There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, fluffy, sugar-coated donut. These Simple Homemade Sugar Donuts are made from a classic yeast dough that’s easy to prepare and yields deliciously soft donuts. Perfect for a weekend treat or a special occasion, these donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they’re so good that they won’t last long! Follow this simple recipe and enjoy the comforting, irresistible taste of homemade sugar donuts.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2½ tsp active dry yeast
- 2 Tbsp warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- ½ tsp granulated sugar (for proofing the yeast)
For the Donut Dough:
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 oz unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
For the Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating the fried donuts)
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast, 2 tablespoons of warm water, and ½ teaspoon of granulated sugar. Gently mix the ingredients and allow them to rest for approximately 5-10 minutes until a foam forms on the surface. This foaming action signifies that the yeast is activated and prepared for use.
2. Prepare the Dough:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine the all-purpose flour, warm milk, unsalted butter, egg yolks, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and kosher salt.
- Add the activated yeast mixture to the bowl.
- Mix on low speed until the ingredients are well combined, then increase to medium speed and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise:
- Coat a spacious bowl with a thin layer of oil and place the dough inside, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the Donuts:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air.
- Transfer the dough to a surface dusted with flour and roll it out to a thickness of approximately ½ inch.
- Use a donut cutter or a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough. Use a smaller cutter (about 1 inch) to cut out the center hole.
- Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut out more donuts until all the dough is used.
5. Second Rise:
- Arrange the shaped donuts and holes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Cover them loosely with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up slightly.
6. Fry the Donuts:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature throughout frying.
- Gently add 2-3 donuts to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for approximately 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a rich golden brown color.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Coat the Donuts:
- While the donuts are still warm, roll them in the granulated sugar until fully coated. If the sugar doesn’t stick well, you can lightly brush the donuts with a bit of melted butter before coating.
8. Serve:
- For optimal flavor and texture, savor the donuts while they are still warm.
- Serve them with your favorite hot beverage or as a sweet treat any time of day.
Conclusion
These Simple Homemade Sugar Donuts are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal effort. With their soft, fluffy interior and crisp sugar coating, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, dessert, or just because, these donuts are a delicious way to indulge in homemade comfort food. Happy frying and enjoy every bite!
Simple Homemade Sugar Donuts
These Simple Homemade Sugar Donuts are light,fluffy, and coated in a generous layer of granulated sugar. Made with a classicyeast dough, these donuts are perfect for breakfast, a sweet snack, or aspecial treat.
Ingredients
- 2½ tsp active dry yeast
- 2 Tbsp warm water about 110°F/43°C
- ½ tsp granulated sugar for proofing the yeast
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk warm (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 oz unsalted butter room temperature
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar for coating the fried donuts
Instructions
Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast, 2 tablespoons of warm water, and ½ teaspoon of granulated sugar. Gently mix the ingredients and allow them to rest for approximately 5-10 minutes until a foam forms on the surface. This foaming action signifies that the yeast is activated and prepared for use.
Prepare the Dough:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine the all-purpose flour, warm milk, unsalted butter, egg yolks, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and kosher salt.
- Add the activated yeast mixture to the bowl.
- Mix on low speed until the ingredients are well combined, then increase to medium speed and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
First Rise:
- Coat a spacious bowl with a thin layer of oil and place the dough inside, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Donuts:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air.
- Transfer the dough to a surface dusted with flour and roll it out to a thickness of approximately ½ inch.
- Use a donut cutter or a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough. Use a smaller cutter (about 1 inch) to cut out the center hole.
- Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut out more donuts until all the dough is used.
Second Rise:
- Arrange the shaped donuts and holes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Cover them loosely with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up slightly.
Fry the Donuts:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature throughout frying.
- Gently add 2-3 donuts to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for approximately 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a rich golden brown color.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
Coat the Donuts:
- While the donuts are still warm, roll them in the granulated sugar until fully coated. If the sugar doesn’t stick well, you can lightly brush the donuts with a bit of melted butter before coating.
Serve:
- For optimal flavor and texture, savor the donuts while they are still warm.
- Serve them with your favorite hot beverage or as a sweet treat any time of day.