Homemade Doughnuts

These homemade yeast doughnuts are a fun baking project for kids. Children can help mix the dough, roll and cut doughnuts, make the glaze, and decorate. An adult should always handle the hot oil and frying.

 

Doughnut Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water, 105–115°F
• Pinch of sugar
• 1 1/2 cups warm milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup shortening
• 5 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• Oil for frying

Vanilla Glaze Ingredients

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a glass measuring cup, combine yeast and warm water. Sprinkle with a pinch of sugar and let sit until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, salt, eggs, and shortening.
3. Add 2 cups flour and mix until smooth.
4. Pour in the proofed yeast mixture.
5. Add the remaining flour gradually until a soft dough forms.
6. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead several minutes until smooth.
7. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rest about 30 minutes.
8. Roll dough on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thick.
9. Cut with a doughnut cutter. Save centers for doughnut holes.
10. Place cut doughnuts on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise about 30 minutes.
11. Heat oil to 350°F. An adult should carefully fry doughnuts 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
12. Drain on paper towels or a wire rack and cool slightly.
13. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together until smooth.
14. Dip warm doughnuts in glaze and place on a rack to set.
15. Add sprinkles, coconut, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, cinnamon sugar, or other toppings while glaze is still wet.

Jelly or Cream Filled Doughnuts

To make filled doughnuts, cut plain circles without center holes. Fry and cool slightly. Fill a piping bag with jelly, pastry cream, whipped cream, or chocolate cream. Insert the tip into the side of each doughnut and gently squeeze in the filling. Dust with powdered sugar or dip the tops in glaze.

Variation Ideas

• Chocolate Glazed: Dip in chocolate glaze and add sprinkles.
• Maple: Use maple extract in the glaze and top with pecans.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Roll warm doughnuts in cinnamon sugar instead of glaze.
• Doughnut Holes: Fry the centers and coat with glaze, powdered sugar, or sprinkles.