Homemade Yeast Donuts Recipe:
Homemade Yeast Donuts Recipe: Ingredients: For the donuts: 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C) 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet or 7g) active dry yeast 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened 3 large egg yolks 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon salt Vegetable oil for frying For the glaze: 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar 1/4 cup (60ml) milk or water 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Food coloring (optional) Instructions: In a small bowl, combine the warmed milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, add the flour, softened butter, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture. Using a dough hook attachment (if using a stand mixer) or a wooden spoon, mix the ingredients until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two differently sized round cookie cutters to cut out donuts. If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can use a drinking glass to cut out the larger circles and a smaller bottle cap for the center holes. Place the cut-out donuts and donut holes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. While the donuts are rising, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk or water, and vanilla extract in a bowl. If you want to add color to the glaze, divide it into smaller bowls and mix in a few drops of food coloring.
In a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or a deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop a few donuts at a time into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pot. Fry each side for about 1 to 2 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried donuts and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil. Once the donuts have slightly cooled, dip them into the glaze, coating them fully. Place them on a wire rack to let the glaze set. Enjoy your homemade donuts while they are still fresh and delicious! Remember, making donuts from scratch can be a bit time-consuming, but the end result is totally worth it! Have fun and happy baking!