The Ultimate Doughnut Recipe: Soft, Fluffy, and Irresistible

9jakitchenblog
August 28, 2025

Introducing Doughnut

Doughnut recipe lovers rejoice! This guide shares a step-by-step method for making soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet homemade doughnuts, including tips, equipment, and nutrition facts.

Doughnut, also known as donut, is beloved worldwide for its pillowy texture, golden crust, and irresistible sweetness. Whether you savour them with a morning coffee or as an afternoon snack, homemade doughnuts offer freshness and flavour that store-bought varieties simply can’t match. In this article, you’ll discover how to make classic yeast-raised doughnuts from scratch, learn about essential equipment, get a breakdown of nutritional information, and pick up expert tips for perfect results every time.

Doughnut Recipe: A Sweet Classic

When you search for the perfect doughnut recipe, you’re looking for something that gives you bakery-style results right at home. Whether you like them glazed, powdered, or filled, nothing beats the smell of freshly fried doughnuts in your kitchen. This recipe is tried and tested to give you pillowy-soft results every time.

Homemade Doughnuts: Why Make Them Yourself?

The joy of homemade doughnuts is unmatched. Store-bought doughnuts can be convenient, but making them from scratch allows you to control the flavour, texture, and freshness. Plus, you can customize them with your favourite toppings like chocolate glaze, cinnamon sugar, or even a classic vanilla glaze.

Easy Doughnut Recipe: Ingredients You’ll Need

If you’re looking for an easy doughnut recipe, you don’t need anything fancy. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples you already have.

Ingredients:

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
2 large eggs
½ tsp salt
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For Glaze (optional):

2 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Glazed Doughnuts: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a bowl, combine warm milk and 1 tablespoon sugar.
Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add the remaining sugar, eggs, butter, and salt to the yeast mixture.
Mix well, then gradually add flour. Knead (by hand or with a mixer) for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Doughnuts

Roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness.
Use your doughnut cutter to cut out doughnut shapes.
Place them on a floured baking sheet.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover and let the shaped doughnuts rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Step 6: Fry the Doughnuts

Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry doughnuts in batches, about 1 minute per side, until golden brown.

Step 7: Drain & Coat

Remove doughnuts and drain on a cooling rack or paper towels. While warm, coat with sugar or glaze as desired.

Doughnut

Fried Doughnuts: Equipment You’ll Need

To make the best fried doughnuts, you only need a few essential tools:

Large mixing bowl
Stand mixer with dough hook (or hand mixer)
Rolling pin
Doughnut cutter (or two round cutters of different sizes)
Baking sheet
Kitchen thermometer
Slotted spoon or spider strainer
Cooling rack

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving: 1 Doughnut)

Calories: 280
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Sugar: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 150mg

Note: Values are based on one standard yeast-raised doughnut without glaze or additional toppings.

Tips for Perfect Doughnuts

Use a Thermometer: Maintaining oil temperature at 350°F ensures evenly cooked, non-greasy doughnuts.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry just a few doughnuts at a time to maintain a stable oil temperature.
Let Dough Rise Fully: Under-proofed doughnuts can be dense. Allow enough time for both rises.
Customize Your Coating: Dip warm doughnuts in cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or your favourite glaze for variety.
Freeze for Later: Fried doughnuts freeze well. Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Warm in the oven to serve.

✅ With this doughnut recipe, you’ll have the perfect balance of crisp golden outside and soft pillowy inside. Whether you’re making homemade doughnuts, trying an easy doughnut recipe, enjoying glazed doughnuts, or indulging in crispy fried doughnuts, this guide ensures success every time.