A Plain Donut Recipe: Easy and Delicious Homemade Goodness

Plain donuts, with their fluffy texture and subtle sweetness, are a classic treat enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, making plain donuts at home is an easy and rewarding endeavor. This recipe will guide you through the entire process, from preparing the dough to glazing and serving your homemade delights.

Follow along as we delve into the simple steps involved in creating these delectable pastries. We’ll cover everything from mixing and kneading the dough to achieving perfectly shaped donuts and glazing them to perfection. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your newfound donut-making skills!

Plain Donut Dough Recipe

The foundation of any great donut lies in its dough. For plain donuts, the dough should be light, fluffy, and slightly sweet. Achieving the perfect dough requires careful attention to ingredients and technique.

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups (437g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons (8g) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon (5g) salt
1 cup (240ml) warm milk (105-115°F/41-46°C)
1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg

Mixing the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, butter, and egg.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Kneading the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Punching Down and Shaping the Dough

Punch down the dough to release the air bubbles.
Roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/2 inch (1.25 cm).
Cut out donuts using a 3-inch (7.6 cm) donut cutter.

Donut Cutting and Shaping

Once the dough has risen, it’s time to cut and shape the donuts. There are a few different methods you can use, depending on the desired shape and size of your donuts.

Using a Donut Cutter

A donut cutter is a specialized tool that can be used to cut out perfect donut shapes from the dough. Donut cutters come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

To use a donut cutter, simply roll out the dough to the desired thickness and place the cutter on top of the dough. Press down firmly to cut out the donut shape. The center of the donut can be removed using a smaller cutter or a sharp knife.

Using a Biscuit Cutter

If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can use a biscuit cutter to cut out the donuts. Biscuit cutters come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

To use a biscuit cutter, simply roll out the dough to the desired thickness and place the cutter on top of the dough. Press down firmly to cut out the donut shape. The center of the donut can be removed using a smaller cutter or a sharp knife.

Tips for Achieving Even and Consistent Shapes

Roll out the dough to an even thickness throughout.
Use a sharp cutter to cut out the donuts.
Don’t overwork the dough, as this can make the donuts tough.
If the donuts are not rising evenly, try using a warmer spot for the second rise.

Frying the Donuts

The key to perfectly fried donuts lies in the right temperature and oil. The ideal temperature for frying is between 350°F (175°C) and 375°F (190°C). Use an oil that can withstand high heat, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.

Place the donuts in the hot oil carefully, using a slotted spoon or a donut cutter. Monitor the donuts closely while frying, turning them occasionally to ensure even browning. They are done when they turn a deep golden brown and float to the surface of the oil.

Determining Doneness

The donuts should float to the surface of the oil when they are done.
They should be a deep golden brown in color.
Insert a toothpick into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, the donut is done.

Glazing the Donuts (Optional)

Glazing donuts adds a sweet and glossy finish, elevating their taste and appearance. While plain donuts are delicious, glazing offers an opportunity to customize flavors and create visually appealing treats.

Glaze recipes vary widely, ranging from simple sugar glazes to more elaborate flavored glazes. Here are a few popular options:

Simple Sugar Glaze

1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Flavored Glazes

Chocolate Glaze: Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder to the simple sugar glaze.
Maple Glaze: Replace milk with maple syrup in the simple sugar glaze.
Strawberry Glaze: Puree 1/2 cup strawberries and add to the simple sugar glaze.

To apply the glaze, dip or brush the donuts into the glaze while they are still warm. Let the excess glaze drip off and then place the donuts on a wire rack to set. The glaze will harden and create a smooth, shiny finish.

Glazing donuts is an optional step, but it adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal that makes them irresistible.

Serving and Storing Plain Donuts

Plain donuts are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer them as a quick breakfast on the go or a sweet dessert after a meal, there are plenty of options to suit your taste.

This section will explore different ways to serve plain donuts and provide tips on how to store them properly to maintain their freshness and flavor.

Serving Plain Donuts

Plain donuts can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preference. Here are a few suggestions:

-*With coffee or tea

Plain donuts pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The sweetness of the donut complements the bitterness of the beverage, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

-*As a dessert

Plain donuts can be served as a simple yet satisfying dessert. They can be enjoyed on their own or topped with your favorite fruits, whipped cream, or ice cream.

-*For breakfast or brunch

Plain donuts are a quick and easy option for breakfast or brunch. They can be eaten on the go or paired with other breakfast items such as eggs, bacon, or fruit.

Storing Plain Donuts

To maintain the freshness and flavor of plain donuts, it is important to store them properly.

Here are a few tips:

-*Store in an airtight container

Plain donuts should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This will prevent them from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods.

-*Keep away from moisture

Plain donuts should be kept away from moisture, as this can cause them to become soggy. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the cold air can dry them out.

-*Freeze for longer storage

If you need to store plain donuts for longer than a few days, you can freeze them. Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature.

Final Summary

As you embark on your donut-making journey, remember that practice makes perfect. Don’t be discouraged if your first batch doesn’t turn out exactly as you hoped. With each attempt, you’ll gain experience and refine your techniques.

Experiment with different glaze flavors and toppings to create unique and personalized treats. Whether you enjoy them as a sweet snack, a dessert, or a special breakfast treat, these homemade plain donuts are sure to bring joy and satisfaction to your taste buds.

Answers to Common Questions

Can I use different types of flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour or cake flour. Bread flour will result in a chewier donut, while cake flour will produce a lighter and more tender texture.

How do I store leftover donuts?

Store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw the donuts at room temperature or reheat them briefly in a preheated oven.

Can I add fillings or toppings to my donuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite fillings or toppings. Some popular options include jelly, custard, sprinkles, or chopped nuts.