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Fluffy Homemade Yeast Doughnuts with Glaze

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Make fluffy homemade yeast doughnuts with airy centres, golden exteriors and a classic powdered-sugar glaze. Includes kneading, rising and frying cues.

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Fluffy Homemade Yeast Doughnuts with GlazePhotography may include disclosed AI-assisted illustrations. Read the image policy.

ABOUT THIS RECIPE

Homemade Yeast Doughnuts

Light, airy homemade yeast doughnuts fried until golden and finished with a classic powdered-sugar glaze.

Dietary labels are based on the listed ingredients. For allergies or celiac disease, verify every packaged ingredient and guard against cross-contamination.Based on a handwritten Alton Brown yeast doughnut recipe.

FROM THE RECIPE NOTES

Why this recipe works

  • A properly kneaded yeast dough traps gas for an airy interior.
  • Two rises create both flavour and a light, even crumb.
  • Maintaining steady oil temperature cooks the centres without greasy doughnuts.

Ingredient notes

Yeast
Check the date and use comfortably warm, never hot, liquid.
Flour
Add conservatively; a soft dough makes lighter doughnuts.
Frying oil
Choose a neutral, high-heat oil and monitor it with a thermometer.

Practical substitutions

These are conservative alternatives based on standard kitchen practice; results may vary from the original recipe.

  • A neutral plant-based milk can replace dairy milk, although flavour and browning may vary.
  • Roll warm doughnuts in cinnamon sugar instead of glazing them.

Troubleshooting

The doughnuts are greasy
The oil was likely too cool. Allow it to return to temperature between batches.
The outside browns before the centre cooks
Lower the oil temperature slightly and avoid cutting the dough too thick.

Storage and freezing

  • Doughnuts are best the day they are fried. Store unglazed leftovers airtight for one day and warm briefly.
  • Freeze unglazed cooled doughnuts for up to one month; thaw, warm and glaze before serving.

THE BUTTER & BLOOM RECIPE

Homemade Yeast Doughnuts

Print-friendly layout
Preparation time
29 min
Cooking time
1 min
Total time
2 hrs 30 min
Yield
12 servings
Cuisine
North American
Updated

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 2 1/2 ounces vegetable shortening
  • 2 packages active dry yeast
  • 1/3 cup warm water
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 23 ounces all-purpose flour
  • Oil, for frying
  • Powdered sugar glaze, for finishing

Detailed directions for Homemade Yeast Doughnuts

  1. Heat the milk and shortening in a saucepan just until the shortening melts. Cool until warm, not hot.
  2. Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes, until foamy.
  3. Combine the yeast mixture, warm milk mixture, eggs, sugar, salt, nutmeg and about half the flour.
  4. Beat until smooth, then gradually add enough remaining flour to form a soft, slightly tacky dough.
  5. Knead until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
  6. Roll the dough to about 3/8-inch thickness. Cut into doughnut shapes and place on a lightly floured tray.
  7. Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes.
  8. Heat frying oil to 365°F (185°C). Fry the doughnuts for about 1 minute per side, until golden.
    Three stages of yeast doughnuts: foamy activated yeast, cut doughnut rings rising on a tray, and doughnuts frying until evenly golden
    Homemade Yeast Doughnuts · Visual guide: activate the yeast, proof the rings and fry at 365°F
  9. Drain on a rack or paper towels. Cool for 15 to 20 minutes before glazing.
Keywords: homemade yeast doughnuts · fluffy homemade yeast doughnuts with classic glaze · baking recipes · homemade recipe · easy family recipe

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COMMON QUESTIONS

Homemade Yeast Doughnuts FAQ

What temperature should the oil be?

About 350°F (175°C) is a useful target; monitor and adjust the heat between batches.

Can I bake this dough?

The dough is designed for frying. Baking will produce a different, bread-like result.

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