How to Make Classic Glazed Donuts at Home
There's something truly special about sinking your teeth into a freshly made, melt-in-your-mouth glazed donut. If you've ever wondered how to recreate this classic treat in the comfort of your own kitchen, wonder no more! In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to make delicious, homemade glazed donuts that will rival those from your favorite bakery. So put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's get started!
1. Gather Your Ingredients
To make classic glazed donuts, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, heat the milk until warm but not boiling. Add the melted butter and eggs to the warm milk and whisk until well combined.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 2 hours or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for achieving light and fluffy donuts.
4. Shape and Cut the Donuts
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out to a ½-inch thickness. Using a donut cutter or two different-sized round cookie cutters, cut out the donuts and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gather the remaining dough scraps and repeat the process until all the dough is used.
5. Let the Donuts Rise Again
Cover the cut-out donuts with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until they become puffy. This second rise ensures a light and airy texture in the finished donuts.
6. Fry the Donuts
In a deep, heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil to a temperature of 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower a few donuts into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Fry for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Be mindful not to overcrowd the pot to ensure even cooking.
Once cooked, transfer the fried donuts to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining donuts.
7. Make the Glaze
While the donuts are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar if needed.
8. Glaze the Donuts
Dip each slightly warm donut into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack and allow the glaze to set for a few minutes.
9. Enjoy and Share!
Once the glaze has set, your homemade glazed donuts are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them fresh as they are or with a cup of coffee or tea. Don't forget to share the joy by treating your family and friends to these delectable delights.
Conclusion
Making classic glazed donuts at home is a rewarding and delicious experience. By following these steps, you'll be able to create mouthwatering donuts that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of the day. So get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with homemade donuts that are sure to delight you.
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