There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, freshly made doughnut — soft, fluffy, golden, and just the right amount of sweet. Making doughnuts from scratch may sound like a weekend project, but with this easy recipe, it’s a fun, rewarding, and delicious adventure you can enjoy anytime.
This versatile doughnut dough serves as the perfect base for endless variations — from sugar-coated classics and creamy-filled doughnuts to coffee-glazed or jam-filled favorites. Whether you love a simple cinnamon sugar finish or want to get creative with glazes and fillings, this recipe gives you the freedom to make your dream doughnuts at home.
🧂 Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 cups cake flour
- 1–2 cups warm milk (adjust as needed)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons yeast
- 65 g butter (softened)
- 6 teaspoons sugar
👩🍳 Method
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine cake flour, warm milk, egg, salt, yeast, butter, and sugar. Mix until a soft dough forms. Adjust the milk gradually until you achieve a smooth, slightly tacky dough.
2. Knead and Rise
Knead the dough for 10–15 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Shape the Doughnuts
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Use a doughnut cutter to cut classic ring shapes — or get creative:
- Roll long strips for cream doughnuts
- Shape small balls for jam doughnuts
Let the shaped doughnuts rise again for 1–2 hours until puffy and airy.
4. Fry the Doughnuts
Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer over medium-high heat. Fry the doughnuts in batches until golden brown on both sides. Avoid frying on low heat, which can make them oily.
Transfer the doughnuts to paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly before filling or glazing.
🍒 Doughnut Variations
Cream Doughnuts
Once cooled, slice each doughnut horizontally without cutting all the way through. Pipe in fresh whipped cream, then decorate with a cherry and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Sugar Doughnuts
Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon powder in a bowl. Toss warm doughnuts in the mixture until evenly coated.
Glazed Doughnuts
Whisk together icing sugar and a few tablespoons of water to form a smooth glaze. Add a drop of vanilla essence or food coloring if desired. Dip half of each cooled doughnut into the glaze and top with sprinkles for a colorful finish.
Jam Doughnuts
Roll freshly fried doughnuts in the sugar-cinnamon mix. Using a piping bag, fill each with your favorite strawberry, raspberry, or apricot jam through a small hole at the bottom.
Coffee Doughnuts
Whisk together icing sugar, melted butter, a spoon of brewed coffee, and a touch of melted chocolate to create a rich coffee glaze. Dip cooled doughnuts halfway and drizzle with white chocolate for a café-style treat.
🌟 Tips for Success
- Use warm milk: Activates the yeast for a light, fluffy texture.
- Avoid overheating oil: Medium-high heat gives you golden doughnuts without greasiness.
- Allow two rises: The second rise makes all the difference for that airy softness.
- Get creative: Try glazes, fillings, or toppings that suit your mood — lemon curd, caramel, maple, or chocolate all work beautifully.
- Enjoy fresh: Doughnuts are best the day they’re made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
🍰 Flavor Inspiration
| Variation | Description | Topping/Filling Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Glazed | Classic, glossy finish | Powdered sugar glaze with vanilla |
| Chocolate-Dipped | Rich and indulgent | Melted dark or milk chocolate + sprinkles |
| Jam-Filled | Soft, fruity surprise | Strawberry or raspberry jam dusted with sugar |
| Cinnamon Sugar | Sweet with a cozy spice | Classic sugar + cinnamon coating |
| Maple Bacon | Sweet-meets-savory perfection | Maple glaze with crispy bacon bits |
| Lemon Cream | Light and tangy | Lemon curd filling with lemon glaze |
🕒 Prep Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Rise Time: 2–3 hours total
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~3½ hours
- Servings: About 12 doughnuts
- Calories: ~250 kcal per doughnut (varies with toppings)
❤️ Conclusion
Making homemade doughnuts is more than a recipe — it’s an experience that fills your kitchen with warmth, joy, and the irresistible aroma of fresh-baked sweetness. This easy, foolproof dough is your gateway to endless flavor possibilities — from classic glazed to decadent cream-filled or jam-packed varieties.
So roll up your sleeves, grab that rolling pin, and get ready to make bakery-quality doughnuts right in your own kitchen. They’re soft, golden, and guaranteed to make everyone smile.
One bite, and you’ll know — homemade really is the sweetest kind. 🍩✨
