These glazed donuts are so much more enjoyable than the ones at a donut shop because they are made from scratch and you are using real and natural ingredients (no shortening, or ‘hydrogenated soybean oil’). Plus, when you make them at home, you aren’t frying hundreds of batches in the same oil.
Ingredients for Glazed Donuts
- All-purpose flour – be sure to measure correctly. If you add too much, the donuts will be dense.
- Granulated sugar – we add just 1/4 cup for lightly sweet dough.
- Salt – balances the sweetness
- Instant Yeast – also called rapid rise, or quick-acting yeast and will make your dough rise faster.
- Milk – for the softest donuts, scald milk in a saucepan until it reaches 180˚F or is steaming then cool until it’s 115˚F before using.
- Egg yolks – we use yolks only for a richer and smoother dough.
- Vanilla extract – adds flavor that compliments the glaze
Secret to the Fluffiest Donuts
The secret to the fluffiest homemade donuts is in using scalded milk. I’ve tested both ways and the old fashioned method of using scalded milk created the airiest dough inside.
- What is scalded milk? Scalded milk is milk heated to a near boil at 180˚F, then cooled.
- Why scald milk? Scalding milk denatures the whey protein in the milk which can hinder gluten formation in the dough. The gluten strands will form easier resulting in fluffier and springier donuts.
How to Make Donuts
- Scald milk and set aside to cool to 115˚F.
- Proof yeast: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 pocket yeast and 1/4 tsp salt. Add scalded and cooled milk, oil, egg yolks and vanilla and whisk to combine. Cover and rest 10-15 minutes until bubbles form on top.
- Knead dough: Stir in remaining flour (make sure to measure correctly with the fluff, spoon and scrape method) then knead by hand 5 minutes in the bowl. Dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Proof dough: Cover and let dough rise in a warm place 45 minutes or until doubled.
- Roll dough with a rolling pin to 1/4″ to 1/3″ thick disk. Cut out 11-12 donuts, re-roll scraps if desired.
- Let donuts rise: Cover and let dough rise in a warm place 20 minutes.
- Fry donuts: Heat oil to 375˚F and fry donuts 2-3 at a time for about 60 seconds per side until deep golden in color then immediately dip in glaze one at a time.
