Pillowy Homemade Doughnuts

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If you’re craving warm, fresh doughnuts with a soft, pillowy interior and a slight crisp on the outside, look no further. These homemade doughnuts are everything you’ve been dreaming of—tender, sweet, and fried to golden perfection. The slight crunch on the outside gives way to a melt-in-your-mouth center that’s airy and satisfying without being too dense. The balance of texture is what makes these doughnuts stand out. Whether you’re treating yourself to a sweet morning delight, enjoying them as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee, or serving them up at a family gathering or brunch with friends, these doughnuts are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. They’re not only delicious but incredibly customisable—you can dip them in your favourite glaze, dust them with powdered sugar, or add a touch of cinnamon for a cozy twist.

What’s even better is that they’re surprisingly simple to make with just a few pantry ingredients, so you don’t have to go on a special shopping trip. No fancy equipment or skills required—just a mixing bowl, a rolling pin, and a bit of patience. The dough comes together easily, and with just one rise, you’ll be frying them up in no time. Imagine the smell of fresh doughnuts wafting through your kitchen, filling your home with warmth and the promise of something delicious. These doughnuts are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a special celebration with loved ones. And, they’re so much better than store-bought—nothing beats the satisfaction of biting into a homemade treat that you made yourself.

Why You’ll Love These Doughnuts:

✔ Soft & Fluffy – The perfect balance of a crispy exterior with a soft, airy center.
✔ Customizable – Add your favorite glazes, sprinkles, or fillings to make them uniquely yours.
✔ Simple Ingredients – Made with common pantry staples like milk, flour, and yeast.
✔ Fried Fresh – Enjoy the aroma and satisfaction of fresh, homemade doughnuts straight from the fryer.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – A fun weekend breakfast or a special treat for guests.

Doughnut Recipe

Ingredients:

• 240ml milk
• 80g raw organic sugar
• 11g yeast
• 90g unsalted butter
• 2 eggs
• 520g flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• Rice bran oil for frying

Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Cinnamon Sugar (Optional):

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, heat the milk until it’s warm (not too hot, just warm enough to touch). Stir in the raw sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the frothy yeast mixture, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined, and a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough (Mixer Option): You can either knead the dough by hand or use a stand mixer. If using a stand mixer, place the dough in the mixer bowl and attach the dough hook. Mix on low speed (Speed 1 on a KitchenAid) for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add a bit more flour if necessary, but avoid adding too much. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
4. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a clean bowl and cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Doughnuts: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters to cut the dough into doughnut shapes. If you don’t have a doughnut cutter, you can use a cup for the outer ring and a smaller one for the hole.
6. Let the Doughnuts Rest: Transfer the shaped doughnuts to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a towel and let them rest for about 30 minutes while you heat the oil.
7. Heat the Oil: Heat the rice bran oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 180°C (350°F). Make sure the oil is deep enough to fully submerge the doughnuts.
8. Fry the Doughnuts: Carefully drop the doughnuts into the hot oil, frying a few at a time. Fry each doughnut for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
9. Prepare the Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
10. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar (Optional): In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together.
11. Serve & Enjoy: Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly, dip them in the glaze or roll them in cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Doughnuts:

• Don’t Skip the Yeast Activation: Allowing the yeast to froth in the milk ensures your doughnuts rise properly and gives them that fluffy texture.
• Perfect Frying Temperature: Keep the oil temperature at around 350°F to avoid soggy or overly oily doughnuts. If the oil is too hot, the doughnuts will brown too quickly on the outside while staying raw inside.
• Customize Your Toppings: Once you’ve fried your doughnuts, the fun begins! Glaze them with a simple sugar glaze, dip them in melted chocolate, or sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar. You can even fill them with cream or jam for an extra treat!
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge, and fry it fresh in the morning for a quick breakfast or brunch.