There is nothing quite like the taste of fresh, warm, fluffy donuts made right at home. These classic sugar-coated donuts are soft, tender, slightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying. Unlike store-bought donuts that often sit for hours, homemade donuts give you unmatched freshness, rich aroma, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.
This recipe is simple, beginner-friendly, and requires ingredients you probably already have at home. Whether you are preparing them for a family breakfast, a weekend treat, or a special celebration, these donuts will easily become a favorite in your home. Follow the detailed steps below to create the softest and most delicious donuts you’ve ever tasted.
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Ingredients
For the dough:
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For frying and coating:
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
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Instructions
1. Prepare the dough
Start by mixing the dry ingredients together. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Stir them lightly to distribute everything evenly.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, then add the softened butter. Mix until a soft dough forms. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 7–10 minutes. If kneading by hand, work the dough until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
2. First rise (proofing)
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Allow it to rise for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size. The dough should look puffy and airy, as shown in the photo.
3. Shape the donuts
Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small) to cut donut shapes.
Arrange the donuts on parchment-lined baking trays. Make sure to leave a little space between them since they will rise again.
4. Second rise
Cover the shaped donuts with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for 30–45 minutes until visibly puffy. This step is essential for creating that soft, airy interior.
5. Fry the donuts
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Gently drop in the donuts, frying 2–3 at a time to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side until golden brown, usually about 1 minute per side.
Place the donuts on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Coat with sugar
While the donuts are still warm, dip them in a bowl of granulated sugar. The sugar sticks perfectly to the warm surface, giving each donut a sweet, crisp exterior and a beautiful finish.
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Tips for Perfect Homemade Donuts
Use warm—not hot—milk
The milk should be warm to activate the yeast but not too hot; otherwise, it may kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising properly.
Do not over-knead
The dough should be soft and smooth. Over-kneading can make the donuts dense instead of tender.
Maintain proper oil temperature
Hotter oil will burn the outside before the inside cooks. Cooler oil will absorb too much oil, making the donuts greasy. Keep the temperature steady at 350°F for best results.
Fry in small batches
Frying too many donuts at once lowers the oil temperature and affects the texture. Small batches ensure even cooking and beautiful color.
Coat the donuts while warm
Sugar adheres much better to warm donuts, giving them an even and soft sugar crust.
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Serving Suggestions
These soft, sweet donuts are wonderful just as they are, but you can also customize them:
• Dust with powdered sugar
• Coat in cinnamon sugar
• Dip in chocolate glaze
• Fill with custard, jam, or Nutella
• Serve with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
They are perfect for brunches, celebrations, special breakfasts, or simply as a comforting homemade treat. Kids love them, but adults enjoy them just as much.
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Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers, store them properly to maintain freshness:
• Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfried donuts after shaping. When ready, thaw, let them rise, and fry fresh.
• Reheating: Warm briefly in the microwave for a soft texture.
Homemade donuts taste best on the same day, but with proper storage, you can enjoy them for longer.
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Why Homemade Donuts Are Worth Making
Making donuts at home gives you full control over the ingredients and the quality of the final product. You can avoid preservatives, artificial flavors, and overly processed oils. The experience itself is enjoyable, especially when the kitchen fills with the smell of warm, freshly fried dough.
It’s also a rewarding activity to share with family. Kids love cutting out donut shapes and coating them in sugar, while adults appreciate the nostalgic comfort of homemade, bakery-style donuts.
If you’re searching for a treat that brings joy to any moment, these donuts are perfect. They’re soft, sweet, and incredibly satisfying—everything a donut should be.