There's nothing quite like the taste of freshly made doughnuts. This recipe will guide you through creating light, fluffy, and golden-brown doughnuts that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're making them for a special breakfast treat or a sweet snack, these doughnuts are sure to delight.
Most of the ingredients for this doughnut recipe are common pantry staples. However, you might need to pick up vegetable oil if you don't have enough for frying. Additionally, make sure you have baking powder on hand, as it's essential for the dough to rise properly.

Ingredients For Doughnut Recipe
Flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and helps with browning.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the doughnuts.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
Butter: Adds flavor and tenderness to the doughnuts.
Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of vanilla flavor to the dough.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying the doughnuts to a golden brown.
Technique Tip for Making Doughnuts
When mixing the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough doughnuts. Stir just until the dough comes together for a light and fluffy texture.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may result in a denser texture.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: Ideal for those with gluten intolerance, though it may require additional binding agents like xanthan gum.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and adds moisture, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a subtle caramel 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 needed.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a more complex flavor profile.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in most baking recipes.
milk - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and can make the doughnuts more tender.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a plant-based fat that can add a subtle coconut flavor.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a non-dairy alternative that can be used in the same quantities as butter.
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 canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar frying properties.
vegetable oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it suitable for frying.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Doughnuts
How to Store and Freeze Doughnuts
- Allow the doughnuts to cool completely at room temperature. This ensures they don't become soggy when stored.
- Place the doughnuts in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Store the container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider freezing.
- To freeze, arrange the doughnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer and place in the freezer until solid, about 1-2 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer the doughnuts to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date and type of doughnuts for easy identification.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the doughnuts at room temperature for about 1 hour or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- For a freshly-fried taste, reheat the doughnuts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
How to Reheat Leftover Doughnuts
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for about 5-7 minutes until they are warm and slightly crispy on the outside.
Use a microwave for a quick reheat. Place the doughnuts on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as they can become rubbery.
For a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the doughnuts in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are warmed through.
If you have an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the doughnuts in the basket in a single layer and heat for 3-4 minutes. This method helps to retain the crispiness of the exterior.
For a toaster oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the doughnuts on the rack or a baking sheet and heat for 5-6 minutes. This method is great for maintaining the texture.
If you prefer a steam method, place the doughnuts in a steamer basket over simmering water for about 1-2 minutes. This method keeps them moist but may soften the exterior.
Essential Tools for Making Doughnuts
Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients separately before mixing them together.
Whisk: Helpful for mixing the wet ingredients thoroughly.
Doughnut cutter: Essential for cutting out the doughnut shapes from the rolled-out dough.
Rolling pin: Use this to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
Floured surface: A surface dusted with flour to prevent the dough from sticking while rolling it out.
Frying pan: Needed to heat the oil and fry the doughnuts.
Thermometer: Useful for checking the oil temperature to ensure it is at the right heat for frying.
Tongs: Handy for flipping the doughnuts in the oil and removing them once they are golden brown.
Paper towels: Place the fried doughnuts on these to drain excess oil.
Measuring cups: Use these to measure out the ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: Essential for measuring smaller quantities like baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Doughnuts
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting to save time during the cooking process.
Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can quickly combine the wet and dry ingredients to form the dough.
Preheat the oil: Start heating the vegetable oil while you are preparing the doughnuts to save time.
Cut multiple doughnuts: Use a large surface to roll out the dough and cut multiple doughnuts at once.
Use a cooling rack: Place a cooling rack over paper towels to drain the doughnuts quickly and efficiently.

Doughnut Recipe
Ingredients
Doughnut Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 tablespoon Butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 cups Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness.
- Use a doughnut cutter to cut out doughnut shapes.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the doughnuts until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses to Pair with Doughnuts
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