If you’re craving a delightful treat that transports you back to childhood fairs or cozy weekend mornings, this Fried Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe is just what you need. Light, airy doughnuts come alive with a golden, crispy exterior, then get rolled in a generous coating of sparkling sugar for that perfect balance of crunch and sweetness. Making these homemade fried doughnuts will not only fill your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma but also bring a warm, joyful indulgence that is hard to beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Fried Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: the yeast ensures a fluffy rise, the butter adds rich flavor and tenderness, and the sugar guarantees that irresistible sweet coating that crunches delightfully as you bite in.
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): This is the magic that makes the dough rise light and fluffy.
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F): Perfect temperature to activate the yeast without killing it.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough itself, balancing flavors perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Provides rich moisture and softness to the dough texture.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind everything together and adds a little extra richness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each bite so much more satisfying.
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting): The foundation of the dough; enough flour to give structure but keep it tender.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for perfectly golden doughnuts.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating): This creates that iconic, addictive sugary crunch after frying.
How to Make Fried Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by dissolving the active dry yeast in your warm milk—aim for about 110°F to wake those yeast cells up just right. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy on top, signaling that the yeast is ready to work its magic in your dough.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter, egg, and salt. Once combined, gently stir in your foamy yeast mixture. This blend is the foundation of flavor and tenderness in your doughnuts.
Step 3: Add Flour and Form Dough
Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until a soft dough begins to form. You want a dough that’s slightly sticky but manageable. Knead it on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This kneading builds the gluten structure crucial for that perfect doughnut chew.
Step 4: First Rise
Place your dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and leave it to rise in a warm spot for about an hour. The dough should nearly double in size, promising light and airy doughnuts.
Step 5: Shape Your Doughnuts
After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to release excess air. Roll it out to roughly half an inch thick on a floured surface. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (a large one and a small one) to shape your doughnuts and holes. Arrange them on a floured surface, loosely cover, and allow them to rise again for 30 minutes until fluffy.
Step 6: Heat the Oil and Fry
Heat about 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry your doughnuts in batches, cooking each side for 1 to 2 minutes until gloriously golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined tray to drain any excess oil.
Step 7: Sugar Coating
While your doughnuts are still warm, roll them generously in granulated sugar. The heat helps the sugar stick beautifully, creating that signature sweet-crisp surface that makes these fried doughnuts so irresistible.
How to Serve Fried Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a little extra flair, sprinkle the warm doughnuts with a pinch of cinnamon or drizzle with melted chocolate. Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar can also add a lovely contrast to the sweet crunch of the sugar coating.
Side Dishes
These doughnuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or a rich cup of hot cocoa. For a brunch treat, serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or whipped cream for dipping—an easy way to elevate your breakfast or snack time.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Fried Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe in a rustic basket lined with a colorful cloth for a charming presentation. Alternatively, place them on a cake stand or tiered dessert tray to impress guests. You could even thread them on a skewer for a fun, shareable display that’s perfect for parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Fried doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the doughnuts from drying out and preserves their sweet crunch.
Freezing
Although these doughnuts are best fresh, you can freeze them to enjoy later. After frying and cooling, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-made softness, reheat your doughnuts in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This gentle warmth restores their tender inside while keeping the sugar coating intact and crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast; just mix it directly with the dry ingredients and slightly reduce the proofing time since instant yeast acts faster.
What oil is best for frying doughnuts?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work well due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors, ensuring perfectly golden doughnuts without any overpowering taste.
How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?
A kitchen thermometer is your best friend here—350°F is ideal. If you don’t have one, test by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil; it should bubble and rise steadily without burning quickly.
Can I flavor the doughnuts beyond just sugar?
Absolutely! Try adding cinnamon to the sugar coating or even filling the doughnuts with jam, custard, or Nutella after frying for extra indulgence.
Why didn’t my doughnuts rise properly?
Check that your yeast was fresh and your milk at the right warmth. Too hot and the yeast dies; too cold and it won’t activate, affecting the dough’s rise.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about making Fried Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe at home—the smell, the golden color, and the sweet crunch that makes every bite special. Whether for a weekend treat, a cozy breakfast, or a joyful gathering with friends, this recipe promises to bring smiles and satisfaction. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch these classic, homemade fried doughnuts become your new favorite indulgence!
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Fried Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic homemade fried doughnuts coated in granulated sugar, made from a soft yeast dough. These doughnuts are fluffy, golden, and perfect for a sweet treat any time of day, with a simple cinnamon sugar variation option.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 2–3 inches in depth)
For Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Stir in the yeast mixture. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing continuously until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop the gluten for a tender texture.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the doughnuts: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Roll it out to about ½-inch thickness. Cut out doughnut shapes using a doughnut cutter or two round cutters – one larger for the outer circle and a smaller one for the hole in the middle.
- Second rise: Place the shaped doughnuts on a floured surface, cover them lightly, and let rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
- Heat the oil: Heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F, using a thermometer to maintain the correct frying temperature.
- Fry the doughnuts: Fry the doughnuts in batches for 1–2 minutes per side or until they are golden brown on both sides. Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove them from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined tray.
- Coat with sugar: While still warm, roll the doughnuts in granulated sugar until fully coated, giving them a sweet, crunchy exterior.
- Serve: Serve the doughnuts immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a cinnamon twist, mix 1 tablespoon cinnamon into the sugar before coating to add a warm spice flavor.
- These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat stored doughnuts in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to revive softness and freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
