Fluffy Homemade Donuts

These Fluffy Homemade Donuts are light, airy, and easy to make, with a golden exterior and soft interior. Perfect for a delightful breakfast or snack!

Ingredients:

• For the Donut Batter:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted to ensure a fine texture
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar, preferably fine-grained for even sweetness
  • 1 tsp baking powder, for a perfect rise
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt, to balance the flavors
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature for smooth blending
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature to enhance batter consistency
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled to avoid cooking the egg
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, for a rich aromatic flavor
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying, approximately 2-3 cups depending on pot size
• Optional Glaze (if desired):
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift the all-purpose flour to remove any lumps, then whisk it together with the granulated sugar, baking powder, and fine sea salt. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and sweetness, setting the foundation for a uniform donut texture.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the room-temperature milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully blended. The warm butter should be cooled slightly to prevent it from scrambling the egg, creating a smooth and cohesive liquid mixture.
3. Make the Batter: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or spatula. Mix until just combined, ensuring no dry pockets remain but avoiding overmixing to maintain the batter’s lightness. The batter should be thick yet pourable, with a slightly sticky consistency.
4. Heat the Oil: Pour 2-3 cups of vegetable or canola oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or use a deep fryer, heating it to a steady 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy, or test the oil by dropping a small bit of batter in—if it sizzles and rises to the surface, it’s ready. Maintain this temperature throughout frying to avoid greasy donuts.
5. Shape the Donuts: Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, or use a spoon and your fingers to shape. Carefully pipe or drop the batter into the hot oil in small portions, forming donut shapes about 2-3 inches in diameter. Work in batches of 2-4 donuts to prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and affect texture.
6. Fry to Golden Perfection: Fry each donut for 1-2 minutes on one side, or until golden brown, then flip using a slotted spoon or tongs. Cook the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes until evenly colored. The total frying time should not exceed 4 minutes per batch to keep the interior fluffy. Remove donuts and drain on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
7. Cool and Prepare for Glazing (Optional): Allow the donuts to cool on the paper towels for 5-10 minutes. If glazing, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a shallow bowl until smooth. Dip each warm donut into the glaze, coating one side, and let excess drip off. Place on a wire rack to set for about 10-15 minutes.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the donuts warm for the best flavor and texture. Arrange on a platter and enjoy plain, glazed, or with additional toppings like sprinkles or cinnamon sugar. For an extra treat, pair with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
9. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven to restore their softness. For longer storage, freeze unglazed donuts for up to 1 month; thaw and glaze before serving.

Tips for Success:

• Ensure the oil temperature remains consistent by adjusting the heat as needed. Too hot, and the donuts will brown too quickly; too cool, and they’ll absorb oil.
• Toast the donuts lightly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes before serving leftovers to revive their freshness.
• Experiment with fillings by injecting jam or cream using a piping bag after cooling, if desired.

Indulge in these Exquisitely Fluffy Homemade Donuts with Golden Perfection,