Golden Divine Yeast Doughnuts Recipe: Fluffy Bites of Heaven

Weekends call for something special, and these heavenly yeast doughnuts promise pure culinary bliss.

Golden, pillowy soft doughnuts dance with delicate sweetness that melts in your mouth.

Each bite carries the rich tradition of homemade comfort.

The airy texture comes from carefully proofed dough that rises with gentle perfection.

Warm kitchen aromas will tempt everyone around you with their irresistible charm.

Sugar-dusted and light as clouds, these doughnuts transform an ordinary morning into a delectable celebration.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that turns simple ingredients into extraordinary magic.

Kitchen Tools for Yeast Doughnut Success

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry ingredients and mixing dough.
• Stand mixer or dough hook: Helps knead dough to smooth, elastic consistency.
• Round cutters: 3-inch for doughnuts, 1-inch for centers.
• Deep pot or fryer: Perfect for frying doughnuts at consistent temperature.
• Thermometer: Ensures oil stays at exact 350F for perfect frying.
• Slotted spoon: Safely removes doughnuts from hot oil.
• Parchment paper-lined baking sheets: Provides surface for cut doughnuts to rise.
• Wire rack: Allows glazed doughnuts to set without getting soggy.
• Piping bag with narrow tip: Optional for filling doughnuts with jam or cream.
• Whisk: Needed for creating smooth glaze.
• Paper towels: Drains excess oil from fried doughnuts.

Frying Instructions for Yeast Doughnuts

• Activate the Yeast

Mix warm milk, yeast, and a touch of sugar in a small bowl. Wait until the mixture becomes bubbly and fragrant, signaling the yeast is ready to work its.

• Create Dough Foundation

Blend flour, remaining sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the activated yeast, crack in eggs, and add softened butter. Knead until the dough transforms into a silky, smooth texture that springs back when touched.

• Allow First Rise

Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rest in a cozy spot. Watch as the dough doubles in size, developing rich flavor and airy structure.

• Shape Doughnuts

Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut circular shapes and delicate centers using round cutters. Arrange doughnuts on parchment-lined trays.

• Prepare Second Rise

Cover doughnuts with a light towel, letting them puff up and become irresistibly soft for about 30 minutes.

• Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil to a precise 350F. Carefully lower doughnuts into the hot oil, cooking until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

• Add Final Touches

Dip warm doughnuts in smooth glaze or roll in sparkling sugar. For an extra treat, fill centers with luscious jam or creamy custard using a piping bag.

Flavor Tips for the Best Yeast Doughnuts

• Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, which gives doughnuts their signature soft and stretchy texture. Avoid adding too much flour, as this can make them dense and tough.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350F to ensure even cooking. Fluctuating heat leads to greasy or undercooked doughnuts, so use a reliable thermometer for perfect results every time.
• Replace wheat flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum. Add an extra egg for binding and moisture to compensate for the different flour structure.
• Prepare dough the night before and let it slowly rise in the refrigerator. This method enhances flavor development and makes morning frying a breeze, perfect for weekend brunches or special breakfasts.
• Experiment with different glazes like chocolate, maple, or matcha. Try filling options such as cream cheese, fruit compotes, or salted caramel to transform basic doughnuts into gourmet treats that will impress family and friends.

How to Serve Fresh Yeast Doughnuts

• Breakfast Bliss: Pair these homemade doughnuts with a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful morning treat that'll kickstart your day with pure comfort.
• Dessert Delight: Transform these doughnuts into a stunning dessert by creating a doughnut sundae – top with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and sprinkle with chopped nuts for an indulgent experience.
• Party Platter: Create a fun doughnut bar for gatherings by offering multiple glazes, toppings, and fillings. Set out small bowls of chocolate sauce, caramel, sprinkles, and different flavored sugars to let guests customize their doughnuts.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Serve these fresh doughnuts alongside savory breakfast items like scrambled eggs, bacon, or a light fruit salad for a balanced and impressive weekend brunch spread that'll wow your guests.

