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