🍩 Golden Glazed Twisted Donuts

Ingredients
For the Dough:
4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
2¼ tsp (7 g) active dry yeast
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
½ tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup (240 ml) warm milk
4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
For Frying:
Vegetable oil, as needed for deep frying
For the Glaze:
2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
3–4 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions

1. Activate the yeast
   In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
2. Make the dough
   Add the remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Mix well. Gradually add the flour, stirring until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
4. Let it 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.
5. Shape the twisted donuts
   Gently punch down the dough and divide it into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope. Twist or braid the rope into your desired shape, then place the shaped pastries on a lightly floured tray. Cover and let them rest for another 20–30 minutes.
6. Fry
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the dough pieces into the hot oil, working in small batches.
   Fry for about 2–3 minutes per side, turning gently, until beautifully golden brown and cooked through.
   Transfer them to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Make the glaze
   Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Add a little more milk if needed to reach a smooth dipping consistency.
8. Glaze the pastries
   While the pastries are still slightly warm, dip them into the glaze. Let the excess glaze drip off, then place them on a wire rack.
   Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes.