Homemade Fried Donuts
These homemade fried donuts are warm, crisp outside, pillow-soft inside, and deeply nostalgic. A treasured family recipe, perfect for weekend breakfasts or special gatherings. Customize with cinnamon sugar, glaze, or your favorite toppings!
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
- Candy Thermometer
- Rolling Pin
- Round Cutters
Ingredients
Donut Dough
- 3.5 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 2.25 tsp active dry yeast one packet
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup whole milk warmed to 110°F
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Frying
- 2 quarts vegetable oil or canola oil for frying
Coating/Glaze (Choose One)
- 1 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting
- 2 cups powdered sugar for glaze
- 0.25 cup milk for glaze
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for glaze
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, flour, salt, and nutmeg.
- Combine wet ingredients: Beat the eggs lightly, then add the melted butter and vanilla extract.
- Create the dough: Pour the yeast and egg mixtures into the dry ingredients and mix to form a shaggy dough.
- Knead the dough: Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (1-1½ hours).
- Roll out the dough: Punch down, roll out to ½-inch thickness.
- Cut the donuts: Use a 3-inch cutter for donuts and a 1-inch cutter for holes.
- Second rise: Arrange on parchment-lined sheets, cover, and rise 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Heat the oil: Heat oil to 350°F (use candy thermometer).
- Fry the donuts: Fry 2-3 at a time, 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain excess oil: Remove to a paper towel-lined plate or rack.
- Coat: While still warm, roll in cinnamon sugar, dust with powdered sugar, or dip in glaze.
Notes
Don't overcrowd the pot while frying. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best results. Customize toppings as you like — simple sugar, chocolate glaze, jam filling, or sprinkles!