🍩 Homemade Golden Donuts

Ingredients
3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
2 ¼ tsp (7 g) active dry yeast
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk
2 large eggs
4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
Activate the yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
Make the dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and activated yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
First rise:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the donuts:
Roll the dough out to about ½ inch (1.25 cm) thick. Cut out donut rings using a round cutter, then make the center hole with a smaller cutter.
Second rise:
Place the donuts on a lightly floured tray, cover loosely, and let them rest for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
Cook:
Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches for about 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Drain:
Transfer them to a paper towel-lined tray to remove excess oil.
Serve:
Let them cool slightly, then enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or glazed with your favorite topping.