Donut Recipe

Ingredients

Dough

• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tsp. granulated sugar, divided
• 1 packet (or 2 1/4 tsp.) active dry yeast
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 6 tbsp melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Canola or vegetable oil, for frying

Glaze

• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a small, microwave-safe container, add the 1 cup milk. Microwave until lukewarm, about 40 seconds. Add the divided 1 tsp of sugar and stir to dissolve, then sprinkle over yeast and let sit until frothy, about 8 minutes.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 4 cups flour and 1/2 tsp salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together remaining 1/4 cup sugar, 6 tbsp butter, 2 eggs, and 1/2 tsp vanilla with a wooden spoon.
4. Pour in yeast mixture, mix to combine, then add in dry ingredients (flour and salt). stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead until elastic and only slightly tacky, adding more flour a teaspoon at a time if needed, about 5 minutes.
6. Form into a tight ball then place dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean dish towel.
7. Let dough rise in a warm spot in your kitchen until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
8. Line a large baking sheet with parchment. Punch down dough, then turn onto a lightly floured work surface and roll out into a ½ inch thick rectangle.
9. Using a doughnut cutter (or 3 inch and 1 inch biscuit cutters), punch out your doughnuts.
10. Re-knead scraps together and punch out as well.
11. Place doughnuts and holes onto baking sheets, cover with dish towel, and let rise again, about 40 minutes more.

While waiting for the 2nd rise, you can make the glaze

1. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.

Fry donuts

1. Line a large baking sheet with paper towels.
2. In a large dutch oven over medium heat, heat 2 inches of oil to 350°F.
3. Cook doughnuts, in batches, until deeply golden on both sides, about 1 minute per side. (Holes will cook even faster!)
4. Transfer doughnuts to paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain and cool slightly. Dip into glaze, then place onto a cooling rack (or eat immediately!)