If you’ve ever longed for a cozy kitchen moment filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly fried treats, you’re going to adore this Fried Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe. It’s a sweet family treat that brings together the perfect balance of light, fluffy dough and a crunchy sugar coating that melts in your mouth. Simple enough for a weekend baking adventure but special enough to create lasting memories, these doughnuts capture that nostalgic joy of homemade delights with every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on these scrumptious fried doughnuts is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward yet essential for that classic flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Each component plays a vital role in giving the dough its softness, rise, and golden finish.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons or 1 packet): This magical leavening agent helps your dough rise beautifully, ensuring fluffy doughnuts.
- Warm milk (3/4 cup at about 110°F): Provides the perfect environment to activate the yeast and adds moisture and richness.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the dough just right while enhancing tenderness.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and a delicate buttery flavor that makes every bite luscious.
- Large egg (1): Gives structure and a slight richness to the dough.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances overall taste.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups plus extra for dusting): The foundation for the dough that gives it structure and body.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Neutral-flavored and perfect for achieving that golden, crispy exterior.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup for coating): The final touch that creates a sweet, irresistible crust on the outside of the doughnuts.
How to Make Fried Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by dissolving the active dry yeast in the warm milk. This step is key because the yeast needs to bloom to give your dough a light, airy texture. Let it sit until frothy, usually about 5 minutes, signaling that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt, then add the yeast mixture. This blend creates a rich and flavorful base for your doughnuts. Gradually add in the flour, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead it on a floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes—the patience here pays off with perfectly elastic dough.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rest in a warm spot. This rise, lasting 1 to 2 hours, doubles the dough’s size and develops pockets of air, which are essential for that soft and pillowy interior that makes these doughnuts unforgettable.
Step 4: Shape the Doughnuts
Once risen, gently punch down the dough and roll it out to about half an inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters to create your doughnut shapes. Place them on a floured baking sheet, cover again, and let them rest for 30 minutes—this second rise helps achieve that signature fluffiness during frying.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the doughnuts a few at a time to avoid overcrowding, cooking them about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until a gorgeous golden brown appears. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to keep them crisp but not greasy.
Step 6: Coat with Sugar
While your doughnuts are still delightfully warm, roll them generously in granulated sugar. This step is what transforms these fried doughnuts into a sweet family treat, adding a delightful crunch and sparkle that’s hard to resist.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Serve these indulgent fried doughnuts fresh and warm, or at room temperature for a more relaxed snack session. Either way, each bite is a little moment of happiness waiting to happen.
How to Serve Fried Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
While these doughnuts shine on their own, adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the sugar coating gives them a fragrant twist. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar can also elevate your presentation, making these treats as pretty as they are delicious.
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet fried doughnuts with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk to balance their sugary crunch. Fresh fruit or yogurt on the side also provides a refreshing contrast that brightens the indulgent flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the doughnuts stacked on a rustic wooden board or threaded onto decorative skewers for a playful doughnut “cake.” Incorporate colorful napkins or sprinkle edible flowers around the platter to wow guests at brunch or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To help retain their texture, place a paper towel inside the container to absorb any moisture and keep the doughnuts from getting soggy.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the fried doughnuts. Wrap each doughnut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month, so you can enjoy that Fried Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe magic any time you wish.
Reheating
To bring your doughnuts back to life, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This method keeps them crisp outside while warming the soft inside. Avoid microwaving to prevent them from becoming too chewy or soggy.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! Instant yeast can be used, though you should mix it directly with the flour instead of dissolving it in warm milk. The rising times might be a bit shorter, so keep an eye on your dough’s progress.
What oil is best for frying these doughnuts?
Vegetable oil is ideal because it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, which ensures your doughnuts fry evenly without any burnt or off-flavors. You can also use canola or peanut oil if preferred.
Can I substitute whole milk or another milk alternative?
Yes, whole milk can be used for a richer flavor, while milk alternatives like almond or soy milk work too. Just ensure they’re warmed to the right temperature to activate the yeast properly.
Why is the dough sticky after mixing?
Sticky dough is common and indicates sufficient moisture, which helps keep the doughnuts soft. Kneading on a floured surface while adding just a bit more flour will help manage stickiness without drying the dough out.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
The best way is to use a thermometer and bring the oil to 350°F. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough into the oil—if it bubbles and rises quickly without burning, it’s ready. Too hot, and the doughnuts will burn outside before cooking inside; too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making Fried Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe at home—the warmth, the anticipation, and, of course, the delicious reward. Whether it’s a weekend treat, a family gathering, or a joyful celebration, these doughnuts never fail to bring smiles and satisfy sweet cravings. Dive in and enjoy the magic this recipe brings to your kitchen and your heart!
Print
Fried Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic homemade fried doughnuts coated with granulated sugar, perfect for a sweet family treat. These soft and fluffy doughnuts are made from scratch using an easy yeast dough recipe and fried to golden perfection for a delightful snack or breakfast.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Add the frothy yeast mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape Doughnuts: After rising, punch down the dough to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Using a doughnut cutter or two round cutters, cut out doughnut shapes. Place the cut doughnuts on a floured baking sheet, cover with a cloth, and let them rest for about 30 minutes.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the doughnuts into the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry Doughnuts: Fry each doughnut for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the doughnuts and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Coat Doughnuts: While the doughnuts are still warm, roll them in granulated sugar until fully coated, ensuring a sweet crust.
- Serve: Enjoy your sugar-coated doughnuts fresh, warm, or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast.
- Kneading the dough well will help develop gluten and produce soft, elastic doughnuts.
- Do not overcrowd the fryer to maintain oil temperature and even cooking.
- Drain doughnuts well on paper towels to remove excess oil before coating in sugar.
- These doughnuts are best enjoyed the same day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container for one day.
