Are you craving the irresistible sweetness of a perfectly golden-brown sugar donut? Forget store-bought – making your own sugar donuts at home is easier than you think! This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, from creating the fluffy dough to achieving that signature sugary coating. Get ready to enjoy the warm, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of homemade sugar donuts!
Ingredients You'll Need:
Before you start, gather these essential ingredients. Having everything prepped will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup warm water (105-115°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ - 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended!)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Let's get baking! Follow these steps carefully for perfectly delightful donuts.
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and ¼ cup of sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is foamy. This proves the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
2. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine.
3. Add Melted Butter and Salt:
Stir in the melted butter and salt. Make sure everything is nicely incorporated.
4. Gradually Add Flour:
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a soft dough forms. You may not need all 3 cups of flour; the dough should be slightly sticky but not overly wet.
5. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
6. First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
7. Shape the Donuts:
Punch down the dough to release the air. Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or a biscuit cutter and a smaller round cutter for the hole) to cut out the donuts.
8. Second Rise (optional but recommended):
Place the donuts on a lightly floured baking sheet and let rise for another 30 minutes. This optional step helps achieve a lighter and fluffier donut.
9. Fry the Donuts:
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Carefully fry the donuts in batches for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
10. Drain and Coat:
Remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. While still warm, toss the donuts in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon (if using) until evenly coated.
Tips for Donut Perfection:
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Fry the donuts in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much.
- Monitor the oil temperature: Use a candy thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 375°F (190°C) for consistent results.
- Let them cool slightly: Before coating the donuts in sugar, let them cool slightly to prevent the sugar from melting.
Enjoy Your Homemade Sugar Donuts!
Now you have delicious, homemade sugar donuts! Enjoy them warm, with a cup of coffee or milk, or share them with friends and family. The satisfaction of making them yourself is unbeatable! Let us know in the comments how your sugar donut baking went! Happy baking!
