Soft, fluffy, golden brown, and coated in sugar – these homemade doughnuts are everything you love about the bakery, made right in your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the dough:
2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
¼ cup granulated sugar
2½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
½ tsp vanilla extract
Vegetable oil, for frying
For coating:
½ cup granulated sugar or powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add in the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape doughnuts: Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small) to cut out doughnuts and holes.
Second rise: Place doughnuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
Fry: Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry doughnuts a few at a time, about 1 minute per side, or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Coat: While still warm, roll doughnuts in granulated or powdered sugar.

Tips:
Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Glaze, chocolate, or cinnamon sugar are great alternatives to plain sugar coating.