HOW DO I MAKE DONUTS?

How do I make donuts?

Table of Contents

Making donuts can be a fun and rewarding experience, even for beginners.

This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process, from gathering essential ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and yeast, to shaping and frying your donuts to golden perfection.

You’ll learn about different types of dough, the importance of quality ingredients, and the tools you’ll need. The guide also covers how to prepare, proof, and fry the dough, as well as how to glaze and top your donuts with a variety of flavors.

With these simple instructions, you can create delicious, bakery-quality donuts right in your own kitchen.

Shaping and Frying the Donuts

Once your dough has rested and proofed properly, it’s time to shape and fry your donuts.

This is where your donuts begin to take on their familiar, mouth-watering form.

Shaping the Donuts

Rolling the Dough: Start by lightly flouring your work surface to prevent sticking. Then, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. Ensure that the dough is evenly rolled to achieve uniform donuts.
Cutting the Donuts: Use a donut cutter or two round cutters of different sizes to shape the donuts. If you don’t have a donut cutter, a large cup and a smaller one (for the hole) will work just fine. After cutting, place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, allowing some space between each one.
Secondary Proofing: Let the cut donuts rest for another 30-45 minutes, covered with a damp cloth. This secondary proofing allows the donuts to puff up slightly and ensures a lighter texture when fried.

Frying the Donuts

Frying is the step where your donuts achieve their golden, crispy exterior.

Here’s how to do it:

Heating the Oil: Fill a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot with oil, leaving about 2-3 inches of space at the top to prevent overflow. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Using a thermometer is crucial to maintain the correct temperature throughout the frying process.
Frying the Donuts: Carefully lower a few donuts at a time into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or a spatula. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts. Fry each side for about 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Once fried, remove the donuts and place them on a cooling rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Frying Donut Holes: Don’t forget to fry the donut holes! These smaller pieces cook faster, usually taking about 1 minute per side. They make for a perfect bite-sized treat.

Glazing and Topping Your Donuts

Now that your donuts are fried to perfection, it’s time to add the finishing touches with glazes, toppings, or fillings.

Basic Glaze Recipe

A classic glaze adds sweetness and shine to your donuts:

Ingredients: Mix 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more sugar. For a thinner glaze, add a bit more milk.
Glazing the Donuts: While the donuts are still warm, dip them into the glaze, covering either one side or the entire donut. Place the glazed donuts back on the cooling rack to allow the glaze to set.

Other Topping Ideas

Chocolate Glaze: Melt 1 cup of chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of butter. Dip the donuts in the chocolate glaze and let them set on a cooling rack.
Powdered Sugar: For a simple, classic touch, roll the warm donuts in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Cinnamon Sugar: Combine 1 cup of sugar with 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Roll the donuts in the mixture while they’re still warm.
Filled Donuts: If you want to fill your donuts with jelly, custard, or cream, use a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Insert the tip into the side of the donut and squeeze gently until the filling begins to show.

Storing Your Donuts

Freshly made donuts are best enjoyed immediately, but if you need to store them, here’s how:

Room Temperature: Store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’ve used a glaze, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking.
Reheating: To enjoy your donuts as fresh as possible, reheat them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will help restore their softness and flavor.
Freezing: If you need to store them for a longer period, you can freeze unglazed donuts. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature and glaze them after they have defrosted.

Troubleshooting Common Donut Baking Issues

Donut-making can sometimes present challenges.

Here are solutions to some common issues:

Dense Donuts: If your donuts are too dense, it might be due to under-proofing the dough. Ensure you allow the dough enough time to rise properly.
Greasy Donuts: If your donuts are greasy, the oil may have been too cool when frying. Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F) and avoid overcrowding the fryer.
Cracked or Misshapen Donuts: This could be a result of over-kneading the dough or improper rolling. Be gentle with the dough and ensure it is rolled out evenly.
Dry Donuts: Donuts that turn out dry could be overcooked or made from dough that lacked sufficient fat or moisture. Pay close attention to cooking times and the consistency of your dough.

That is how you make donuts! How to bake donuts is not only a question of skill or experience but of following the steps and advice we shared here.