Homemade Donuts in 5 Easy Steps

It’s the new year and if you are still in resolution heaven, you are either at the gym or observing a fast, but sometimes we want a sweet snack that just fills us up to take away all of the pain and sacrifice we have put in through the early parts of the year. So instead of splurging on unhealthy snacks at a random store, follow along as we embark on a delightful baking adventure, where we will show you how to make homemade donuts for the hard days in January.

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Get your Ingredients

Before we dive into the joy of baking, let's gather the stars of our show. You'll need:

- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

- ½ cup sugar

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

- ¾ cup warm milk

- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)

- 2 large eggs

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Don't forget about toppings and glazes! Chocolate ganache, powdered sugar, or a classic glaze can add the perfect finishing touch to your donuts. Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature, so as to create an even dough in your mixing bowl.

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Step 1: Mixing it Up

In a large mixing bowl, throw in your all-purpose flour, add in the sugar, and a teaspoon of salt. In a separate bowl, dissolve the dry yeast with warm milk and let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes covered with small bubbles. Add in the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients bowl. Add butter, eggs, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract to your mix and then whisk all the ingredients properly until a soft mound of dough is formed.

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Step 2: Kneading the Dough

Now that you have your dough mix ready, let's make the dough awesome! Sprinkle a little flour on your kitchen counter, like you're inviting the dough to a dance party. This prevents the dough from sticking and makes it easier to work with. Take the risen dough out of the bowl and place it onto the floured surface, then start a process of folding, pushing, and turning for about 10-15 minutes or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Shape the dough into a ball, put it in a bowl you've greased (just a little oil or butter), and cover it with a kitchen towel. Think of it as tucking your dough into a cozy bed. Let it sit and grow big, and this should take about 1 to 1.5 hours, but the exact time can vary.

While you wait, get excited! Something really cool is happening in that bowl. You're turning simple ingredients into something amazing. It's like magic, and you're the wizard in the kitchen.

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Step 3: Shaping Your Donut

As the dough rises, envision the possibilities. Once doubled, gently punch it down to mark the transition from mere dough to a canvas of flavor. Roll out the dough on a floured surface, about half an inch thick. Now, the artistry begins. Use a round cutter to create the iconic donut shape, and don't forget to use the smaller cutter for the coveted donut hole.

Now you are ready to place your crafted donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving each one its rightful place in the oven-bound tray.

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Step 4: Baking to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), the required temperature for your donut ensemble. As they bake, relish the aroma wafting through your kitchen – the sweet promise of indulgence. In approximately 10-12 minutes, your donuts will be adorned in a golden-brown hue, signaling their readiness to enchant taste buds. Remove them from the oven, allowing the warm scent to fill the air.

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Step 5: Finishing Touches

The final act has arrived – it's time to crown your donuts with decadent toppings. Whether you choose a chocolate ganache bath, a gentle dusting of powdered sugar, or a classic glaze, let your creativity flow. Dip, drizzle, or dust – the choice is yours. Imagine the flavors melding together, creating a combination that will transport anyone who takes a bite to a world of sugary delight.

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And there you have it – a journey from simple ingredients to delectable homemade donuts. Congratulations, maestro – you've crafted your own masterpiece!