There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly fried donuts wafting through the air. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee in the morning or as an indulgent afternoon treat, sugar donuts have a timeless appeal. Their soft, fluffy interior, paired with a crisp, sugary coating, makes them a favorite for all ages. If you’re looking to recreate this classic delight at home, you’re in the right place. This recipe for sugar donuts is easy to follow and yields delicious results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Soft and Fluffy: The dough is light and airy, giving you that perfect texture with each bite.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is both budget-friendly and easy to put together.
- Customizable: While this recipe focuses on the classic sugar coating, you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings.
- Great for Sharing: These donuts are perfect for gatherings, whether it’s a weekend brunch, a party, or just a special treat for your loved ones.
Ingredients for Sugar Donuts
To make these delightful sugar donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 ½ cups, plus extra for dusting
- Granulated Sugar: ½ cup for the dough, plus 1 cup for coating
- Active Dry Yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons (one packet)
- Warm Milk: 1 cup (110°F/45°C)
- Unsalted Butter: ¼ cup, melted
- Large Eggs: 2
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Vegetable Oil: For frying
Optional Toppings
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, mixed with sugar for a cinnamon-sugar coating
- Powdered Sugar: For a lighter, sweet coating
- Glaze: Made with powdered sugar and a little milk or water
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Before you begin, make sure you have the following kitchen tools:
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl or measuring cup
- Wooden spoon or stand mixer with a dough hook
- Rolling pin
- Donut cutter or round cookie cutters
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Paper towels for draining
Step-by-Step Recipe for Sugar Donuts
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the warm milk with the active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in the dough.
2. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Mix until the dough starts to come together. If using a stand mixer, mix on low speed with the dough hook attachment for about 5 minutes. If mixing by hand, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
3. Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the Donuts
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about ½ inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one large for the outer edge and one small for the center hole) to cut out the donuts. Place the cut donuts and holes onto the prepared baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
5. Fry the Donuts
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the donuts to the hot oil in batches, frying for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain.
6. Coat the Donuts in Sugar
While the donuts are still warm, roll them in the granulated sugar until they are fully coated. For a cinnamon-sugar variation, mix the cinnamon with the sugar before coating.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Your sugar donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Serve them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite beverage for the ultimate treat.
Tips for the Best Sugar Donuts
- Check the Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will burn on the outside and be undercooked inside. If it’s too cool, the donuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the donuts in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature too much. This will help them cook evenly and maintain their shape.
- Test for Doneness: If you’re unsure whether the donuts are fully cooked, insert a toothpick into the center of one. If it comes out clean, they’re ready.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have any leftover donuts (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, though this may soften the sugar coating.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Beverages: Sugar donuts are a classic pairing with coffee, but they also go well with hot chocolate, milk, or a frothy cappuccino.
- Make it a Brunch: Serve your sugar donuts alongside other breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a delightful weekend brunch.
- Get Creative: If you want to mix things up, try filling the donuts with your favorite jam or pastry cream before coating them in sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Bake the Donuts Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake these donuts if you prefer a lighter version. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the cut donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden. Brush with melted butter before rolling them in sugar.
2. What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative with your toppings. You can dip the donuts in a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk, drizzle them with chocolate, or top them with sprinkles.
3. Can I Freeze the Donuts?
Yes, you can freeze the donuts before coating them in sugar. Place the cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Roll in sugar after reheating.
4. Why Didn’t My Donuts Rise Properly?
If your donuts didn’t rise as expected, it could be due to several factors, such as using old yeast, not allowing enough time for rising, or the dough being too cold. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the dough is kept in a warm, draft-free area during the rising process.
Final Thoughts
Homemade sugar donuts are a delightful treat that’s sure to bring joy to anyone who takes a bite. With their soft, fluffy texture and sweet coating, these donuts are perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to dessert. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes.
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