Ingredients

For the Dough:

• Milk: 1 cup, warm (about 110°F)
• Active Dry Yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons
• Sugar: ¼ cup
• Eggs: 2 large, at room temperature
• Butter: 6 tablespoons, melted
• Salt: ½ teaspoon
• All-Purpose Flour: 4 cups (plus extra for dusting)

For the Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar: 2 cups
• Milk: ⅓ cup
• Vanilla Extract: 1 ½ teaspoons

For Frying:

• Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil: Enough to fill a pot or deep fryer with about 2 inches of oil.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough
   • In a small bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F (warm to the touch, but not hot). Add the active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy.
2. Mix the Dough Ingredients
   • In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture to the bowl and stir to combine.
3. Add Flour and Knead
   • Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once the dough comes together, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook and knead for about 5-6 minutes on medium speed.
4. First Rise
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the Doughnuts
   • Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two different-sized round cutters to cut out doughnut shapes. Place the cut doughnuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
6. Second Rise
   • Cover the doughnuts with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they’re puffy and slightly risen.
7. Prepare the Oil for Frying
   • Heat the oil in a large, deep pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oil temperature is accurate, as too hot will burn the doughnuts and too cool will make them absorb too much oil.
8. Fry the Doughnuts
   • Carefully place a few doughnuts in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry each side for about 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the doughnuts and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. Make the Glaze
   • While the doughnuts are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
10. Glaze the Doughnuts
    • Dip each warm doughnut into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place the glazed doughnuts on a wire rack to set for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per doughnut, based on 12 doughnuts)

• Calories: 300
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 4g

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.

Tips for Making the Perfect Glazed Doughnuts

1. Use Fresh Yeast: Fresh yeast ensures proper rising, which is essential for fluffy doughnuts. If your yeast mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired.
2. Keep the Dough Soft: Doughnut dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Avoid adding too much flour, as it can make the doughnuts dense.
3. Monitor Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at the right temperature (about 350°F) is crucial. If the oil is too hot, the doughnuts will brown too quickly on the outside, leaving the inside raw. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
4. Don’t Overcrowd: Fry a few doughnuts at a time. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature, affecting cooking time and texture.
5. Glaze While Warm: Dipping the doughnuts in glaze while they’re still warm helps the glaze adhere better, giving you that classic, glossy finish.
6. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor, or substitute almond or maple extract for vanilla in the glaze.

FAQs

1. Can I make these doughnuts in advance?

Yes! Prepare the dough up to the second rise, then refrigerate overnight. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before frying for the best results.

2. Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, though they won’t have the same classic texture. To bake, preheat the oven to 375°F, place the shaped doughnuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden.

3. How do I prevent my doughnuts from being greasy?

Proper oil temperature is key. Ensure the oil is at 350°F before adding the doughnuts and avoid overcrowding. After frying, place doughnuts on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

4. Can I freeze these doughnuts?

Yes, these doughnuts freeze well. Place cooled, unglazed doughnuts in a freezer-safe bag or container. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.

5. How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar for thickness or a little milk for a thinner glaze.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze may slightly harden, but they’ll still be delicious.
• Refrigeration: If you need to store them longer, keep the doughnuts in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed doughnuts in an airtight container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then reheat if desired and glaze before serving.

Conclusion

Making Classic Glazed Doughnuts from scratch is a rewarding experience that brings the indulgence of a bakery to your own kitchen. With a fluffy, pillowy dough, rich buttery flavor, and sweet vanilla glaze, these doughnuts are perfect for any occasion. Once you’ve mastered the technique, feel free to get creative with fillings and toppings, such as chocolate glazes, sprinkles, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy these homemade treats with loved ones, and experience the joy of biting into a freshly made doughnut!