Perfect Yeast Doughnuts

“Learn how to make perfect yeast doughnuts with this easy, step-by-step recipe! Discover the secrets to achieving light, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts, just like from a bakery. This homemade doughnut recipe includes simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, yeast, and buttermilk, and works with a bread machine, stand mixer, or by hand. Find tips on frying to golden perfection, coating with sugar, and adding delicious fillings like jam, whipped cream, or chocolate hazelnut spread. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, make the best homemade yeast doughnuts with our foolproof guide.”

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons (90 ml) water
• 5 ounces (150 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1 egg, beaten, at room temperature
• 2 ounces (57 g) butter, melted
• 16 ounces (454 g) all-purpose or bread flour (use a kitchen scale for accuracy)
• 2 ounces (57 g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (5 g) regular or quick-rise yeast
• Oil for frying (suggested: sunflower or grapeseed oil)
• Sugar for coating
• Optional fillings: jam, chocolate hazelnut spread, or whipped cream

Instructions

Bread Machine Method

1. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the water, buttermilk, beaten egg, and melted butter into the bread machine pan.
2. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, sugar, and salt to the pan. Make a small well in the dry ingredients, then add the yeast.
3. Set Machine: Choose the ‘dough’ setting and let the machine run until the dough is ready.

Stand Mixer or By-Hand Method

1. Prepare Yeast Mixture: Add 6 tablespoons of lukewarm water to a cup, sprinkle the yeast over it, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy (add a pinch of sugar to speed this up).
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center, then add buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and yeast mixture.
3. Mix Dough: Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 5 minutes. If kneading by hand, work the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.
4. First Rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size (about 1-2 hours).

Shaping and Second Rise

1. Shape Doughnuts: Once the dough has doubled, place it on a floured surface and gently knead. Divide the dough in half. Roll each half to about 1/2-inch thickness, then cut into 3-inch rounds using a cookie cutter. Use a smaller cutter to make a hole in each round.
2. Set Up for Rising: Place each doughnut on a small square of parchment or waxed paper, then arrange on a baking sheet. Place in a warm, draft-free area, like an oven preheated for just 1 minute.
3. Create Steam (Optional): Boil water, pour it into a heat-safe container, and place it in the oven with the doughnuts to keep them from forming a skin as they rise. Allow doughnuts to rise until doubled.

Frying

1. Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (180°C). To test, drop in a doughnut hole: it should fry gently. Adjust temperature as needed.
2. Fry Doughnuts: Carefully lower doughnuts into the oil, using the parchment paper to guide them. Fry until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook the other side. Drain on a paper towel-lined platter.

Finishing Touches

1. Sugar Coating: Roll each doughnut in sugar while still warm for an even coating.
2. Filling (Optional): Use a skewer to create a small hole, then fill with jam or chocolate hazelnut spread using a piping bag. For cream-filled doughnuts, slice in half, add whipped cream, and a bit of jam if desired.

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Tips

• Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour.
• Let ingredients like buttermilk and egg come to room temperature for smoother dough.
• For a warm, humid rise environment, use an oven preheated for just 1 minute and add a container of hot water.

Variations and Substitutions

• Flour: Both all-purpose and bread flour work well; bread flour adds a slightly chewier texture.
• Oil: Use sunflower or grapeseed oil, or try coconut oil for a unique flavor.
• Fillings: Experiment with lemon curd, custard, or a dollop of marshmallow cream for a variety of flavors.

FAQs

Can I make these doughnuts without a bread machine?
Yes! Use a stand mixer or knead by hand for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying?
While frying yields a classic texture, you can bake at 350°F (180°C) for 12-15 minutes. They won’t be as fluffy but will still taste great!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these doughnuts fresh with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They’re also delightful with a glass of milk or a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert-style treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These doughnuts are light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth soft. With endless possibilities for fillings and toppings, they’re easy to customize and enjoy, whether you’re a fan of classic sugar-coated rings or decadent filled doughnuts.