If you too want to make fluffy and golden donuts, be sure to try this Awesome Homemade Donut Recipe, perfect for National Donut Day. Make these and treat your family to a sweet circle of joy, one of America’s sweetest festivals, perfect for creating a joyous atmosphere even during Christmas.
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Awesome Homemade Donut Recipe: Sweet Circles of Joy, National Donut Day –
- National Donut Day is a sweet holiday celebrated in every home year-round. It brings the aroma of fried dough to shiny perfection and the magic of pure joy.
- If you prefer donuts glazed with glistening fillings and sprinkles, this recipe is easy to make at home, creating fluffy, golden donuts. This article provides step-by-step instructions in very simple terms. Even if you’re a beginner, you’ll be ready to master them.
- In it, you’ll learn everything from kneading the dough to making those delicious, luscious circles of joy that will make for a dazzling celebration of National Donut Day in style.
Time:
Prep time for the ultimate homemade donut recipe:
- Prep – 18 to 20 minutes
- Resting – 1 hour
- Cooking time – 12 to 15 minutes
- Complete time – about 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings – 12 donuts
All the ingredients needed:
Gather all the ingredients needed for the ultimate homemade donut recipe, creating soft, light donuts and a shiny glazed top. Then, let’s get started.
Ingredients for the donut dough:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3 1/2 cups flour
- 5 tablespoons softened butter, melted
Ingredients for frying:
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Optional: Ingredients for topping:
- Sprinkles
- Chocolate glaze
- Coconut flakes
- Cinnamon
- Crushed nuts
Step-by-step instructions for making donuts at home:
1. Activating the yeast:
- Use a large mixing bowl. Add the warm milk and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let stand for 8 to 10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
Tip: When your yeast doesn’t foam, it could be that it’s expired, or your milk may be too cold or too hot.
2. Mixing the Wet Ingredients
- Once the yeast is activated, add the egg, then the melted butter and vanilla extract, beating vigorously until the mixture is lightly creamy and smooth.
3. Adding the Dry Ingredients
- Slowly add the flour and salt to the prepared wet mixture.
- Use a wooden spoon or two-kneading attachments to incorporate and continue mixing until well combined.
- Knead the dough with a stand mixer or by hand for 7 to 8 minutes, until smooth, slightly tacky, and elastic.
Important Tip – Make sure your dough is soft and not sticky. If needed, add only a tablespoon of flour at a time.
4. First Rise
- Use a bowl. Lightly oil it and place the dough in it.
- Cover it tightly with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- If you prefer a shorter method, preheat the oven to 200°F for 2 minutes, turn it off, and then let the dough rise inside.
5. Shaping the Donuts
- Once the dough has risen, press out all the air. Then, place it on a floured surface and roll it out to a 1/2-inch thickness.
- For the donuts, use a 3-inch round cutter and a 1-inch center cutter.
- The donut hole can be reused, as it fries perfectly.
- Place all the shaped donuts on a parchment-lined baking tray, cover lightly, and let them rise for 35 to 40 minutes.
6. Heating the Oil
- Now, use a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer and add vegetable oil to a depth of 3 inches.
- Preheat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the temperature is consistent.
- Too hot can cause the donuts to burn, and too cold can cause them to absorb oil, ruining your perfect homemade donut recipe.
7. Frying the Donuts
- You can fry 2 to 3 or more donuts at a time to prevent them from sticking together.
- Continue cooking the donuts for about 1 minute, until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to flip and remove them carefully, allowing you to easily remove all the donuts.
Note: Fry the donut holes for 35 to 40 seconds, and the rest is perfect for breakfast while you glaze.
8. Making a Classic Glaze
- Use a bowl and whisk together the milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Dip the hot donuts halfway into the glaze and place them on a rack to allow any excess glaze to drain off.
- To try a chocolate glaze: If you want a chocolate glaze, combine 1 cup powdered sugar,
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder,
- 2 tablespoons milk, and
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.
