Doughnuts Recipe

All-purpose flour: The base ingredient for the dough, providing structure and texture.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and helps with browning during frying.

Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the dough rise and become fluffy.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the doughnuts.

Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the dough.

Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, sweet flavor to the doughnuts.

Vegetable oil: Used for frying the doughnuts to a golden brown.

When mixing the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, ensure you do so gradually to avoid overmixing, which can result in tough doughnuts. The dough should be just combined and slightly sticky. Additionally, when rolling out the dough, use a light touch and avoid adding too much extra flour, as this can make the doughnuts dense. For perfectly golden doughnuts, maintain the oil temperature at around 350°F (175°C) and avoid overcrowding the frying pan, which can cause the doughnuts to cook unevenly.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the doughnuts denser.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: Ideal for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, though texture may vary.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and adds moisture, but reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly.

• sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a caramel-like flavor.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different flavor profile and is less processed.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in baking.

• milk - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and can make the doughnuts more tender.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoon water per egg for a vegan alternative.

• eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Use ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce per egg for a moist texture and slight sweetness.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor profile.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a unique sweetness and depth of flavor.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor and is a healthier fat option.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil is a neutral-flavored oil that works well for frying.

• Allow the doughnuts to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Place the doughnuts in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

• Store doughnuts at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider freezing.

• To freeze, arrange doughnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in the freezer for about an hour. This flash-freezing step ensures they won't stick together.

• Once frozen, transfer doughnuts to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw doughnuts at room temperature for about an hour. For a warm treat, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.

• Avoid storing doughnuts in the refrigerator, as this can dry them out and alter their texture.

• For glazed or frosted doughnuts, it's best to freeze them without the topping. Add the glaze or frosting after thawing to maintain the best texture and flavor.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm them for about 5-7 minutes until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.

• For a quick fix, use a microwave. Place the doughnuts on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become too soft or rubbery.

• If you have an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the doughnuts in the basket. Heat for 3-4 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don't overcook. This method helps retain a crispy exterior.

• For a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat and place the doughnuts in the pan. Warm each side for about 1-2 minutes until they are heated through and slightly crispy.

• If you prefer a steam method, place the doughnuts in a steamer basket over simmering water. Cover and steam for about 2-3 minutes. This method keeps them moist but may soften the exterior.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients separately before mixing them together.

• Whisk: Utilized to whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough on a floured surface to achieve the desired thickness.

• Doughnut cutter: Helps in cutting the rolled-out dough into doughnut shapes.

• Frying pan: Used to heat the vegetable oil and fry the doughnuts until golden brown.

• Paper towels: Placed on a plate to drain the excess oil from the fried doughnuts.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the doughnuts in the frying pan to ensure they are evenly cooked on both sides.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the flour, sugar, milk, and vegetable oil.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract precisely.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately the night before.

Use a doughnut cutter: A doughnut cutter ensures uniform shapes and saves time compared to cutting by hand.

Preheat oil: Start heating the vegetable oil while you roll out the dough to save time.

Batch frying: Fry multiple doughnuts at once to speed up the process.

Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can quickly combine ingredients and form the dough, saving manual effort.