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Introduction: Donuts, with their irresistibly soft texture and delightful sweetness, have been a beloved treat for generations. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee, shared with friends, or savored as a weekend breakfast, donuts have a timeless charm. In this article, we'll delve into the tradition behind these delightful pastries, provide a classic donut recipe, and share expert tips for achieving perfect results every time. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned baker, you’ll find everything you need to bake your own homemade donuts that are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
1/4 cup melted butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and a teaspoon of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes foamy.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and nutmeg.
Combine wet ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overwork it.
Let it 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 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the donuts: Punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or a drinking glass to cut out circles, and a smaller cutter for the donut hole in the center.
Heat the oil: In a deep skillet or a fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, frying them in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Drain and cool: Remove the donuts from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Glaze or sugar (optional): If glazing, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Dip the donuts into the glaze while still warm, then let them set on a cooling rack.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving: Serve your fresh donuts warm with a cup of coffee or milk for the perfect treat. They can also be enjoyed with fruit preserves or a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
Storage: If you have leftovers, store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Variations:
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