GO-TO DONUT RECIPE

This go-to donut recipe is an excellent way to create fresh, yeasted donuts right in the comfort of your own home! The process of making these delightful treats not only fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma but also allows you to enjoy the satisfaction of baking from scratch.

Yeasted donuts are known for their light and fluffy texture, which is achieved through the fermentation process that causes the dough to rise.

This recipe provides a solid foundation, but the best part is the endless possibilities for customization. You can experiment with various flavors, fillings, and toppings to suit your personal preferences or to impress your family and friends.

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REASONS WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS GO-TO DONUT RECIPE:

1. Quick and Simple Preparation

This easy donut recipe is designed for those who may not have extensive baking experience or who are simply looking for a straightforward method to create delicious treats. With minimal ingredients and clear instructions, you can whip up a batch of fresh donuts in no time. The simplicity of the recipe allows you to focus on the joy of baking rather than getting bogged down in complicated techniques or lengthy processes.

2. Versatile Flavor Options

One of the most exciting aspects of this donut recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the flavor to suit your preferences or to match the occasion. Whether you crave classic flavors like vanilla or chocolate, or you want to experiment with more adventurous options such as maple bacon or matcha, this recipe serves as a perfect base. You can also incorporate various toppings, glazes, and fillings, ensuring that each batch can be uniquely tailored to your taste.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion

Donuts are a universally loved treat, making this recipe ideal for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, planning a brunch with friends, or simply looking for a sweet snack to enjoy at home, these easy donuts will delight everyone. They can be served as a delightful breakfast item, a midday pick-me-up, or a fun dessert. Their appealing appearance and delicious taste will undoubtedly impress your guests and make any gathering feel special.

4. Kid-Friendly Activity

Baking can be a wonderful way to bond with family, and this easy donut recipe is perfect for involving kids in the kitchen. The process of mixing ingredients, shaping the donuts, and decorating them with colorful glazes and sprinkles can be a fun and engaging activity for children. Not only will they enjoy the hands-on experience, but they will also take pride in creating something delicious that they can share with family and friends. This recipe promotes teamwork and creativity, making it an enriching experience for everyone involved.

5. Freshness Guaranteed

One of the biggest advantages of making donuts at home is the freshness factor. When you prepare these donuts yourself, you can enjoy them warm out of the oven or fryer, which enhances their flavor and texture. There's nothing quite like biting into a freshly made donut that is light, fluffy, and still slightly warm. Unlike store-bought options that may have been sitting on the shelf for days, your homemade donuts will provide a delightful taste experience that is hard to beat.

6. Healthier Alternatives

This easy donut recipe also allows for healthier modifications if you are conscious about your diet. You can substitute traditional ingredients with healthier alternatives, such as using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, reducing the sugar content, or opting for baked donuts instead of fried ones. By making these substitutions, you can enjoy a guilt-free treat that still satisfies your sweet tooth while aligning with your health goals.

7. Budget-Friendly Treat

Homemade donuts can also save you money compared to purchasing gourmet donuts from bakeries. The ingredients required for this easy recipe are typically affordable and readily available at your local grocery store. By making your own donuts, you can create a large batch for a fraction of the cost, allowing you to indulge in this sweet treat without breaking the bank. This budget-friendly aspect makes it an appealing option for families or anyone looking to enjoy delicious snacks without overspending.

8. Endless Creativity

Finally, this easy donut recipe opens the door to endless creativity in the kitchen. Once you master the basic recipe, you can experiment with different flavors, shapes, and decorations. You might try filling your donuts with jam or cream, adding unique spices to the batter, or even creating themed donuts for holidays or special events. The possibilities are truly limitless, allowing your imagination to run wild as you create delightful variations that reflect your personal style and preferences.

GO-TO DONUT RECIPE

Makes: 12

INGREDIENTS

• 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

• 3 Tablespoons warm water 105F-115F

• 1 cup 2% milk room temperature

• 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter softened

• 3 large egg yolks

• 2 Tablespoons sugar

• 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

• 6 cups vegetable oil for frying

TO MAKE

1. Have all ingredients at room temperature. In a small bowl, stir together the yeast and warm water. Let stand in a warm place until it begins to 'bloom' (foam).

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine milk, butter, egg yolks, sugar, yeast mixture. Stir to losely combine, then dump in the flour, salt and nutmeg. Mix on low speed until a soft, rugged dough forms.

3. Increase mixer to medium high and beat dough for 3 minutes. Once or twice, stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl and the dough hook. You will end up with a soft, supple dough.

   - If you want fresh donuts in the morning: Place the dough in a lightly oiled, medium-size bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

   - If you want fresh donuts today: Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and place in a warm corner of the kitchen. Allow dough to rise and double in bulk. Meanwhile, prepare glazes or ganache if using.

4. Lightly flour the kitchen counter and turn the dough out of the bowl. With a floured rolling pin, roll the dough into a circle about 13-inches round and 1/2-inch thick. Cut as many doughnuts as possible with a 3-inch cutter. Transfer doughnuts to a lightly floured baking sheet, keeping them 1 inch apart.

5. Cover doughnuts with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until slightly puffed, about 30 minutes (or 45 if the dough was refrigerated). Meanwhile, prepare your fry station.

6. Heat oil in a deep 4-quart heavy pot until it reaches 350F. You will need to monitor it frequently with a thermometer and maintain this temperature throughout the fry. Fry doughnuts in batches of three, turning with a wire skimmer when they are a deep golden brown. Transfer to drain on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet, or use paper towel. Repeat until all the doughnuts and doughnut holes are fried.

7. Top with desired glaze or sprinkles, enjoy!