🍩 Homemade Golden Fried Dough Rings

Ingredients
For the Dough:
4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
1 ¼ cups (300 ml) warm water
2 ¼ tsp (7 g) active dry yeast
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp vegetable oil
For Frying:
4–5 cups vegetable oil, or enough for deep frying
Instructions
Activate the yeast:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
Make the dough:
Add the flour, salt, and vegetable oil. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth, soft, and elastic. The dough should be slightly soft but not overly sticky.
Let it rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the rings:
Gently press down the dough to release excess air. Divide it into 8–10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball, flatten it slightly, then make a hole in the center to create a dough ring.
Second rest:
Place the shaped rings on a lightly floured tray, cover them, and let them rest for 15–20 minutes.
Heat the oil:
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan to approximately 350°F (175°C).
Fry:
Carefully place the dough rings into the hot oil, working in batches. Fry for about 2–3 minutes per side, turning once, until beautifully golden brown and puffed.
Drain:
Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate or rack to drain excess oil.
Serve:
Serve warm and fresh. They’re delicious on their own, or you can enjoy them with honey, powdered sugar, jam, or your favorite dipping sauce.