Easy Homemade Glazed Donuts
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ingredients
- Preparing the Yeast Mixture
- Measuring the Dry Ingredients
- Mixing the Wet Ingredients
- Combining the Yeast and Flour
- Kneading the Dough
- Allowing the Dough to Rise
- Shaping and Cutting the Donuts
- Frying the Donuts
- Making the Glaze
- Glazing the Donuts
- Enjoying the Delicious Donuts
- Conclusion
Introduction
Who can resist the allure of freshly glazed donuts? These delectable treats are a breakfast favorite for many, and making them from scratch is easier than You might think. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of creating mouthwatering glazed donuts right in your own kitchen. From preparing the yeast mixture to frying the donuts to perfection, we will cover everything you need to know to achieve light, airy, and delicious donuts. So grab your apron and get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade glazed donuts.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the delightful world of donut-making, let's Gather all the necessary ingredients. To Create these scrumptious glazed donuts, you will need:
- Milk
- Active dry yeast
- Granulated sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Butter
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
Additionally, you will need some oil for frying the donuts. Now that we have assembled our ingredients, let's move on to the first step of the donut-making process.
Preparing the Yeast Mixture
To kickstart the donut-making process, we need to prepare the yeast mixture. Begin by heating one cup (240 ml) of whole milk in the microwave until it reaches a temperature of about 110 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit (43 to 46 degrees Celsius). Be cautious not to overheat the milk, as it can kill the yeast, which will adversely affect the texture of the donuts.
Next, add a teaspoon of granulated sugar to the warm milk and give it a quick stir. This sugar will help activate the yeast. Add two packets of active dry yeast (or four and a half teaspoons if not using packets) to the milk mixture and give it a good mix. Set the mixture aside for about five to ten minutes, allowing the yeast to become frothy. This frothiness indicates that the yeast is active, and your donuts will turn out beautifully fluffy. If the mixture does not froth, it is an indication that your yeast is not viable, and you will need to restart the process with fresh yeast.
Measuring the Dry Ingredients
While the yeast mixture rests, it's time to measure out the dry ingredients. Grab a large bowl and measure four and a half cups (540 grams) of all-purpose flour into it. Add half a teaspoon of salt to the flour and mix it all together. Set the bowl aside for now.
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
With the dry ingredients resting, let's move on to mixing the wet ingredients. We need to weigh out 50 grams of granulated sugar using a kitchen Scale. Once the sugar is measured, crack two large room temperature eggs into the bowl with the sugar. Whisk the eggs and sugar together until they are well combined. Now it's time to incorporate the frothy yeast mixture into the wet ingredients. Gently stir the yeast mixture into the egg and sugar mixture until fully integrated. The yeast mixture will be puffed up, a sign that your donuts will have a delicate texture.
Combining the Yeast and Flour
Now comes the exciting part - combining the wet and dry ingredients to create the donut dough. Add the yeast and egg mixture into the bowl with the flour. Mix the ingredients by HAND until they form a shaggy dough. The dough will not be perfectly smooth at this stage, as it should have a rustic appearance with nooks and crannies.
Kneading the Dough
To develop the gluten in the dough and create a smooth texture, we need to knead the dough. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and start kneading it for about five minutes. The dough will be tacky, meaning it will feel slightly sticky to the touch. Remember, tacky dough is a good thing - it ensures your donuts will be moist and tender. Knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. To check if the dough is ready, perform the windowpane test. Take a small section of the dough and stretch it between two fingers. If the dough stretches thin enough for light to pass through (like a windowpane), it's ready. If it tears immediately, Continue kneading for a bit longer. Once the dough passes the windowpane test, it's time to let it rise.
Allowing the Dough to Rise
Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough into it. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm and cozy place for about an hour. During this time, the yeast will work its magic, and the dough will double in size. The rising process is crucial for achieving a light and airy texture in your donuts. Once the dough has risen, it's time to Shape and cut the donuts.
Shaping and Cutting the Donuts
After the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release any air bubbles that may have formed. Pat the dough out on a lightly floured surface until it reaches your desired thickness. Be careful not to Roll it out too thin, as the donuts need to puff up during the Second rise. Use a one-inch circle cookie cutter to cut out the donut shapes, and a smaller one to cut out the centers to create traditional donut shapes. Save the donut holes - they make for delicious bite-sized treats. Place the cut-out donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them to allow for expansion during the second rise. Cover the donuts loosely with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 40 minutes in a warm place.
Frying the Donuts
While the donuts are undergoing their second rise, it's time to prepare for the frying process. Add about two inches of oil to a Dutch oven or a large pot and place it over medium heat. Attach a thermometer to the side of the pot to monitor the temperature. Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), adjusting the heat accordingly to maintain the desired temperature.
Once the oil has reached the correct temperature, it's time to fry the donuts. Carefully lower a few donuts into the hot oil, being cautious of any potential splashes. Fry the donuts until they are golden brown on both sides, which should happen quite quickly. Use a spider or a slotted spoon to turn the donuts over and ensure even frying. Once golden brown, transfer the fried donuts to a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet to drain excess oil.
Making the Glaze
While the freshly fried donuts cool slightly, let's whip up a simple glaze to give them that irresistible sweetness. In a bowl, combine three cups (360 grams) of powdered sugar, six tablespoons (90 ml) of milk, and half a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients together until you achieve a thin drizzling consistency. The glaze should be thinner than traditional glazes, as it will soak into the donuts, creating a sweet and glossy coating.
Glazing the Donuts
With the glaze ready, it's time to give your donuts that signature glazed look. Dip each warm donut into the glaze, coating it to your preference. You can opt for a light drizzle or fully submerge the donut - it's entirely up to you. Alternatively, you can spoon the glaze over the donuts for a more controlled application. For donut holes, simply drop them into the glaze and use spoons to ensure they are evenly coated. After glazing, place the donuts and donut holes back on the wire rack to allow the excess glaze to drip off. Be gentle during this process to preserve the delicate structure of the donuts.
Enjoying the Delightful Donuts
Now that your glazed donuts are beautifully finished, it's time to indulge in their irresistible taste. These donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for a day or two. Whether you savor them as a special breakfast treat or as a delightful dessert, these homemade glazed donuts are sure to bring joy to your taste buds.
Conclusion
Making glazed donuts from scratch is a rewarding and satisfying experience. From the moment you prepare the yeast mixture to the final glazing process, every step contributes to the creation of these mouthwatering treats. With a fluffy texture, a sweet glaze, and a delicate taste, these homemade glazed donuts are a delightful indulgence. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of freshly made donuts? The warm aroma and heavenly taste will make it a Memorable experience for everyone. Enjoy!
