Step-by-Step Guide: Making Milky Doughnuts from Scratch for Beginners"

Making doughnuts from scratch might seem intimidating, especially for beginners, but with the right guidance and a little patience, you’ll be able to create soft, fluffy, and delicious milky doughnuts that everyone will love. This step-by-step guide will take you through the entire process, from mixing the dough to frying and glazing, with easy-to-follow instructions designed for first-timers.

Let’s get started on your journey to making perfect milky doughnuts!

Ingredients You'll Need

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

¼ cup sugar

1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

½ cup whole milk (warm, not hot)

2 large eggs

¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp salt

Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)

1 cup powdered sugar (for glazing)

1 tbsp milk (for glaze)

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

The first step to making milky doughnuts is activating the yeast. Yeast is what makes the dough rise, so it's important to make sure it’s alive and working properly.

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C) with the sugar.

Sprinkle the yeast over the top of the milk-sugar mixture.

Stir gently and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is activated and ready to use. If it doesn’t froth, the yeast might be expired, and you'll need to try a new packet.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Now it’s time to mix everything into a dough.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir well to distribute the salt evenly.

Add the eggs, softened butter, vanilla extract, and the activated yeast mixture into the bowl.

Mix everything until a sticky dough begins to form. You can use a spoon or your hands for this but be prepared for a bit of stickiness.

Once the dough starts coming together, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5–7 minutes. The goal is to work the dough until it becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour as needed.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Rising is crucial for soft, fluffy doughnuts.

Lightly grease a large bowl with a little butter or oil and place the dough inside.

Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is the fermentation stage where the yeast works its magic to make the dough soft and airy.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a warm spot, you can turn your oven on to the lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off. Place the dough in the warm oven for the rise.

Step 4: Shape the Doughnuts

Once your dough has risen, it’s time to shape the doughnuts.

Punch the dough down gently to release the air.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out with a rolling pin to about ½ inch thickness.

Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out the doughnuts. If you don’t have a doughnut cutter, you can use a glass for the outer shape and a smaller round object for the hole in the center.

Re-roll any excess dough and repeat the cutting process.

Step 5: Let the Doughnuts Rest

After cutting, let the doughnuts rest for another 15-20 minutes. This helps them relax and rise a bit more before frying, giving them a soft texture.

Step 6: Heat the Oil for Frying

While the doughnuts are resting, it’s time to heat the oil for frying.

In a large, deep pot, heat about 2–3 inches of oil over medium heat. The temperature should reach around 350°F (175°C).

To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready.

Step 7: Fry the Doughnuts

Now comes the fun part—frying your doughnuts!

Carefully place a few doughnuts (don’t overcrowd the pan) into the hot oil. Fry them for about 1–2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.

Use a slotted spoon to flip the doughnuts and remove them from the oil once they’re perfectly golden and cooked through.

Place the fried doughnuts on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Pro Tip: If you want to make doughnut holes (the center part), you can fry the little circles of dough as well. They’ll cook faster, so keep an eye on them!

Step 8: Make the Glaze

A simple glaze can turn your milky doughnuts into a delightful treat. Here’s how to make a basic glaze:

In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk. Stir until smooth and glossy.

If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. If you want it a bit thinner, add a little more milk.

Step 9: Glaze the Doughnuts

Once your doughnuts are fried and slightly cooled, it’s time to glaze them!

Dip each warm doughnut into the glaze, ensuring the top is evenly coated.

Allow the excess glaze to drip off, and place the doughnuts on a wire rack to set.

Let them sit for a few minutes until the glaze hardens slightly.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Now that your doughnuts are glazed and set, they’re ready to be enjoyed!

Serve your milky doughnuts fresh and warm for the best taste.

You can also sprinkle them with powdered sugar, or get creative with different glazes or toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of caramel.

Tips for Success

Don’t Rush the Rising Time: The rise is crucial for light, fluffy doughnuts, so give the dough the time it needs to rise properly.

Fry at the Right Temperature: If the oil is too hot, the doughnuts will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. Too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Experiment with Flavors: Once you’ve mastered the basic doughnut, try adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or citrus zest to the dough for different flavor variations.

Conclusion

Making milky doughnuts from scratch is a fun and rewarding experience, even for beginners. By following these simple, step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to create soft, fluffy doughnuts that are full of flavor and perfect for any occasion. With a little practice, you'll be able to experiment with different glazes and fillings to make your doughnuts uniquely your own. Happy frying, and enjoy your delicious homemade treats!