There's nothing quite like the taste of freshly made doughnuts. This recipe will guide you through creating light, fluffy, and delicious doughnuts that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying them with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a sweet treat in the afternoon, these doughnuts are sure to please.
Most of the ingredients for this doughnut recipe are common pantry staples, but there are a few you might need to pick up. Make sure you have all-purpose flour, baking powder, and vegetable oil on hand. If you don't usually bake, you might also need to get vanilla extract and melted butter. These ingredients are essential for achieving the perfect flavor and texture.

Ingredients For Doughnut Recipe
All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and helps with browning.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
Melted butter: Adds flavor and helps to create a tender texture.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the doughnuts rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the doughnuts.
Vanilla extract: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor to the dough.
Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying the doughnuts to a golden brown.
Technique Tip for Making Doughnuts
When mixing the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough doughnuts. Mix just until the dough comes together to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the doughnuts denser.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: For those with gluten intolerance, a gluten-free blend can be used to achieve a similar texture.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and moisture, though you may need to reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly.
sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a subtle caramel flavor.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in baking.
milk - Substitute with soy milk: Soy milk is another dairy-free option that has a similar consistency to cow's milk.
melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a plant-based fat that can provide a similar texture and flavor.
melted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a non-dairy alternative to butter.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Mixing ¼ teaspoon baking soda with ½ teaspoon cream of tartar can replace 1 teaspoon baking powder.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and may add a slightly different flavor.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor profile.
vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a unique sweetness and flavor.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoon water for each egg; this is a vegan alternative.
eggs - Substitute with applesauce: ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce can replace one egg, adding moisture and a slight sweetness.
vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a similar high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it suitable for frying.
vegetable oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil is also good for frying due to its high smoke point and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Doughnuts
How to Store or Freeze Your Doughnuts
Allow the doughnuts to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make them soggy.
Place the cooled doughnuts in an airtight container. If stacking, use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Store the container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider freezing.
To freeze, arrange the doughnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet in the freezer for about an hour, or until the doughnuts are firm.
Once frozen, transfer the doughnuts to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date for reference.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the doughnuts at room temperature for about an hour. For a fresher taste, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Avoid storing doughnuts in the refrigerator as it can dry them out and alter their texture.
If you prefer, glaze or frost the doughnuts after thawing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the doughnuts lightly with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Heat for about 5-10 minutes or until they are warmed through.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before enjoying.
Microwave Method:
- Place a doughnut on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
- Microwave on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
- Check if it’s warm enough; if not, continue in 5-second intervals.
- Be cautious as microwaving too long can make the doughnut rubbery.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the doughnuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Heat for about 2-3 minutes or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy.
- Remove and let them cool slightly before serving.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat.
- Place the doughnuts in the skillet and cover with a lid.
- Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, checking frequently to avoid burning.
- Remove from the skillet and let them cool slightly before enjoying.
Toaster Oven Method:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the doughnuts on the toaster oven tray.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until they are warmed through.
- Remove and let them cool slightly before serving.
Best Tools for Making Doughnuts
Mixing bowl: Use this to combine your dry ingredients and another one for your wet ingredients.
Whisk: Essential for thoroughly mixing the wet ingredients together.
Doughnut cutter: This will help you shape your dough into perfect doughnut rings.
Rolling pin: Use this to roll out the dough evenly on a floured surface.
Frying pan: Necessary for frying the doughnuts to a golden brown.
Paper towels: Place the fried doughnuts on these to drain excess oil.
Measuring cups: These will ensure you use the correct amount of each ingredient.
Measuring spoons: Use these for precise measurements of baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract.
Spatula: Handy for flipping the doughnuts in the frying pan.
Cooling rack: Place the doughnuts here to cool down after frying.
How to Save Time on Making Doughnuts
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting to save time during the cooking process.
Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can quickly combine your wet and dry ingredients, making the dough preparation faster.
Preheat oil while shaping dough: Start heating the vegetable oil while you are cutting the doughnut shapes to save time.
Use a piping bag: For a quicker method, use a piping bag to shape the doughnuts directly into the hot oil.
Batch frying: Fry multiple doughnuts at once to reduce overall cooking time.

Doughnut Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 tablespoon Butter melted
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 units Eggs
- 1 cup Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into doughnut shapes using a doughnut cutter.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the doughnuts until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Let cool before serving.
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