Step 1: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This confirms your yeast is active and vital for this donuts recipe easy.
Step 2: Add the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a shaggy dough forms. If using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook and knead on medium-low speed for 5-7 minutes, or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. This is key for the fluffy texture of your donuts recipe easy.
Step 4: Lightly grease a clean bowl with a little oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This first rise is crucial for light, airy donuts.
Step 5: Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough to about ½-inch thickness using a rolling pin. Using a 3-inch donut cutter or two different-sized round cutters (one for the donut, one for the hole), cut out your donuts. Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut more until all dough is used. This easy donuts recipe yields about 12-15 donuts.
Step 6: Place the cut donuts and donut holes on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving some space between them. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until noticeably puffy. This second rise ensures extra fluffy donuts.
Step 7: While the donuts are rising for the second time, prepare your glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
Step 8: Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or deep heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat to 350-360°F (175-182°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature; maintaining it is crucial for perfect frying. Too low, and they’ll be greasy; too high, and they’ll burn. This is an important step for this donuts recipe easy.
Step 9: Carefully place 2-3 donuts into the hot oil (do not overcrowd the pan). Fry for 60-90 seconds per side, until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or spider to carefully flip them. Fry the donut holes similarly, they will cook faster (30-60 seconds per side).
Step 10: Remove fried donuts with the slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drip off, and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet (or paper towels) to drain briefly. This easy donuts recipe ensures minimal grease.
Step 11: While still warm, dip each donut into the prepared glaze, turning to coat both sides. Place back on the wire rack to allow excess glaze to drip off and set. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade donuts recipe easy creation!