Soft & Fluffy Sugar-Coated Donuts (Makes About 40 Donuts)
A bakery-style donut recipe that’s soft, light, and perfectly sweet. Made with simple ingredients and coated in sparkling sugar, these homemade donuts are ideal for family gatherings, special occasions, or even starting a small home baking business.
Ingredients
For the Donut Dough
1000 g (1 kg) all-purpose flour
180 g granulated sugar
15 g salt
20 g active dry yeast
2 large eggs
120 g unsalted butter, softened
500 g cold milk or water
10 g vanilla extract or vanilla essence
For Coating
300 g granulated sugar
For Frying
Vegetable oil, as needed
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and dry yeast.
Add the eggs, vanilla, and cold milk (or water).
Mix until a rough dough forms.
Add the softened butter and knead for 10–12 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, soft, and elastic.
2. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.
Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Shape the Donuts
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
Roll it out to about 1 cm (½ inch) thickness.
Cut out donut shapes using a donut cutter or two round cutters.
Arrange the donuts on a parchment-lined tray.
4. Second Rise
Cover the shaped donuts lightly.
Let them proof for 30–45 minutes, until puffy and airy.
5. Fry the Donuts
Heat vegetable oil to 170–175°C (340–350°F).
Fry the donuts in batches for about 1–2 minutes per side, until beautifully golden brown.
Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Coat with Sugar
While still slightly warm, roll each donut in granulated sugar until evenly coated.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these donuts fresh with:
Hot coffee or tea
Hot chocolate
Chocolate sauce for dipping
Fruit jam or pastry cream filling
Baker’s Tips
Milk creates a richer, softer donut, while water produces a lighter texture.
Maintain the oil temperature for evenly cooked donuts.
For filled donuts, skip the center hole and pipe in your favorite filling after frying.
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days for maximum freshness.
Golden on the outside, irresistibly soft on the inside, and covered in sweet sugar crystals—these classic homemade donuts are guaranteed to disappear fast!
