Take your donut-making skills to the next level with the “Old-Fashioned Homemade Donuts: Soft and Fresh Recipe.” In this article, you’ll find a video by Best Recipes with Sharon that provides step-by-step instructions for creating the perfect donuts. These homemade treats have an old-fashioned style, and are known for being soft and fresh. The recipe requires time and dedication, but the end result is truly worth the effort. In addition to the donut recipe, you’ll also find helpful tips for baking with yeast to ensure success. Be sure to check out the quick links in the description for a cookbook and a popular sci-fi action book to enjoy while waiting for your delicious donuts to rise.
To begin, gather all the necessary ingredients including warm water, sugar, yeast, milk, butter/margarine, salt, eggs, and all-purpose flour. The dough needs to be mixed until it becomes elastic and then left to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. After that, roll out the dough and cut it into donut shapes. Fry the donuts in oil at the recommended temperature, and then coat them in icing/confectioners sugar before serving. Remember, these homemade donuts are best enjoyed on the day they are made and do not freeze well. The process may take time, but the reward of delicious, soft, and fresh donuts is well worth it.
How to Make The Best Ever Donuts
Making homemade donuts can be a rewarding and delicious experience. With their old-fashioned style and soft, fresh taste, these donuts are a true treat. While it does require some time and dedication, the end result is well worth the effort. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making the best ever donuts, step by step.
Ingredients
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you will need:
- Warm water
- Sugar
- Yeast
- Milk
- Butter/Margarine
- Salt
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
Having these ingredients ready will help streamline the donut-making process.
Recipe
To make the best ever donuts, you will need to follow several key steps. These steps include mixing the dough, allowing it to rise, shaping the donuts, frying them, and finally, coating them. Let’s explore each of these steps in detail.
Mixing the dough
To begin, follow these four simple steps to mix the dough:
Step 1: Activate the yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine half a cup of lukewarm water with one teaspoon of sugar. Add two tablespoons of quick-rising yeast and let it sit for at least 10 minutes to activate.
Step 2: Combine the wet ingredients
Turn your heat to medium-high and pour one cup of milk into a large pot. Add one cup of butter and one cup of white sugar to the pot. Warm the mixture just enough to melt the butter. Stir constantly to avoid overheating.
Once the mixture has cooled down, add one cup of cold water. Mix well.
Step 3: Add the dry ingredients
Add two large eggs and one cup of all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until well incorporated. Gradually add in two more cups of all-purpose flour. Continue mixing until the dough becomes very elastic.
Step 4: Knead the dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it by hand until it becomes soft, airy, and tacky. Use minimal amounts of flour during this process to achieve the desired consistency.
Rising the dough
After mixing the dough, it’s time to let it rise. Follow these three steps to ensure proper rising:
Step 1: Let the dough rest
Wash out a mixing bowl with warm water and dry it thoroughly. Grease the bowl to prevent the dough from sticking. Place the dough in the greased bowl and turn it over to ensure both sides have a little grease on them.
Step 2: Create a warm environment
Cover the bowl with a warm towel or plastic wrap, allowing the dough to breathe. Find a warm spot to place the bowl and let the dough rise for approximately one hour and 15 minutes.
Step 3: Allow the dough to rise
Monitor the time and make sure the dough has doubled in size. Once it has, it’s time to move on to shaping the donuts.
Shaping the donuts
Now that the dough has risen, it’s time to shape the donuts. The following steps will guide you through the process:
Step 1: Roll out the dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about one inch. You can use a doughnut cutter or improvisations like a glass to cut out the donut shapes.
Step 2: Cut out the donut shapes
Using a doughnut cutter or an alternative object, such as the top of a vinegar bottle, cut out the donut shapes from the rolled-out dough. Be sure to cut the donut holes as well.
Step 3: Arrange donuts on a baking sheet
Place the cut-out donuts about an inch apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Grease a plate to hold the donut holes.
Frying the donuts
After shaping the donuts, it’s time to fry them to perfection. Follow these four steps for delicious results:
Step 1: Heat the oil
Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to a temperature between 375°F and 380°F. This will ensure that the donuts cook evenly and develop a golden brown color.
Step 2: Fry the donuts in batches
Carefully place a few donuts into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each donut for approximately two to three minutes per side or until they become golden brown.
Step 3: Drain the excess oil
Once the donuts are cooked, use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove them from the oil. Place them on a sheet lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 4: Cool the donuts
Allow the fried donuts to cool completely before moving on to the final step of coating them.
Coating the donuts
To add the finishing touch to your homemade donuts, follow these four steps:
Step 1: Prepare the icing/confectioners sugar
In a shallow bowl, prepare icing or confectioners sugar for coating the donuts. You can also experiment with different glazes or flavors, such as chocolate or vanilla.
Step 2: Dip the donuts in the sugar
Dip each cooled donut into the prepared sugar, ensuring the entire surface is coated. You can also add toppings like sprinkles or shredded coconut at this stage.
Step 3: Let the sugar set
Leave the coated donuts on a wire rack for a few minutes to allow the sugar to set. This will create a nice texture on the outside of the donuts.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy
Once the sugar has set, your homemade donuts are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them fresh and savor the delicious taste and texture.
Tips for Baking with Yeast
baking with yeast can be intimidating, but with the right techniques, it can be a breeze. Follow these tips to ensure success:
- Choose the right type of yeast: Active dry yeast or instant yeast are suitable options for donut recipes.
- Check the expiration date: Always make sure your yeast is fresh and within its expiry date for the best results.
- Use warm liquids: The temperature of your liquids is crucial for activating the yeast properly. Aim for a range between 70°F and 80°F.
- Activate the yeast properly: Let the yeast sit in warm water with a teaspoon of sugar for at least 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbled up.
- Allow time for rising: Don’t rush the rising process. Give the dough enough time to double in size and develop the desired texture.
- Avoid adding too much flour: When kneading the dough, use minimal amounts of flour to maintain a soft, airy texture.
By following these tips, your donuts will turn out beautifully every time.
Donut Freshness and Storage
Homemade donuts are at their best when enjoyed on the day they are made. The freshness and flavors are unparalleled. However, if you have any leftovers, here are some tips for storage:
- Store the donuts in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
- Avoid freezing the donuts, as they tend not to freeze well and lose their desired texture.
- If you need to store the donuts for a short period, place them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to two days.
Remember, homemade donuts are a special treat meant to be enjoyed as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Making the best ever donuts requires time, dedication, and attention to detail. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this article, you can recreate the old-fashioned, soft, and fresh style of homemade donuts. From mixing the dough to frying and coating, each step contributes to the final product’s deliciousness. So, roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey to create the best donuts you’ve ever tasted. With practice and a sprinkle of love, you’ll become a donut-making expert in no time. Enjoy your homemade treats and let your taste buds relish the sweet satisfaction of a job well done!