There’s no feeling quite like biting into a freshly made, still-warm donut. These homemade donuts, fluffy and sugared to perfection, are a treat any day of the week. With a hint of buttery sweetness and an icing to die for, these are sure to become a household favorite. Plus, the vibrant sprinkles add a touch of whimsy that both kids and adults will adore.

Table of Contents

How To Make Fluffy Homemade Donuts

Chef’s Tips

Consistency is Key: Ensure your frying oil is at a steady temperature for even browning.
Freshness First: For best results, use freshly bought self-rising flour and active dry yeast.
Dress it Up: Feel free to use different colored sprinkles or even flavored glazes for a new twist each time!

Ingredients

Egg Yolks: 3 yolks – They add richness to the dough and give the donuts a tender crumb.
Self-Rising Flour: 2 ½ cups – A combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps the donuts rise and become fluffy.
Milk: 1 cup – Adds moisture to the dough and contributes to the soft texture of the donuts.
Olive Oil: 1 tbsp – Enhances the dough’s texture and imparts a mild, fruity note.
Caster Sugar: ½ cup – This fine sugar easily integrates into the dough, sweetening our donuts just right.
Dry Yeast: 1 tbsp – Acts as the leavening agent, helping our dough rise and achieve that desired fluffiness.
Butter: ½ cup – Imparts a rich, creamy flavor to the donuts and aids in their golden color when frying.
Oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil to ensure the donut’s flavors shine without interference.
Icing Sugar: 1 cup – A finely milled sugar that creates a smooth, glossy glaze.
Water: 2 tbsp – Thins the icing sugar to the perfect consistency for glazing.
Sprinkles: Orange, Pink, and White – These add a touch of fun, color, and a slight crunch.

Instructions

Prepping the Dough: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and caster sugar. Add in the egg yolks and mix well. Gradually pour in the milk and butter while mixing continuously. Form the mixture into a round dough. Cover with a kitchen towel and set aside in a warm area, allowing it to rise for about 2 hours.

collage of images showing steps to add ingredients and mix in a bowl to form a dough ball

Shaping the Donuts: Once the dough has doubled, lightly dust a surface with flour. Roll out the dough and use a round cutter to create donut shapes. For the classic donut hole, use a ¾ inch cutter in the center of each round.

two pieces of dough flattened into circles

four pieces of dough formed and shaped into donut shapes

Frying: Heat your preferred frying oil in a deep frying pan or fryer. Once hot, gently place 1-2 donuts in the oil. Fry for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they’re a golden brown. Remove and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Icing and Decorating: For the icing, gently mix the icing sugar and water until smooth. Drizzle or dip each donut into the glaze, then immediately sprinkle with the orange, pink, and white sprinkles.

cooked plain donuts on a drying rack next to ingredients

Variations

Flavorful Fillings: Once your donuts have cooled, you can inject them with your favorite fillings like custard, jam, or chocolate cream.
Chocolate Glaze: Swap the regular glaze for a chocolate one by mixing icing sugar, cocoa powder, and a touch of milk.
Spice it Up: Introduce warm spices to the dough like cinnamon or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
Alternative Toppings: Instead of sprinkles, consider other toppings like shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips.
Vegan Version: Use almond or soy milk instead of regular milk, and a flaxseed or chia seed “egg” in place of egg yolks. Ensure to use vegan butter as well.
Herb-infused donuts: Add finely chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a sophisticated flavor twist. This pairs exceptionally well with a lemon glaze.

Storage

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you wish to enjoy them warm, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave should do the trick!

close up view of freshly baked donuts with colorful sprinkles on top

More Yummy Treats

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