Best Homemade Donuts Recipe: Easy, No-Machine, Sugar-Coated Perfection
Craving the best homemade donuts? Try this easy, no-machine recipe for soft, sugar-coated donuts perfect with coffee or tea. Learn step-by-step instructions and tips for fluffy, delicious results!
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly made donuts wafting through your kitchen in the morning. Whether you’re enjoying them with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, these best homemade donuts are a treat everyone will love. This recipe is simple, requires no special machines, and yields soft, fluffy donuts coated in sugar for the perfect sweet bite.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the entire process, from mixing the dough to frying and coating your donuts. Plus, I’ll share tips and tricks to ensure your donuts turn out perfectly every time. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No special equipment needed: No donut maker or stand mixer required!
- Soft and fluffy texture: Perfectly kneaded dough ensures light, airy donuts.
- Customizable: Coat your donuts in sugar, cinnamon sugar, or even glaze them.
- Quick proofing: Ready in just over an hour, perfect for a weekend treat.
Ingredients for Best Homemade Donuts
To make these delicious homemade donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 250g (1 cup + 2/3 cup + 1/2 tbsp) All-purpose flour: The base of your dough.
- 120g (1/2 cup) Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
- 30g (1/8 cup) Sugar: For a touch of sweetness.
- 2g (1/4 tsp) Salt: Balances the flavors.
- 3g (1 tsp) Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
- 1 Egg (55g): Adds structure and richness.
- 30g (1 oz) Unsalted butter: Makes the dough soft and tender.
- Oil: For frying the donuts.
- Caster Sugar: For coating the donuts after frying.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 250g of all-purpose flour, 2g of salt, 30g of sugar, and 3g of instant yeast. Mix these dry ingredients evenly.
- Beat 1 egg in a separate bowl and add it to the flour mixture. Use a spatula to mix the ingredients until they’re slightly combined.
- Gradually add 120ml of milk in small increments, mixing as you go. This ensures the dough comes together smoothly.
Pro Tip: The softness of the dough is key to fluffy donuts. Don’t be afraid if the dough feels sticky at first—this is normal!
2. Knead the Dough
- Once the dough starts to come together, switch from the spatula to your hands and begin kneading. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes very sticky.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for 20 minutes. This helps the dough firm up slightly, making it easier to knead.
- After chilling, continue kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This should take another 5-7 minutes.
- Add 30g of softened unsalted butter to the dough. Knead it in until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough becomes very soft and pliable. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it proof for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Pro Tip: For faster proofing, place the dough in a warm, draft-free area.
4. Shape the Donuts
- Once the dough has proofed, gently punch it down to release any excess air.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Use a donut cutter (or a round cookie cutter and a smaller cutter for the hole) to punch out 10 donuts. Place the donuts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the donuts with plastic wrap and let them rest for 30 minutes. This second proofing ensures they’ll be light and airy when fried.
5. Fry the Donuts
- Heat oil in a wok or deep frying pan over medium heat until it reaches 320°F (160°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the temperature is accurate.
- Carefully lower the donuts into the hot oil, frying 2-3 at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Pro Tip: Maintain the oil temperature to ensure even cooking. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly and remain undercooked inside.
6. Coat the Donuts
- While the donuts are still warm, roll them in caster sugar or a mixture of cinnamon sugar.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Donuts
- Use fresh yeast: This ensures the dough rises properly.
- Don’t skip the chilling step: It makes the dough easier to handle.
- Fry at the right temperature: Too hot, and the donuts will burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil.
- Experiment with coatings: Try glazes, chocolate drizzle, or powdered sugar for variety.
FAQs About Homemade Donuts
1. Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the donuts for 8-10 minutes or until golden. However, frying gives them that classic donut texture.
2. How do I store leftover donuts?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
3. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! After the first proofing, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before shaping and frying.
Conclusion
These best homemade donuts are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. With just a few simple ingredients and no special equipment, you can create fluffy, sugar-coated donuts that rival your favorite bakery. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a snack, or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
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