Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recipe Yield: 12 donuts
Cuisine: American
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Ingredients
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup granulated sugar for coating
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Donut cutter or two round cutters
- Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Cooling rack
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Pour the warm milk into a large bowl. Add the sugar and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add the melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined. Gradually add the flour while mixing until a soft dough forms.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Donuts
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to about ½-inch thickness.
Use a donut cutter to cut out donut shapes. Re-roll any remaining dough and continue cutting until all dough is used.
Arrange the donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the shaped donuts loosely with a towel and let them rise for another 20–30 minutes until slightly puffy.
Step 6: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot until it is about 2 inches deep.
Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the proper oil temperature is important to achieve light, fluffy donuts without excessive oil absorption.
Step 7: Fry the Donuts
Carefully place 2–3 donuts into the hot oil.
Fry each side for approximately 1–2 minutes until beautifully golden brown.
Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 8: Coat with Sugar
While still warm, roll each donut generously in granulated sugar until evenly coated.
Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Sugar Donuts
- Use fresh yeast for the best rise.
- Do not overheat the milk, as hot liquid can kill the yeast.
- Keep the frying oil at a steady temperature of 350°F (175°C).
- Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying.
- Coat the donuts in sugar while they are still warm so the sugar sticks well.
- Enjoy the donuts the same day for maximum freshness.
Flavor Variations
You can easily customize this recipe by trying different coatings and fillings:
- Cinnamon sugar
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla glaze
- Chocolate glaze
- Strawberry glaze
- Lemon sugar
- Filled with jam
- Filled with pastry cream
- Filled with chocolate hazelnut spread
Storage Instructions
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, freeze the cooled donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These homemade sugar donuts pair wonderfully with:
- Fresh coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Tea
- Milk
- Fresh fruit
- Vanilla ice cream
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and fluffy texture
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Beginner-friendly instructions
- Better than bakery donuts
- Perfect for breakfast or dessert
- Family favorite recipe
- Easily customizable
- Delicious fresh or reheated
Nutrition Information (Per Donut)
- Calories: 260
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 14g
- Calcium: 35mg
- Iron: 2mg