How to Make Donuts at Home: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve always wanted to try making donuts at home, this guide is just for you. I’ll walk you through a basic yeast donut recipe using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. No complicated techniques. No fancy equipment. Just simple, tasty donuts—made with love.

📝 Ingredients You'll Need

Here’s what you need for about 12 regular-sized donuts:

• 2 and ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¾ cup warm milk (not hot, just warm)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 egg
• 2 and ½ cups all-purpose flour (maida)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Oil for frying (vegetable or sunflower oil)

For coating or glazing:

Powdered sugar, chocolate glaze, or cinnamon sugar (optional but recommended!)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make Donuts at Home

1. Activate the Yeast

Combine the sugar and the warm milk in a small bowl. Over it, scatter the yeast and stir gently. Allow it to sit until it foams, 5 to 10 minutes. This indicates that your yeast is prepared and active.

📝 Quick tip: If your yeast doesn’t foam, it might be old or the milk was too hot. Just try again with fresh yeast and lukewarm milk.

2. Make the Dough

Combine the yeast mixture, butter, egg, salt, and half of the flour in a large mixing bowl. Using a spoon or your hand, thoroughly mix. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. The dough should be smooth and elastic after 6 to 8 minutes of kneading. This can be done on a spotless kitchen counter, or if you have a stand mixer, you can use it.

3. Let the Dough Rise

After putting the dough in a bowl that has been oiled, cover it with plastic wrap or a fresh cloth. It should double in size after 1 to 1.5 hours of resting in a warm location.

Now is a good time to unwind and make a cup of chai. The most difficult part is waiting!

4. Shape the Donuts

Gently punch down the dough after it has risen. On a floured surface, roll it out to a thickness of about ½ inch. To cut out circles, use a donut cutter or just a round glass and bottle cap.

Arrange the donuts and their "holes" on a tray that has been lightly oiled or lined with parchment paper. Let them rise for another half hour after covering them with a cloth once more.

5. Time to Fry!

In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Drop a small piece of dough into the oil to see if it's ready; it should sizzle and rise to the top. 

Don't overcrowd the pan; carefully add the donuts in batches. Fry until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes per side. When done, flip them with a slotted spoon and remove. On tissue paper, drain.

6. Glaze or Coat (The Fun Part!)

You can eat them plain or add a glaze or sugar coating to make them even more special. Here are a few simple suggestions:

• Sugar coating: While still warm, roll the donuts in powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.

• Chocolate glaze: Mix cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and a bit of milk. Dip the tops and let them set.

• Vanilla glaze: Combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

❤️ Why You'll Love Making Donuts at Home

• They are made with actual ingredients and are fresh. 
• They can be sweet, filled, or even savory, depending on your preferences! 
• It's an enjoyable family pastime that's ideal for festivals, birthdays, and weekends. 
• Compared to store-bought, they taste so much better. Really!

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for one to two days, though that doesn't happen very often at my house. To restore the softness, you can also microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds.

Happy cooking and even happier eating! 🍩💛