🍩 Soft & Fluffy Homemade Sugar Donuts

Ingredients
For the Dough
4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (240 ml) warm whole milk
2 ¼ teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frying
Vegetable oil, enough for deep frying
For the Sugar Coating
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
Instructions
Activate the Yeast:
Pour the warm milk into a large bowl. Add the yeast and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
Make the Dough:
Add the remaining sugar, egg, vanilla extract, softened butter, and salt. Mix well. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, until smooth, soft, and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but not wet.
First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Donuts:
Gently punch down the dough and roll it out to about ½ inch (1.2 cm) thick. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to cut out the donut shapes.
Second Rise:
Place the donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. Cover loosely and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes, until noticeably puffy.
Heat the Oil:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Keep the temperature between 340–360°F (170–180°C) while frying.
Fry:
Carefully place a few donuts into the hot oil. Fry for about 1–2 minutes per side, or until puffed and evenly golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pot.
Drain:
Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
Coat with Sugar:
While the donuts are still warm, gently toss them in the granulated sugar until completely coated.
Serve:
Let them cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh and fluffy. 🍩