How to Keep Doughnuts Soft After Frying

• Let freshly fried doughnuts rest on wire racks for maximum air circulation, preventing soggy bottoms and maintaining crisp exterior texture.
• Store glazed or filled doughnuts in airtight containers, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking, and consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Wrap unfilled, unglazed doughnuts individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze up to 2 months, thawing at room temperature and refreshing in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes before serving.
• Prepare dough one day ahead, cover, and slow-rise in the refrigerator overnight for enhanced flavor development and convenient morning baking.

FAQs

• Why is proofing the yeast important?

Proofing ensures the yeast is alive and active. If the mixture doesn’t become frothy within 5-10 minutes, the yeast might be old or inactive, which could prevent your doughnuts from rising properly.

• Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but bread flour has higher protein content that helps create a chewier, more elastic texture in doughnuts. The result might be slightly less fluffy with all-purpose flour.

• How do I know when the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. When you gently stretch a piece, it should form a thin, translucent “windowpane” without tearing easily.

• What's the best way to check oil temperature for frying?

Use a digital thermometer to ensure the oil stays consistently at 350°F. If the oil is too cool, doughnuts will absorb too much oil; if too hot, they’ll burn on the outside before cooking inside.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredient Lineup for Perfect Yeast Doughnuts

• Flour: The foundation of doughnut texture, choose unbleached all-purpose flour for consistent results.
• Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps yeast activation, white granulated sugar works best.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth, use fine table salt for even distribution.
• Warm Milk: Activates yeast and creates soft dough, ensure temperature is between 100-110°F.

• Active Dry Yeast: Provides rise and airy texture, check expiration date for maximum potency.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and create rich, tender doughnuts, use room temperature eggs.
• Softened Butter: Adds richness and tender crumb, ensure butter is soft but not melted.

• Vegetable Oil: Essential for deep frying, use fresh oil with high smoke point.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy glaze, sift to remove lumps.
• Milk: Thins glaze and adds smoothness, whole milk recommended.
• Vanilla: Provides depth of flavor, use pure vanilla extract for best taste.
• Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon Sugar: Optional coating for extra flavor and texture.

• Jam, Custard, Nutella: Delicious filling options, choose high-quality ingredients.

Divine Yeast Doughnuts Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade Perfect Yeast Doughnuts offer a delightful journey through pillowy pastry textures and classic comfort. Crisp exterior and tender crumb reward bakers who master this traditional treat with careful technique and patient proofing.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ¼ tsps (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 ¼ cups (410 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (180 ml / 6 fl oz) warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp salt
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) milk or water
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Granulated sugar or cinnamon sugar
• Jam, custard, or Nutella for filling

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Whisk yeast with warm milk and sugar until foamy, signaling live yeast culture.
2. Dry Ingredient Preparation: Blend flour, salt, and remaining sugar in a large mixing bowl, ensuring uniform distribution.
3. Dough Formation: Merge yeast mixture, eggs, and butter into dry ingredients, kneading until a smooth, slightly sticky dough develops with consistent texture.
4. Primary Fermentation: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm environment until volume doubles, approximately 1-1.5 hours.
5. Dough Shaping: Roll out dough to 1/2-inch thickness on a floured surface, using circular cutters to create doughnut rings and holes. Transfer cut pieces to parchment-lined baking sheets.
6. Secondary Proofing: Allow shaped doughnuts to rise again, becoming puffy and expanded, roughly 30-45 minutes.
7. Oil Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to exactly 350°F, monitoring temperature with a cooking thermometer for consistent frying.
8. Frying Process: Carefully lower doughnuts into hot oil in small batches, cooking until achieving a rich golden-brown color, approximately 1-2 minutes per side.
9. Draining and Finishing: Remove fried doughnuts with a slotted spoon, drain excess oil on paper towels, then glaze or coat with sugar.
10. Decoration Options: Dip warm doughnuts in vanilla glaze, roll in granulated or cinnamon sugar, or fill with jam, custard, or Nutella using a piping bag for varied presentations.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Trick: Ensure milk is warm (not hot) between 100-110°F to prevent killing yeast microorganisms.
• Dough Hydration Technique: Maintain slightly tacky dough consistency for softer, lighter doughnuts by adding flour gradually during kneading.
• Temperature Control Hack: Use a proofing environment around 80-85°F for optimal yeast development and consistent rising.
• Oil Management Strategy: Maintain steady 350°F oil temperature to prevent greasy, undercooked doughnuts and ensure even golden-brown exterior.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg