Fluffy Doughnuts Recipe (The Best Fried Doughnuts)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These homemade fluffy doughnuts are soft, pillowy, and perfectly sweet—just like your favorite bakery treats! Made with a simple yeast dough, they fry up golden and light, with a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth. Dusted with powdered sugar or glazed, they’re irresistible fresh out of the fryer.

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
  • 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Frying & Topping

  • Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

  1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk, 1 tsp sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

2. Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, egg yolks, and vanilla.
  3. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
  4. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled.

3. Shape the Doughnuts

  1. Roll out dough to ½-inch (1.2cm) thickness.
  2. Use a doughnut cutter (or a round cutter + small lid for holes) to shape.
  3. Place on a floured tray, cover, and let rise 30-45 minutes until puffy.

4. Fry to Golden Perfection

  1. Heat 2-3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot.
  2. Fry doughnuts in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until golden.
  3. Drain on a paper towel-lined tray.

5. Finish & Serve

  • Dust with powdered sugar while warm.
  • Enjoy fresh—best eaten the same day!

Tips for Perfect Doughnuts

✔ Yeast test: If it doesn’t foam, it’s inactive—start over.
✔ Knead well for a soft, elastic dough.
✔ Don’t overcrowd the oil—fry in small batches.
✔ For glazed doughnuts, dip in a mix of 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk.

Serving Suggestions

  • With cinnamon sugar for churro-style doughnuts
  • Filled with jam or custard for a decadent treat
  • Paired with coffee or hot chocolate

Final Thoughts

These fluffy homemade doughnuts are worth the effort—crispy outside, tender inside, and utterly addictive. Perfect for weekend breakfasts or special occasions!

Variation: Add ½ tsp nutmeg to the dough for spiced doughnuts. 🍩✨

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