Homemade sugar Donuts

Soft, fluffy, and coated in sweet sugar, these homemade donuts are a delicious treat for breakfast, dessert, or anytime cravings strike. This recipe gives you bakery-style donuts with a light texture and golden finish.

Ingredients

For the Donuts

• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2½ to 3 cups all-purpose flour

• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sugar Coating

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

• Add the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.

• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Donuts

• Roll the dough out to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to cut out donut shapes. Place the donuts on a parchment-lined tray.

Step 5: Second Rise

• Cover the donuts lightly and let them rise again for 20–30 minutes until puffy.

Step 6: Fry the Donuts

• Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on paper towels.

Step 7: Coat in Sugar

• While the donuts are still warm, roll them in the sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Tips for Perfect Donuts

• Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying; fry in batches for even cooking.

• Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature around 350°F.

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

• Servings: 12 donuts

• Calories: Approximately 220 per donut

Enjoy!

These Homemade Sugar Donuts are soft, sweet, and irresistible—perfect with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. 🍩✨

Quick Self-Check Quiz

1. What should the milk temperature be when activating the yeast?

2. How long should the dough rise the first time?

3. What oil temperature is best for frying donuts?

4. Why should you coat the donuts in sugar while they are still warm?

Answers

1. About 110°F (43°C), warm but not hot.

2. About 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

3. Around 350°F (175°C).

4. The sugar sticks better to warm donuts, giving an