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A step-by-step guide to making classic homemade donuts:
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (around 110°F or 45°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 to 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, mix warm milk and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and optional nutmeg to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add in the flour, about 1/2 cup at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. You might need to adjust the amount of flour to get a soft and slightly sticky dough.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
2. First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
3. Shape the Donuts:
- Gently punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out donuts. You can also use a smaller cutter to remove the centers and make classic ring-shaped donuts.
- Place the cut donuts on a lightly floured baking sheet, cover them with a towel, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
4. Frying:
- Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to about 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place a few donuts into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until they're golden brown and cooked through.
- Once fried, remove the donuts and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Make the Glaze:
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth glaze. If desired, add food coloring to the glaze for a colorful finish.
6. Glaze the Donuts:
- While the donuts are still warm, dip them into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over the donuts. You can also add sprinkles or other toppings at this stage.
7. Serve:
- Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving the donuts. Enjoy them while they're fresh and delicious!
Remember, making donuts can be a bit messy, but the results are oh-so-worth it. Happy baking!