Easy Homemade Donuts Recipe: From Kitchen to Counter in Under an Hour!

Craving that warm, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth donut experience but don’t want to brave the early morning lines or questionable ingredients at your local shop? You’re in luck! This recipe delivers bakery-quality donuts right in your own kitchen, and the best part? It’s surprisingly easy. We’re talking minimal ingredients, straightforward instructions, and a whole lot of deliciousness. Forget complicated yeast doughs and fussy techniques. This recipe uses a simple baking powder dough that comes together in minutes, meaning you can satisfy your donut desires without spending all day in the kitchen. Get ready to impress your friends and family (or just yourself – we won’t judge!) with these unbelievably easy and undeniably delicious homemade donuts.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is all about simplicity and speed. Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Baking Powder Magic: Unlike traditional donuts that rely on yeast for rising, this recipe uses baking powder. This means no proofing time and a quick rise in the hot oil, resulting in light and airy donuts in a fraction of the time.
• Minimal Ingredients: You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry. No need for a special trip to the store!
• Easy to Customize: The basic donut recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity. Experiment with different glazes, toppings, and flavors to create your perfect donut.
• Foolproof Instructions: We’ve broken down each step into clear, concise instructions, so even novice bakers can achieve donut perfection.
• Perfectly Crispy and Soft: The combination of the baking powder dough and the hot oil creates a donut with a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior – the perfect texture combination!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying (at least 3 inches deep in your pot)

For a simple glaze (optional):

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk (or more, to reach desired consistency)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. A few lumps are okay.
4. Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and gently pat it down to about ½ inch thickness.
5. Cut Out the Donuts: Use a donut cutter (or two different sized round cookie cutters) to cut out the donuts. Use a smaller cutter to create the hole in the center.
6. Heat the Oil: Pour the vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
7. Fry the Donuts: Carefully place 2-3 donuts into the hot oil at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
8. Cook Until Golden Brown: Fry the donuts for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
9. Remove and Drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
10. Make the Glaze (optional): While the donuts are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
11. Glaze the Donuts: Dip the warm donuts into the glaze and place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
12. Enjoy! Serve the donuts immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in tough donuts. Mix until just combined.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at a consistent temperature is crucial for even cooking. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat as needed. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will burn on the outside before they cook through. If the oil is not hot enough, the donuts will absorb too much oil and be greasy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Frying too many donuts at once will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts. Fry in batches of 2-3 donuts at a time.
• Use Fresh Oil: Fresh oil will give you the best-tasting donuts. Avoid using oil that has been used to fry other foods, as it may impart unwanted flavors.
• Let the Donuts Cool Slightly Before Glazing: Glazing warm donuts will help the glaze adhere better.
• Experiment with Flavors: Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for extra flavor. You can also add extracts like almond or lemon.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Sprinkle the glazed donuts with sprinkles, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or chocolate shavings.

Storage Instructions

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that they will lose some of their crispness over time. You can also freeze the unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. To thaw, place them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Reheat briefly in a warm oven before glazing.

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of flour? While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of flour, such as cake flour or pastry flour, for a softer texture.
• Can I use a different type of milk? Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as whole milk, skim milk, almond milk, or soy milk.
• Can I make these donuts in an air fryer? Yes, you can air fry these donuts! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
• My donuts are greasy. What did I do wrong? Greasy donuts are usually caused by frying the donuts in oil that is not hot enough or by overcrowding the pot. Make sure to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) and fry in small batches.
• My donuts are tough. What did I do wrong? Tough donuts are usually caused by overmixing the dough. Mix the dough until just combined.
• Can I make a chocolate glaze? Absolutely! Add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the powdered sugar before adding the milk. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve the desired consistency.

Conclusion

There you have it! A simple, straightforward recipe for homemade donuts that anyone can master. With minimal effort and readily available ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delightful treats and satisfy your donut cravings anytime. So, ditch the store-bought versions and embrace the joy of homemade goodness. Happy baking (and donut-eating)!