🍩 Homemade Soft & Fluffy Donuts

Ingredients
3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
2 ¼ teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk
1 large egg
3 tablespoons (45 g) unsalted butter, softened
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
Activate the yeast:
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
Make the dough:
Add the egg, melted or softened butter, vanilla, and salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
First rise:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Roll and cut:
Gently punch down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about ½ inch (1.2 cm) thick. Cut out donut shapes using a round cutter, then cut the centers.
Second rise:
Arrange the donuts on a lightly floured or parchment-lined tray. Cover loosely and let them rise for 30–45 minutes, until noticeably puffy.
Fry:
Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil, frying a few at a time. Cook for about 1–2 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown.
Drain and serve:
Remove the donuts and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly before serving.