There’s nothing quite like a warm, soft, and sweet glazed doughnut to brighten your day. These Super Soft Glazed Doughnuts are perfect for a weekend treat or a special breakfast. With a tender, fluffy texture and a sweet vanilla glaze, they are sure to satisfy any doughnut craving. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create these delicious doughnuts step-by-step.
Ingredients
For the Doughnuts:
- 1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk (whole milk or 2%)
- 1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup), room temperature
- 4 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 5 cups + 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
- Additional flour for dusting
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
For the Glaze:
- 3 cups confectioners sugar
- 5 to 6 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 pinches salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the room temperature butter, eggs, sugar, salt, and freshly grated nutmeg to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Add Flour: Gradually add 5 cups of flour to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add the remaining 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons of flour a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape and Fry the Doughnuts
- Roll Out Dough: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut Doughnuts: Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one larger and one smaller) to cut out the doughnuts. Place the doughnuts and doughnut holes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Second Rise: Cover the doughnuts with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
- Heat Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature.
- Fry Doughnuts: Carefully place a few doughnuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack to drain. Repeat with the remaining doughnuts and holes.
Step 3: Prepare the Glaze
- Mix Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the confectioners sugar, water, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more water or sugar if needed.
Step 4: Glaze the Doughnuts
- Glaze Doughnuts: While the doughnuts are still warm, dip each one into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Place them back on the wire rack to set.
Serving
- Serve: Enjoy these Super Soft Glazed Doughnuts warm or at room temperature. They are perfect with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.
Cooking Notes
- Temperature: Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F is crucial for perfectly fried doughnuts. Too hot and they will burn on the outside; too cool and they will absorb too much oil.
- Yeast: Ensure the yeast is active and frothy before proceeding with the recipe. If it doesn’t activate, start over with fresh yeast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? A: Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount and skip the activation step, mixing the yeast directly with the dry ingredients.
Q: How do I store leftover doughnuts? A: Store any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the doughnuts and reheat them in the oven before serving.
Q: Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying them? A: Yes, you can bake the doughnuts at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown. However, they will have a different texture compared to frying.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of Super Soft Glazed Doughnuts, follow these modifications:
- Flour: Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Sugar: Replace the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Milk: Use unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream.
Super Soft Glazed Doughnuts are a classic treat that everyone loves. With their soft, fluffy texture and sweet glaze, they are perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy a homemade doughnut that’s both delicious and satisfying!
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