Fluffy Homemade Doughnuts

Fluffy Homemade Doughnuts

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of all-purpose flour (360g)
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened (28g)
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar (100g)
• 1 cup of warm milk (240ml)
• 1 packet of active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Oil for frying

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and softened butter. Mix well.
3. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out doughnuts.
7. Place the doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (180°C). Fry the doughnuts in batches for about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
9. Remove the doughnuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
10. Enjoy your fluffy homemade doughnuts plain, or coat them in cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or glaze of your choice.