9. Adding Toppings
If you want a fun touch to your homemade donut recipe, sprinkle your favorite toppings on the donuts before serving, such as:
- Crushed nuts for crunch
- Toasted coconut for a tropical twist
- Use rainbow sprinkles for a fun touch
- Use cinnamon for warmth.
Try alternative variations to celebrate National Donut Day:
- If you want a fun twist on the classic homemade donut recipe, try one of the following:
- For a Berry Bliss donut: Fill with strawberry jam and top with pink ice cream.
- For a chocolate-filled donut – Use a piping bag and pipe chocolate ganache or Nutella into the center.
- For baked donuts, without a bottom – Bake a light donut at 375°F for 11 to 12 minutes, until golden, then glaze.
- For a maple-glazed donut – Add maple syrup to the glaze and sprinkle with bacon crumbs for a sweet, salty flavor. Be sure not to add vanilla extract.
Why is National Donut Day celebrated?
National Donut Day has a heartwarming history. It’s not just a dish, it’s a highly revered recipe.
It was first celebrated in 1938 when the Salvation Army honored the Donut Lassi, a donut served to soldiers during World War I.
To this day, it’s a fun festival that brings together all the doughnut lovers in homes and families across America, creating the best homemade donut recipes, bakery-style, and encompassing everything from Krispy Kreme to Dunkin’ fans.
Pro Tip –
- Here are some pro tips to follow for the best homemade donut recipe, making perfect donuts every time:
- Never knead for too long – as over-kneading can make your doughnuts too thick.
- Be sure to monitor the temperature – the oil needs to maintain a consistent temperature of 350°F for even cooking.
- Be sure to glaze while it’s still warm – the glaze adheres best when the donuts are slightly warm.
- Fresh yeast is essential – be sure to check the expiration date before using.
- To store – Leftover donuts can be stored in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days, or refrigerate for later use.
Storage and reheating –
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator – Donuts can be stored in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
- Freezer – You can store unglazed donuts in the refrigerator for up to 2 months, and thaw and glaze when ready.
- To reheat – Remove from the fryer and microwave for 10 seconds to get a fresh taste.
FAQ
The best homemade donut recipes that answer some of your most frequently asked questions about National Donut Day recipes, and how to correct mistakes.
Q. Can I knead the dough the night before?
Yes! After kneading, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate it overnight. Then, before frying, remove it from the refrigerator and return it to room temperature for 35 to 40 minutes to allow it to settle.
Q. Can I use instant yeast?
Yes! You can substitute the same amount of active dry yeast for instant yeast and skip the activation step and mix it immediately into the dough.
Q. Can I air fry the donuts?
Yes! You can air fry them at 350° Fahrenheit for 5 to 6 minutes. The fried donuts won’t be as crispy, but they’re still delicious.
Q. How to make gluten-free donuts?
You should use a gluten-free baking mix. If you use dry flour, be sure to add a little more milk. This doesn’t use refined flour.
Q. Which is the best oil for frying donuts?
Canola oil or vegetable oil is always great; it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point.
Q. Why do donuts get greasy?
When the oil temperature drops too low, the donuts don’t fry evenly, so they absorb more oil. To maintain a consistent temperature, it should always be at 350°F.
Q. How to make vegan donuts?
To make vegan donuts, use vegan butter, plant-based milk, and a flaxseed egg. (One large flaxseed and three tablespoons of water) to make them fluffy and soft.
Q. What’s the best glaze flavor for National Donut Day?
Classic chocolate and vanilla are best, but strawberry, maple, or lemon glazes add a festive touch.
You too must celebrate with this sweet bite.
There’s something magical about making your own donuts, with their aroma, golden color, and soft, melt-in-your-mouth bite. So, there’s no need for a drive-thru on National Donut Day. You can make a fresh, warm, delicious donut at home.
This delicious homemade donut recipe is perfect for serving with milk, coffee, or a milkshake, creating a classic twist that’s perfect for sharing with family, friends, and neighbors.
A homemade donut is a joyous treat, and nothing beats the joy.
You can make this donut not just during festivals, but whenever you feel like eating it. It’s perfect for making it for yourself or with family for a festive treat.