If you’ve ever dreamed of making pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts at home, this Delicious Recipe will make that dream come true! These golden yeast doughnuts are soft, tender, and have a delicate chew, boasting a subtle tang from buttermilk and a hint of sweetness. The best part? You can fill them with your favorite jams, luscious chocolate hazelnut spread, or even clouds of whipped cream, meaning every batch can be customized for any craving. Dive in—because there’s just something magical about making (and sharing!) homemade doughnuts with your loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This collection of ingredients is wonderfully simple yet essential for achieving perfect doughnuts every time. Each plays its own crucial role, contributing to the dough’s soft structure, rich flavor, and that signature golden color that makes these treats irresistible.

Water: Use lukewarm water to activate the yeast—temperature matters for a good rise!
Buttermilk: Brings a lovely tang and contributes to the dough’s tenderness; let it come to room temp first.
Egg: Adds richness and structure—take the chill off for the fluffiest doughnuts.
Butter: Melted butter makes the crumb soft and adds mouthwatering flavor.
All-Purpose or Bread Flour: The backbone of your doughnut, providing the perfect balance of chewiness and airiness.
Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with browning; measure carefully for that classic flavor.
Salt: Don’t skip it—it sharpens all the other flavors.
Quick-Rise Yeast: The real hero for that sky-high, fluffy rise (regular dried yeast works too if that’s what you have).
Olive Oil for Frying: Makes for a gently crisp, golden crust—don’t substitute with vegetable oil unless you must.
Extra Sugar for Coating: Roll your doughnuts while still warm for that sparkly sweet finish!
Jam, Chocolate Hazelnut Spread, or Whipped Cream: Your pick for dreamy fillings—use more or less depending on your appetite.

How to Make Delicious Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough (Bread Machine Method)

If you have a bread machine, consider this your golden ticket: pour the water, buttermilk, beaten egg, and melted butter into the bread pan first. Next, add your weighed-out dry ingredients—flour, sugar, and salt—then nestle the yeast in a small indent on top (keeping yeast separate from direct contact with liquids at the start is key for best results). Set your machine to the “dough” setting, and let it work its magic while you prep your fillings or dream about that first bite.

Step 1: Make the Dough (Stand Mixer or By Hand)

No bread machine? No problem! For the stand mixer or hand method, stir together your dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a small cup, sprinkle the yeast over the lukewarm water and let it activate—five minutes is usually perfect, especially if you add a tiny pinch of sugar. Once bubbly, make a well in the dry mixture, add the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and activated yeast. If you’re using a mixer, beat until you get a dough, then knead on medium speed for five more minutes; by hand, knead until smooth and elastic, about ten minutes. Cover your bowl and let this precious dough rise until doubled, usually between 1 and 2 hours.

Step 2: Shape and Proof the Doughnuts

After your dough has doubled in size, gently tip it onto a floured surface and knead lightly—just enough to smooth it out. Divide the dough in half, covering one section to prevent drying out. Roll out the first half to about 1/2 inch thickness with a rolling pin. Grab a 3-inch round cutter to punch out the doughnuts, then use a 1-inch cutter for the holes. (Doughnut cutters do exist, and they are game-changers!) Place each raw doughnut on a square of parchment or wax paper, arranging them all on a baking sheet.

Step 3: Second Rise

Set your oven to the lowest temp for just a minute, then turn it off—you want it barely warm. Place your tray of doughnuts in the oven to proof. Here’s a delicious recipe hack: put a jug of boiling water inside the oven to create gentle steam. This keeps your doughnuts supple and skin-free. With the remaining dough, divide and shape into neat balls for filled doughnuts, nestling each one on parchment in the oven alongside the classic rings. Let them rise until noticeably puffed, usually another 45 minutes to an hour.

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

Heat your olive oil in a heavy pan or deep fryer to 350°F (180°C). Test the temperature with a doughnut hole—it should sizzle and slowly brown. Gently lower each doughnut into the hot oil using the parchment to avoid splashes. Fry until golden brown underneath, then flip and finish the other side. A paper towel-lined platter is your best friend, soaking up any excess oil and ensuring a soft, perfect crumb.

Step 5: Final Touches and Fillings

When the doughnuts are just cool enough to handle, roll them generously in the extra sugar. For filled doughnuts, poke a skewer through the side, then use a piping bag to squirt in jam, warm chocolate hazelnut spread, or lightly whipped cream (feel free to combine fillings — try jam and cream for an extra treat!). Every bite is guaranteed bliss.

How to Serve Delicious Recipe

Garnishes

This is your time to shine! Toss your doughnuts in classic granulated sugar, or switch things up with cinnamon-sugar or even powdered sugar for a snowy look. Want to really wow your guests? Drizzle them with a thin glaze, or sprinkle a few with rainbow sprinkles for a playful finish—the options are limitless with this Delicious Recipe!

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs better with fresh, warm doughnuts than a big mug of coffee or a thick, creamy hot chocolate. If you’re serving at brunch, consider a platter of fresh berries or some vanilla yogurt on the side—this touch of tartness goes so well with the pillowy, sweet doughnuts.

Creative Ways to Present

Make a doughnut tower: stack the sugared rings on a cake stand for an eye-catching centerpiece. Or, try placing filled doughnuts in colorful cupcake liners for individual servings. For parties, let guests choose their own fillings and toppings, creating a “doughnut bar” experience—this Delicious Recipe truly brings out everyone’s inner baker.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any of this Delicious Recipe left over (and that’s a big “if”), store plain, unfilled doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Once filled, try to enjoy them the same day, as the fillings can make the dough a bit softer over time.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze your homemade doughnuts! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top freezer bag. For best results, freeze them without sugar coating or fillings, adding these only after thawing. They’ll keep their Delicious Recipe magic for up to two months.

Reheating

To bring your doughnuts back to their warm, fluffy state, heat unfilled ones in the microwave for about 12-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-6 minutes. Fill and sugar them after reheating for that just-made taste—sweet nostalgia in every bite.

FAQs

What’s the best flour for this recipe?

Both all-purpose and bread flour work well. All-purpose flour yields a soft crumb, while bread flour gives a bit more chew—use whichever you have on hand for your Delicious Recipe adventure.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?

Absolutely! Just dissolve it as directed in lukewarm water and proceed with the recipe. The rise time may be a bit longer, but you’ll still get those lovely, airy doughnuts.

Which fillings work best for these doughnuts?

Classic jam (like raspberry or strawberry), chocolate hazelnut spread, and freshly whipped cream are all crowd-pleasers. Mix and match for your own Delicious Recipe twist!

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While baking is possible, you’ll miss out on that iconic crispy crust. If you do bake, brush with melted butter and sugar while warm for the closest texture.

How do I get my doughnuts evenly golden?

The secret is steady oil temperature. Use a thermometer to hold the oil at 350°F (180°C), and don’t overcrowd the pan—this ensures your Delicious Recipe comes out perfectly golden every time!

Final Thoughts

Baking these doughnuts from scratch is seriously satisfying—you’ll taste the love in every bite. Whether you’re filling them with jam, chocolate, or cream (or all three), this Delicious Recipe belongs in your baking rotation. Grab your ingredients, invite a few friends over, and don’t be surprised when you become everyone’s favorite doughnut maker!