Soft, fluffy, and freshly made from scratch—this doughnut recipe is perfect for any occasion.
Whether you prefer classic sugar-coated, creamy-filled, or decadent glazed doughnuts, this versatile base recipe gives you the freedom to create your own delicious variations. Making doughnuts at home is not only fun, but also incredibly satisfying. Follow this step-by-step guide and feel free to get creative with your fillings and toppings.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cake flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1–2 cups warm milk (adjust as needed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
- 65g (about 5 tablespoons) softened butter
- 6 teaspoons sugar
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, warm milk, egg, salt, yeast, butter, and sugar.
- Mix until a soft dough forms. Adjust the milk as needed to achieve the right consistency.
- Knead the dough for 10–15 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Transfer to a lightly greased bowl, cover with cling film, and let it rise for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.
2. Shape the Doughnuts
- Roll out the risen dough on a lightly floured surface to about ½ inch thickness.
- Use a doughnut cutter to shape classic doughnuts, or shape into balls or strips for filled varieties.
- Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a clean towel, and let them rise again for 1–2 hours until puffed up.
3. Fry the Doughnuts
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry doughnuts in batches, about 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Fill or Decorate
Allow doughnuts to cool slightly before filling or glazing. Choose from the following variations:
Doughnut Variations
Cream Doughnuts
- Slice the doughnuts in half, leaving one side intact.
- Pipe whipped cream into the centre and top with a glazed cherry and a dusting of icing sugar.
Sugar Doughnuts
- Mix granulated sugar with a bit of cinnamon.
- Toss warm doughnuts in the mixture to coat evenly.
Glazed Doughnuts
- Combine icing sugar with a bit of water to make a smooth glaze.
- Add vanilla essence or food colouring if desired.
- Dip cooled doughnuts halfway into the glaze and decorate with sprinkles.
Jam-Filled Doughnuts
- Roll warm doughnuts in sugar and cinnamon.
- Use a piping bag to fill each with your favourite jam through a small hole at the base.
Coffee Doughnuts
- Mix icing sugar, butter, strong brewed coffee, and melted chocolate for a rich glaze.
- Dip the tops of cooled doughnuts and drizzle with white chocolate.
Tips for Perfect Doughnuts:
- Use warm milk to help activate the yeast and encourage a good rise.
- Monitor oil temperature carefully to prevent burning or undercooking.
- Allow proper rising time both before and after shaping to achieve fluffy doughnuts.
- Experiment with flavours—the dough is a great base for all kinds of toppings and fillings.
- Enjoy fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 1–2 days.
Fun Variations to Try:
- Chocolate-Dipped: Dip in melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped nuts.
- Maple Bacon: Glaze with maple syrup and top with crispy bacon.
- Lemon Cream: Fill with lemon curd and top with lemon glaze.
- Matcha Glazed: Add matcha powder to the glaze for a unique twist.
- Nutella-Filled: Pipe Nutella into each doughnut for a chocolate-hazelnut delight.
Conclusion
Homemade doughnuts are a delightful treat that’s worth every step. This flexible recipe gives you a reliable base and endless options to tailor them to your taste. From classic sugar-coated to indulgent cream-filled or coffee-glazed, these doughnuts are sure to impress anyone you serve them to.
So gather your ingredients, follow the process, and enjoy the delicious reward of making your own fresh doughnuts at home. Happy baking!