Doughnuts are a beloved treat worldwide, known for their deliciously crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. They’re the ultimate comfort food, perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a sweet indulgence. While doughnuts can be easily bought at any bakery, there’s something truly special about making them from scratch in your own kitchen. The best part? You can customize them to suit your taste – from toppings to fillings.
In this detailed recipe, we’ll guide you through making doughnuts using 1kg of flour. This amount will yield approximately 40-50 doughnuts, depending on the size, so it’s perfect if you’re planning to share with family, friends, or even for a small business.
Ingredients for Doughnuts (1kg Flour)
- 1 kg all-purpose flour
- 150g sugar (preferably caster sugar for a finer texture)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 teaspoons active dry yeast (or 30g fresh yeast)
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 250ml warm milk (about 40°C or 104°F)
- 100g butter (melted, plus extra for frying)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but adds flavor)
- 250ml water (warm, around 40°C or 104°F)
- Oil for frying (vegetable oil or sunflower oil works best)
- Powdered sugar or granulated sugar for coating
- Cinnamon sugar (optional, for coating)
Tools and Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer (optional, but it helps to save time)
- Rolling pin
- Doughnut cutter or a round cutter and a small round cutter for the center
- Deep-frying pan or large pot
- Frying thermometer
- Cooling rack
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
First, you’ll need to activate the yeast to ensure your doughnuts rise properly. In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar and stir until dissolved. Sprinkle the active dry yeast into the milk mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. If you’re using fresh yeast, crumble it into the milk and follow the same process.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Give it a gentle stir with a whisk to make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Mix the Dough
Once the yeast is frothy, pour the milk-yeast mixture into the flour. Add the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Using a spoon or your stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, begin to mix the ingredients together until a soft dough begins to form.
At this stage, if the dough is too sticky, you can add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add small amounts of warm water until the dough comes together.
4. Knead the Dough
Once the dough has come together, knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 5-7 minutes on medium speed.
5. Let the Dough Rise
Once kneaded, cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and place it in a warm place to rise for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This is when the yeast works its magic, causing the dough to rise and become light and airy.
6. Shape the Doughnuts
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Then, turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch (1.5 cm) thickness.
Use a doughnut cutter to cut out the doughnuts. If you don’t have a doughnut cutter, you can use a large round cutter and a smaller round cutter for the center. Gather any dough scraps, knead them together, and roll them out again to get more doughnuts.
7. Second Rise
Place the shaped doughnuts on a floured baking sheet or tray. Cover them lightly with a cloth and allow them to rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they puff up again. This second rise is essential for achieving that light and fluffy texture.
8. Heat the Oil
While the doughnuts are rising, heat the oil in a large pot or deep-frying pan. You need the oil to be around 350°F (175°C) for proper frying. Use a thermometer to check the temperature and make adjustments if needed to keep the oil at a consistent temperature.
9. Fry the Doughnuts
Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the doughnuts into the oil, one or two at a time, depending on the size of your pan. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry each doughnut for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. You can use a slotted spoon to turn the doughnuts over and remove them from the oil.
As they cook, be sure to adjust the heat to prevent the oil from getting too hot or too cool.
10. Drain the Doughnuts
After frying, remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate or a cooling rack to drain any excess oil.
11. Coat the Doughnuts
While the doughnuts are still warm, you can coat them in powdered sugar or granulated sugar. If you prefer, you can also make a cinnamon sugar coating by mixing cinnamon and sugar together and rolling the doughnuts in it.
12. Serve and Enjoy!
Your homemade doughnuts are ready to enjoy! Serve them warm, or store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They’re best eaten fresh, but they can also be reheated in a microwave or oven if necessary.
Tips and Variations
- Flavor Variations: You can infuse the dough with different flavors. Add some nutmeg or cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a spiced flavor, or try adding citrus zest for a fresh twist.
- Filling Options: Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly, you can fill them with jams, chocolate, or even cream filling. Simply make a small hole with a skewer and use a piping bag to inject the filling.
- Glaze: If you prefer a glaze, combine powdered sugar, a little milk, and a few drops of vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Dip each doughnut into the glaze and let it set for a few minutes.
- Doughnut Holes: Don’t throw away the centers! These doughnut holes are delicious too. Fry them up along with the doughnuts, and coat them in sugar or glaze them for a bite-sized treat.
Conclusion
Making doughnuts at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy fresh, warm treats made with love. With this recipe for 1kg of flour, you’ll be able to make a large batch of doughnuts perfect for sharing with family, friends, or even selling at a local market. The process may take a bit of time, but the result is well worth the effort. Whether you coat them in powdered sugar, glaze them, or fill them with your favorite jam, you’re sure to impress everyone with these homemade doughnuts!
