Homemade Fluffy Fried Doughnuts Recipe

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Ingredients:

For the dough:

3½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour

¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar

2¼ tsp (7 g) active dry yeast (1 packet)

½ tsp salt

¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk (about 40°C or 105°F)

2 large eggs, room temperature

4 tbsp (55 g) unsalted butter, softened

½ tsp vanilla extract (optional, but adds great flavor)

¼ tsp grated nutmeg (optional, for warmth)

For frying:

Vegetable oil or canola oil (enough for deep frying)

Optional fillings & toppings:

Jam, custard, or Nutella (for filling)

Powdered sugar or granulated sugar (for coating)

Melted chocolate (for drizzle)

🥣 Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Activate the yeast

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
  2. Stir lightly and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until the surface becomes frothy.
    (If the yeast doesn’t foam, it’s inactive — start over with new yeast.)

Step 2: Prepare the dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
  2. Add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla, and the activated yeast mixture.
  3. Mix with a spoon or dough hook until the dough begins to come together.
  4. Knead the dough for 10–12 minutes by hand or 7–8 minutes in a mixer on medium speed, until smooth and elastic.
  5. The dough should be soft, slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too wet, add a little flour (1 tablespoon at a time).

Step 3: First rise

  1. Grease a large bowl with a touch of oil.
  2. Place the dough inside, turning once to coat the surface with oil.
  3. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a damp towel.
  4. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the doughnuts

  1. Punch down the risen dough to release excess air.
  2. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ½ inch (1.2 cm) thickness.
  3. Use a round cutter (or the rim of a glass) to cut circles.
  4. Place each dough circle on a parchment-lined tray, spaced slightly apart.
  5. Cover loosely with a towel and let rise again for 30–40 minutes, until puffy and light.

Step 5: Fry the doughnuts

  1. In a deep pan, heat oil to 170–175°C (340–350°F).
    (Use a thermometer — too hot will brown them too fast; too cool will absorb oil.)
  2. Gently drop 3–4 doughnuts at a time into the oil.
  3. Fry each side for 1½–2 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and puffed.
  4. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

👉 The pale ring around the middle (like in your photo) shows perfect frying temperature and proofing — a sign of fluffy, well-risen doughnuts.

Step 6: Fill or coat

Once cooled slightly:

Roll the doughnuts in powdered sugar or granulated sugar.

Or, using a piping bag, fill with jam, custard, or Nutella.
Insert the tip into the side and squeeze gently.

🍫 Optional Cream Filling Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup (240 ml) milk

2 egg yolks

¼ cup (50 g) sugar

2 tbsp (20 g) cornstarch

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp butter

Directions:

  1. Heat the milk in a saucepan until warm but not boiling.
  2. In another bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
  3. Gradually pour in the warm milk while whisking.
  4. Return mixture to the pan and cook on low heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
  5. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and butter.
  6. Cool completely before filling your doughnuts.

🧑‍🍳 Tips for Perfect Doughnuts

Kneading: Proper kneading builds gluten, giving your doughnuts that soft, elastic texture.

Proofing: Don’t rush the rise — under-proofed doughnuts will be dense and oily.

Oil temperature: Maintain around 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for best results.

Drain well: Place on paper towels or a wire rack to avoid soggy bottoms.

Flavor twist: Add cinnamon, orange zest, or cardamom to the dough for extra aroma.

🍯 Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with:

A dusting of powdered sugar

Chocolate drizzle

A side of coffee or hot chocolate

Vanilla custard dip or fruit jam

They stay soft for a day at room temperature, but you can reheat them briefly in the microwave or air fryer to restore that just-fried texture.

🧁 Storage Tips

Store cooled doughnuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Freeze unfilled doughnuts for up to 2 months — thaw and warm before serving.

Avoid refrigerating (it can dry them out).

💡 Fun Variations

  1. Boston Cream Donuts — Fill with vanilla custard and top with chocolate glaze.
  2. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts — Toss in cinnamon-sugar mix while still warm.
  3. Jam Donuts (Berliner Style) — Inject with strawberry or raspberry jam.
  4. Glazed Donuts — Dip in simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla).

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