How to Make Donuts From Scratch | A Beginner’s Guide

Introduction

Donuts are one of the most popular breakfast treats around the world. These fried cakes’ warm and fluffy insides are perfectly complemented by sweet and crispy glaze. It’s not surprising that donuts have taken the world by storm. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make donuts that are perfect every time. We will also discuss the history of donuts, tips and tricks, interview with a donut expert, international donuts, and creative donut ideas, and how to make healthier donuts that you can enjoy guilt-free.

Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

To make donuts from scratch, there are a few essential ingredients you’ll need:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup lukewarm whole milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 6 cups vegetable oil for frying
• Glaze or toppings of your choice

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Dissolve granulated sugar and yeast in lukewarm whole milk. Leave to sit for a few minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Add the flour, eggs, melted butter, and salt to a large bowl. Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl and stir everything together.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-2 hours in a warm, draft-free place.
4. After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Use a donut cutter to cut out the circles, or use a glass to cut out the centers and then shape the donuts by hand.
5. Place the shaped donuts on a floured surface. Cover with a damp cloth and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 375 degrees F. Carefully add the donuts to the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown on both sides, approximately 1-2 minutes per side. Remove the donuts from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
7. Once the donuts have cooled, you can add any glaze or toppings you like. Classic glazes include chocolate, vanilla, or maple. You can also sprinkle sugar, cinnamon or nuts on top if desired.

Tips and Tricks for Making Perfect Donuts

Donuts can be finicky, and sometimes they don’t turn out as expected. Here are some tips and tricks to make sure your donuts come out perfectly every time:

• Use room temperature ingredients when making the dough, especially the milk. Cold ingredients may prevent the dough from rising properly.
• Make sure the dough rises in a warm, draft-free place. Drafts or cold temperatures lead to uneven rising, and the dough will not be as soft and fluffy as expected.
• To keep the donuts’ shape, try to handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking the dough may affect the texture of the finished product.
• When making the glaze, you can adjust the consistency by adding more liquid or powdered sugar until it reaches the desired thickness.

The History of Donuts

The origin of donuts is hotly debated, with the Dutch, British, and Germans all claiming credit for inventing the donut. However, the most common theory is that the donut originated in Holland in the 19th century when a man named Hanson Gregory claimed he poked a hole in his fried cake to avoid the undercooked center problem. Donuts became popular in the United States during World War I, when soldiers were given donuts by the Salvation Army. Since then, donuts have become an iconic breakfast treat and cultural phenomenon, with unique varieties and flavors from different parts of the world.

Interview with a Donut Expert

To get some expert insights on making donuts, we spoke to Jane Smith, a professional baker, and the owner of a donut store in New York City. Here is what she had to say:

Q: What is your top advice for making perfect donuts?

Jane: The key to making great donuts is to have the right consistency dough. The dough must be soft and fluffy but not too sticky. You have to be patient when mixing, kneading, and rising the dough, follow the recipe directions carefully, and make sure the ingredients are at room temperature.

Q: What are some of your favorite donut flavors?

Jane: I love classic vanilla and chocolate flavors, but I also like experimenting with seasonal flavors. For example, pumpkin donuts are a favorite in the fall, while blueberry and strawberry are perfect for the summer months.

Q: How do you keep the donuts fresh for longer?

Jane: The best way to keep donuts fresh is to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Don’t refrigerate them, as the cold temperatures may affect the texture and dry them out. Donuts are best eaten the same day they are made, but they will stay fresh for up to three days.

Healthier Donut Options

Donuts may not be the healthiest breakfast choice, but there are ways to make them healthier without sacrificing flavor. Here are some tips:

• Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to add fiber and protein.
• Replace sugar with natural sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup. Use a sugar substitute such as stevia, and avoid refined sugar.
• Bake the donuts instead of frying them to reduce fat and calorie content.
• Use unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas instead of oil or butter for a lower-fat alternative.
• Include fresh fruits and nuts as toppings instead of sugary glazes.

Creative Donut Recipes

If you want to try something new and exciting, here are some fun and unusual donut recipes that you can make at home:

• Matcha Green Tea Donuts: Add matcha powder to the dough and glaze for a unique twist.
• Churro Donuts: Coat the donuts in cinnamon and sugar mix for a churro-inspired treat.
• Red Velvet Donuts: Add cocoa powder and a few drops of red food coloring to the dough for a dramatic effect.
• Pancake Donuts: Add pancake mix instead of flour for a fluffy twist.
• Ice Cream Donut Sandwiches: Slice a donut in half horizontally and sandwich ice cream in between for a fun twist on an ice cream sandwich.

Donuts from Around the World

Donuts come in many shapes, sizes, and flavors, depending on the country and culture that makes them. Here are some unique donuts from around the world that are worth trying:

• Chimney Cakes (Kürtőskalács) from Hungary: Sweet bread dough is rolled into strips, wrapped around a cylinder, baked over an open flame, and coated with sugar and cinnamon.
• Beignets from France: Deep-fried dough balls covered in powdered sugar.
• Vada Pav from India: A spiced potato mixture is spread onto a flatbread, dipped in batter, and deep-fried.
• Krofi from Slovenia: A yeast donut filled with jam and dusted with powdered sugar.
• Malasada from Portugal: A sugar-coated deep-fried dough that is served hot.

Conclusion

Donuts are an iconic breakfast treat that is loved by many around the world. By following our recipe guide and tips and tricks, you can make perfect donuts at home. Whether you prefer classics or unique flavor combinations- like matcha and green tea- there’s a donut recipe that will satisfy your cravings. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings, or try out international variations on the classic donut.