Homemade Number-Shaped Donuts

Ingredients
For the Donut Dough
3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (180 ml) warm whole milk
2 ¼ teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
For Frying
Vegetable oil, enough for deep frying
For the Glaze
2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
3–4 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decorating
Melted chocolate
Pink, white, or colorful icing
Rainbow sprinkles
Chopped nuts
Mini chocolate chips
Cookie crumbs, optional
👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Dough
   In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
   Add the egg, melted butter, vanilla, and activated yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
   Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes, either by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. The dough should become smooth and elastic and slightly soft.
2. 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 about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Shape the Numbers
   Lightly flour your work surface and gently roll the dough to about ½ inch (1.2 cm) thick.
   Use number-shaped cutters to cut out the desired numbers. If you don’t have number cutters, you can carefully cut the shapes using a printed paper template and a small knife.
   Place the number donuts on a parchment-lined tray, leaving space between them.
   Cover loosely and let them rest for another 15–20 minutes.
4. Fry the Donuts
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
   Carefully place a few donuts into the hot oil at a time. Do not overcrowd the pot.
   Fry for about 1–2 minutes per side, turning gently, until beautifully golden brown.
   Transfer them to a wire rack lined underneath with paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Make the Glaze
   In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
   For thicker icing, add a little more powdered sugar. For a thinner glaze, add a few drops of milk.
6. Decorate
   Once the donuts have cooled completely, dip the tops into the glaze.
   Decorate with colorful sprinkles, melted chocolate, chopped nuts, cookie crumbs, or any toppings you love.
   Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.