Soft and airy doughnuts made from scratch are like little clouds of happiness, promising a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is nothing short of magical. Picture this: you take a bite, and the fluffy texture dances on your tongue while the sweet glaze sends your taste buds soaring. It’s a delightful treat that can brighten up even the dreariest of mornings or elevate your afternoon coffee break into an extraordinary celebration.

Jump to:
- Ingredients for soft and airy doughnut recipe made from scratch
- How to Make soft and airy doughnut recipe made from scratch
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs :
- What ingredients do I need for a soft and airy doughnut recipe made from scratch?
- How long does it take to make a soft and airy doughnut recipe from scratch?
- Can I bake instead of fry my soft and airy doughnuts?
- How should I store my homemade doughnuts?
- Conclusion for soft and airy doughnut recipe made from scratch :
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, let me take you back to my childhood kitchen, where my mom would whip up these irresistible doughnuts on weekends. The smell of warm yeast and sugar wafting through the air was enough to make anyone weak at the knees. Whether it was a rainy Sunday or just a day to indulge, those doughnuts always brought joy and laughter around our breakfast table. Trust me; you’re in for an amazing flavor experience as we dive into this soft and airy doughnut recipe made from scratch! For more inspiration, check out this baked apples recipe recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These doughnuts are easy to prepare, making them perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
- Their light and fluffy texture paired with rich flavors will impress anyone who takes a bite.
- The beautiful golden-brown color is visually stunning, making them perfect for any occasion.
- Enjoy them plain or customize with different toppings for endless versatility!
Ingredients for soft and airy doughnut recipe made from scratch
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture; it helps create that light and airy doughnut everyone loves.
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Granulated Sugar: This sweet ingredient not only adds flavor but also helps activate the yeast for that perfect rise.
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Instant Yeast: Instant yeast works quickly, allowing your doughnuts to rise faster and get that fluffy texture.
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Milk: Warm milk activates the yeast and gives your doughnuts a rich flavor; make sure it’s not too hot!
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Eggs: Eggs add richness and moisture to the dough, giving it that soft bite when you sink your teeth in.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for flavor; it enriches the dough and adds a delightful richness.
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors in your doughnut—don’t skip this step!
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Vegetable Oil: Essential for frying; use oil with a high smoke point for optimal frying results.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make soft and airy doughnut recipe made from scratch
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about five minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
Step 2: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Add flour, eggs, melted butter, and salt into the mixture. Stir until combined; then knead by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook until smooth and elastic—about eight minutes should do it.
Step 3: Let It Rise
Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about one hour. Go ahead; take this time to imagine how glorious those fresh donuts will be!
Step 4: Shape Your Doughnuts
Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. Roll out on a lightly floured surface until about half an inch thick. Cut out circles using a donut cutter (or two round cutters if you’re feeling crafty). Don’t forget to cut out the holes; they’re part of what makes them special!
Step 5: Heat Oil & Fry
In a deep pot or fryer, heat vegetable oil to around 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop in each donut (a few at a time) without overcrowding. Fry until golden brown on both sides—about one minute per side.
Step 6: Glaze & Enjoy
Once done frying, transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil before glazing. For an easy glaze mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth—dip those warm donuts right in! Serve fresh for maximum enjoyment.
And there you have it! Your freshly made soft and airy doughnuts are ready to devour! Dust them with powdered sugar or drench them in chocolate glaze—the choice is yours! Share them with friends—or don’t; I won’t tell anyone if you keep them all to yourself! Enjoy every sweet bite of nostalgia wrapped in fluffy goodness!
You Must Know
- This soft and airy doughnut recipe made from scratch will leave you floating on cloud nine.
- With flavors that dance on your palate, these doughnuts are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sneaky midnight snack.
- Plus, they’re customizable to suit every craving!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by activating the yeast in warm milk to get those bubbles going. Mix your dry ingredients separately, then combine everything for a smooth dough. After kneading, let it rise until doubled in size. Fry them golden brown and coat with sugar while they’re still warm for ultimate deliciousness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment! Swap out some of the milk for buttermilk for added richness or try infusing the dough with vanilla or citrus zest. You can also fill these delightful treats with chocolate or jam—because who doesn’t love a surprise?
Storing & Reheating
Store your doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to regain their soft texture. Just don’t blame me if they mysteriously disappear!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh yeast for better flavor and rise; expired yeast leads to sad, flat doughnuts.
- Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying; too cool means greasy doughnuts.
- Dust with powdered sugar right after frying for a sweet touch without clumping.
I once made this soft and airy doughnut recipe made from scratch for a brunch gathering, and my friends devoured them like they were going out of style. The smiles on their faces reminded me why I love baking so much!
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for a soft and airy doughnut recipe made from scratch?
To create a soft and airy doughnut recipe made from scratch, gather all-purpose flour, sugar, yeast, milk, eggs, butter, and a hint of nutmeg or vanilla for flavor. You will also need salt to enhance the taste. Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise. fluffy dessert options These simple ingredients come together to form a delightful dough that will result in fluffy doughnuts. Don’t forget oil for frying, as this is essential to achieving that perfect golden exterior.
How long does it take to make a soft and airy doughnut recipe from scratch?
Making a soft and airy doughnut recipe made from scratch typically takes about 2 hours in total. This includes the preparation time of around 30 minutes, followed by a rising period of 1 hour for the dough to double in size. After shaping your doughnuts, allow them to rise again for an additional 20-30 minutes before frying. The actual frying process takes only about 3-4 minutes per batch. Patience during the rising times is key to achieving that light texture.
Can I bake instead of fry my soft and airy doughnuts?
Yes, you can opt to bake your soft and airy doughnut recipe made from scratch instead of frying them. Baking offers a healthier alternative while still retaining that delicious flavor. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the shaped doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. iced coffee to pair with doughnuts Bake for about 10-12 minutes until they are lightly golden. delicious ice cream recipes While they may not have the same crispy exterior as fried versions, baked doughnuts can still be incredibly soft and enjoyable.
How should I store my homemade doughnuts?
To keep your soft and airy doughnut recipe made from scratch fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Simply wrap each cooled doughnut tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave for that fresh-out-of-the-fryer taste. For more inspiration, check out this easy air fryer cookies recipe.
Conclusion for soft and airy doughnut recipe made from scratch :
Making a soft and airy doughnut recipe made from scratch is both rewarding and fun. With simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and yeast, you can create delightful treats right at home. Remember to allow enough rising time for the best texture and consider baking as an alternative if you prefer less oil. Dunkin-style treats to enjoy Enjoy these delicious doughnuts fresh or stored properly for later indulgence; either way, they’re sure to impress friends and family alike! Happy baking!
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Soft and Airy Doughnuts Made from Scratch
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Soft and airy doughnuts made from scratch are a delightful indulgence that will elevate your breakfast or snack time. These fluffy treats, with their light texture and sweet glaze, evoke warm memories of childhood baking. Whether you enjoy them plain or dressed up with toppings, each bite is a little piece of happiness that can brighten any day.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, eggs, melted butter, and salt to the mixture. Stir until combined; knead by hand or mixer for about 8 minutes until smooth.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/2 inch thick and cut out doughnut shapes.
- Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot. Fry each doughnut for about 1 minute on each side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and glaze while warm.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut (60g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg