Ingredients
For the Dough
4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
2¼ teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 tablespoons (70 g) unsalted butter, softened
For Frying
4–6 cups vegetable oil, or enough for deep frying
For the Sugar Coating
1½ cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
👩🍳 Instructions
- Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of the sugar, and the yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
Tip: The milk should be warm, not hot. Very hot milk can prevent the yeast from working properly. - Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough begins to form.
Add the softened butter gradually while kneading. Continue kneading for about 8–10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth, soft, and slightly elastic.
The dough should feel soft and a little tacky, but it should not be excessively sticky. - Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
Let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1–1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size. - Shape the Donuts
Transfer the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Gently roll it out to approximately ½ inch (1.2 cm) thick.
Cut out the donuts using a donut cutter or two round cutters. Make sure to cut the center holes.
Place the shaped donuts on a parchment-lined or lightly floured tray, leaving some space between them.
Cover loosely and let them rest for another 20–30 minutes. - Heat the Oil
Pour the vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot.
Heat the oil to approximately 350°F (175°C).
Use a kitchen thermometer if possible. Maintaining the correct temperature helps the donuts cook evenly without becoming greasy. - Fry the Donuts
Carefully place a few donuts into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot.
Fry for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, turning once, until they become beautifully golden brown.
Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
Repeat with the remaining donuts. - Coat With Sugar
While the donuts are still warm, place the granulated sugar in a shallow bowl.
Roll each donut in the sugar until completely coated.
For extra flavor, mix the sugar with a little cinnamon before coating. - Serve
Serve the donuts warm or at room temperature.
They are especially delicious with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk. 🍩☕