for kids and adults.

What makes this donut recipe the best! Well , I would say the basic ingredients it’s made with, nothing fancy , and stuff probably everyone has in their pantry. Secondly, you could make a batch of these donuts and make several different glazes, and colors, making them perfect for birthday parties, picnic or get togethers. Or decorate them with your kids for a fun activity!

Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to mastering the art of making soft and delectable homemade donuts. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy creating these delightful treats from scratch!

Where did donuts originate from?

While food resembling doughnuts has been found at many ancient sites, the earliest origins to the modern doughnuts are generally traced back to the olykoek (“oil(y) cake”) Dutch settlers brought with them to early New York (or New Amsterdam). Read more here.

What You Need To Make This Donuts Recipe

Butter: no need for room temperature butter for this recipe because we’re going to melt it anyway.

Yeast: use instant yeast!

Flour: I have only made this recipe with regular all purpose flour.

Milk: I used whole milk but any other percentage should work as well.

How To Make This Donuts Recipe

Step 1: In a tall glass combine the yeast, lukewarm milk and sugar, give it a mix and set aside.

Step 2: In a large bowl combine the remaining ingredients along with the yeast mixture, which should have bubbled and risen. Knead the dough for 3-5 minutes, then cover and rest for 1 hour.

Step 3: Roll out the dough to a 1/4 inch thickness, then cut out the donuts using a donut cutter, or glass. Cover and let the donuts rest for another 30 minutes.

Step 4: Heat some oil to 185 °C / 365°F om medium-high. Fry the donuts until golden brown, 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove from the oil and let them cool down completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Top them off with any glaze you like, here’s my chocolate donut glaze recipe and vanilla glaze recipe.

Storing The Donuts

Homemade donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. However, keep in mind that their texture may change slightly over time. If you want to extend their freshness, you can freeze the donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw them at room temperature before reheating or enjoying.

Pro Tips

Pay attention to the dough: When making the dough, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully. Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Proofing is key: After shaping your donuts, allow them to proof properly. This step involves letting the dough rise in a warm environment until it doubles in size. This helps create those light and airy donuts we all love.
Maintain consistent frying temperature: When frying your donuts, maintaining a consistent oil temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior while ensuring they cook evenly inside. Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil temperature throughout the process, make sure the temp stays above 175 C and below 190 C, for the perfect donuts.
Drain excess oil: Once your donuts are fried, place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain any excess oil before glazing or dusting them with sugar.
Experiment with flavors: While traditional glazed or powdered sugar donuts are always delicious, feel free to get creative with different flavors and toppings! From chocolate ganache to fruity glazes or even filled centers, there are endless possibilities for making unique and mouthwatering treats.

FAQ’s

How can I ensure that my homemade donuts turn out soft and fluffy?

To achieve soft and fluffy homemade donuts, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure your yeast is fresh and don’t skip activating it before adding into the flour. Additionally, be careful not to over-knead the dough as this can result in tough donuts. Lastly, allow enough time for the dough to rise properly before frying – this will help create that light and airy texture.

Are there any variations or toppings I can try with my homemade donuts?

Absolutely! Homemade donuts offer endless possibilities when it comes to variations and toppings. Once you have your basic recipe down pat, you can experiment with different flavors such as adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough mixture. As for toppings, traditional options include glazes (such as chocolate or vanilla, like I did), powdered sugar, or even a simple cinnamon-sugar coating. You can also get creative with fillings like jams, custards, or Nutella for a delightful surprise inside your donuts.

Why are my donuts greasy?

The most common reason for this is that your oil was too cold, make sure to use a thermometer to regulate the temperature for the best results. See tips above.

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