The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Donuts: Soft, Fluffy, and Irresistible

The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Donuts: Soft, Fluffy, and Irresistible

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly made donuts. Whether fried to golden perfection or baked for a lighter touch, homemade donuts are a delight that beats anything store-bought. With the right techniques and a little patience, you can create soft, pillowy donuts that melt in your mouth.

In this guide, we’ll explore the history of donuts, different styles, and a step-by-step recipe to help you make perfect donuts at home.

A Brief History of Donuts

The donut (or doughnut) has a fascinating history that stretches across centuries and cultures. The modern donut as we know it today is believed to have originated from Dutch settlers in the 18th century, who made “olykoeks” or “oil cakes”—small, fried dough balls.

However, the signature ring shape didn’t appear until the mid-19th century. Legend has it that an American sailor, Hanson Gregory, punched a hole in the center of his mother’s fried dough to ensure even cooking. Since then, donuts have evolved into a beloved treat worldwide, from classic glazed rings to filled pastries and specialty gourmet varieties.

Types of Donuts

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore the different types of donuts:

  1. Yeast Donuts (Raised Donuts) – These are light and airy, made with a yeast-based dough that rises before frying. They are soft and fluffy with a chewy texture, perfect for glazes and fillings.
  2. Cake Donuts – Made with baking powder or baking soda, these have a denser, cake-like texture. They are often spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, or flavored with chocolate.
  3. Old-Fashioned Donuts – A variation of cake donuts, these have a crispy, cracked surface that holds glaze beautifully.
  4. Filled Donuts – Instead of having a hole in the center, these are stuffed with cream, jam, or custard.
  5. Baked Donuts – A healthier alternative that is made in a donut pan instead of frying in oil.

Now that we know the basics, let’s get into the most delicious part—the recipe!

Perfect Homemade Donuts Recipe

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes

⏳ Rising Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 10 minutes

🍩 Yield: 12 donuts

📝 Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (120ml) warm milk (110°F/45°C)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Frying:

  • 2-3 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)

For Coating:

  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    OR
  • Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tablespoons milk + ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. This ensures the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
  3. Add Flour Gradually: Slowly mix in the flour until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

Step 2: Kneading & Rising

  1. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook.
  2. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shaping the Donuts

  1. Roll out the dough to ½ inch thick on a lightly floured surface.
  2. Use a donut cutter or a glass (for the outer ring) and a bottle cap (for the center hole) to cut out donuts.
  3. Place donuts on parchment paper, cover loosely, and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes.

🍳 Cooking Options: Frying vs. Baking

🔥 Frying Method (Classic Donuts)

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry donuts in small batches for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
  3. Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
  4. Coat in cinnamon sugar or dip in glaze.

🔥 Baking Method (Lighter Donuts)

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. Brush with melted butter and coat in cinnamon sugar or glaze.
PREPARATION