Basic Yeast Donuts with Many Variations

Indulge in the joy of making and savoring delicious yeast donuts with this versatile recipe. Customize your donuts with various toppings and fillings for a treat that suits your taste

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons 1 packet active dry yeast
• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Optional toppings and fillings e
• g
• , powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, chocolate glaze, jam, etc

Instructions:

Warm the milk until its just slightly warm to the touch, around 110F 43C

In a bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar

Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture, stir gently, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt

Add the softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract

Pour in the yeast mixture

Mix the dough until it comes together, then knead it on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size

Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness

Cut out donut shapes using a donut cutter or two differently sized round cutters

Place the cut donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes

Heat vegetable oil in a deep, heavy pot to 350F 175C

Carefully add the donuts to the hot oil, frying for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through

Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel-lined tray

While still warm, you can coat the donuts in powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or dip them in glaze or fill them with your favorite jam

Enjoy your homemade donuts