If you’re on a quest for the perfect yeast doughnut, look no further. This recipe promises light, fluffy, and utterly delicious doughnuts that will leave you and your loved ones craving more.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this guide will walk you through the process of creating these delightful treats right in your own home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These yeast doughnuts are everything you’d want in a sweet treat – airy, soft, and just the right amount of sweetness. The recipe is versatile, allowing for various fillings like jam, chocolate hazelnut spread, or whipped cream, making them perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

6 Tbsp lukewarm water
5 oz buttermilk at room temperature
1 egg at room temperature
2 oz melted butter
16 oz all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
2 oz sugar
1 tsp salt
1 ½ tsp quick-rise yeast (or regular dried yeast)
16 oz olive oil for frying
4 oz sugar (for coating the doughnuts)
Optional fillings: jam, chocolate hazelnut spread, or whipped cream

Equipment

Kitchen scale
Parchment paper
Deep fryer or pot
Candy thermometer (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

For Bread Machine Users:

Prepare the Ingredients: Place the lukewarm water, buttermilk, beaten egg, and melted butter in the bread machine pan. Add the dry ingredients, except for the yeast. Make a small indentation in the dry ingredients and add the yeast.
Set the Machine: Use the ‘dough’ setting on your bread machine and let it work its magic.

For Stand Mixer or By Hand:

Activate the Yeast: In a small cup, sprinkle the yeast over 6 Tbsp of lukewarm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it begins to react.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and yeast mixture. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook to mix until a dough forms, then continue kneading for about 5 minutes. By hand, knead for about 10 minutes.
Let It Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise until doubled in size (1 to 2 hours).

Shaping and Frying:

Prepare the Dough: Once risen, place the dough on a floured surface and knead lightly. Divide it in half, rolling each half to about 1/2″ thickness.
Cut the Doughnuts: Use a round cookie cutter (about 3″ diameter) to cut out doughnuts and a smaller cutter (about 1″ diameter) for holes.
Second Rise: Place each doughnut on parchment paper squares on a cookie sheet. Let them rise in a slightly warm oven with a jug of hot water to create steam.
Fry to Perfection: Heat oil to about 350ºF (180ºC). Fry the doughnuts until golden brown on each side. Drain on paper towels.
Coat and Fill: Roll cooled doughnuts in sugar. If desired, fill with jam or chocolate hazelnut spread using a piping bag.

Tips for Success

Use a Scale: For best results, weigh your ingredients.
Temperature Matters: Ensure liquids are at room temperature to help the yeast activate properly.
Watch the Oil: Keep an eye on oil temperature to ensure even frying.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains approximately:

Calories: 180
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 4g

Final Thoughts

Homemade yeast doughnuts are a labor of love that pays off in delicious bites. Whether enjoyed plain or filled with your favorite treats, these doughnuts are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!

Perfect Yeast Doughnuts

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Author: Noura
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 16 doughnuts 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

The best recipe you’ll ever find for light and fluffy yeast doughnuts! These golden pillows of sweetness are irresistible, especially when filled with jam, chocolate hazelnut spread, or whipped cream. A must-try for any doughnut lover!

Instructions

Using a Bread Machine:
- Add water, buttermilk, beaten egg, and melted butter to the bread machine pan.
- Weigh dry ingredients and add on top, making a small indentation for the yeast.
- Select the “dough” setting.
Using a Stand Mixer or by Hand:
- In a small cup, combine lukewarm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients. Make a well in the center and pour in buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and yeast mixture.
- Knead with a dough hook for 5 minutes, or by hand for 10 minutes, until smooth.
- Cover and let rise until doubled (about 1–2 hours).
Shape the Doughnuts:
- Once risen, knead the dough lightly on a floured surface. Divide in half.
- Roll one half to 1/2″ thickness and cut doughnuts using a 3″ cutter and a 1″ cutter for the holes.
- Place on parchment squares and place on a baking tray.
Proof the Doughnuts:
- Put the tray in a slightly warmed oven (turned off).
- Add a jug of boiling water to the oven to create steam.
- Let the doughnuts rise until doubled in size.
Fry the Doughnuts:
- Heat oil to 350°F (180°C).
- Carefully drop doughnuts into hot oil using the parchment paper.
- Fry until golden, flipping once. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Coat and Fill:
- When cooled slightly, roll doughnuts in sugar.
- For filled doughnuts, make a hole with a skewer and pipe in jam, hazelnut spread, or whipped cream.