Easy Homemade Donuts Recipe
Making donuts at home is a fun and delicious way to enjoy this classic treat. This recipe is simple and doesn't require a lot of special equipment.
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg (if using).
- In another bowl, beat the sugar, melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
Roll and Cut the Dough:
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one larger and one smaller) to cut out donut shapes. You can also use a bottle cap for the smaller circle if needed.
Heat the Oil:
- In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature.
Fry the Donuts:
- Carefully add a few donuts to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Prepare the Glaze:
- In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
Glaze the Donuts:
- Dip the warm donuts into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to set.
Enjoy:
- Enjoy your homemade donuts warm or at room temperature.
Tips and Variations:
- Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Instead of glazing, toss the warm donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
- Chocolate Glaze: Melt 1/2 cup of chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of butter and a splash of milk, then dip the donuts in the chocolate glaze.
- Filled Donuts: Cut out larger circles of dough without a hole, fry, and fill with jam, custard, or cream using a pastry bag.
Enjoy your delicious homemade donuts!
