I recently had the pleasure of discovering an old family recipe tucked away in a dusty old cookbook – homemade donuts. As I flipped through the pages, I stumbled upon a faded photograph of my grandmother smiling proudly as she held a tray of golden-brown donuts. Memories of my childhood came flooding back – the comforting scent of dough frying, the joy of biting into a warm, freshly glazed donut, and the loving hands that prepared them.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup warm milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Oil, for frying
• For the glaze:
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the dough

Start by combining the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Tip: To ensure the yeast activates properly, make sure the milk is warm, but not too hot. Around 110°F (43°C) is the ideal temperature.

Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Then, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the dough rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. This will give the donuts a light and fluffy texture.

The dough resting and rising.

Step 3: Shape the donuts

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or a round biscuit cutter to cut out donut shapes.

Variation: If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can use a round cookie cutter for the outer shape and a smaller one for the center hole.

Transfer the donuts to a lined baking sheet and cover them with a kitchen towel. Allow them to rise for another 30 minutes to an hour.

Step 4: Fry the donuts

Fill a large, deep skillet or pot with about 2 inches of oil and heat it to 350°F (180°C). Carefully lower a few donuts into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or spider strainer.

Fry the donuts for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn golden brown. Remove from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Golden-brown, crispy fried donuts.

Step 5: Glaze and enjoy

While the donuts are still warm, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Dip each donut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off, and then place them on a wire rack to set. If desired, sprinkle some colored sugar or rainbow sprinkles on top for added flair.

Now, it’s time to bite into the soft, pillowy goodness of homemade donuts. Serve them fresh and enjoy with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Conclusion

These homemade donuts hold a special place in my heart, bringing back cherished memories of my grandmother’s kitchen. They serve as a reminder of the power of food to foster connections and create lasting moments. With a little time and effort, you too can create your own delightful donuts at home. So go ahead, dive into the world of homemade donuts and savor every delicious bite!