How to Make Homemade Doughnuts

If delicious rings of dough dance in your head more often than sugar plums, this guide will have you serving up glazy goodness without leaving your kitchen.

Step 1: Proof the yeast
Proof the yeast by soaking it in 1 cup warm water for 10 minutes. Then add 1 cup all-purpose flour and set aside.

Step 2: Combine butter and sugar
Combine the butter and sugar in the mixing bowl and cream them together. Slowly add the eggs, one at a time.

Step 3: Combine vanilla, salt, bread flour
Combine the vanilla, salt, and bread flour and add it to the butter, sugar, and egg mixture a little at a time until they're fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add the yeast mixture
Stir in the yeast mixture and let everything sit for 1 to 2 hours.

Step 5: Roll out the dough
Roll out the dough to a thickness of ½-inch on a floured surface to prevent sticking. Cut out doughnuts using a doughnut cutter.

Tip
Use holiday cookie cutters to create fun-shaped doughnuts for any occasion.

Step 6: Fry the doughnuts
Fry the doughnuts in a deep fryer or cast iron skillet filled with oil heated to 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry in small batches, until they're golden brown on both sides.

Tip
Use wood skewers to gently flip doughnuts after 3 to 4 minutes per side.

Step 7: Cool and decorate
Cool the doughnuts on a cooling rack and then decorate them or chow them plain.

Did You Know?
The 1,500-calorie "Luther Burger" was created in Decatur, Georgia and uses two glazed doughnuts instead of a bun.