Homemade Glazed Doughnuts

Introduction:
Craving the delightful taste of fresh, homemade doughnuts? Look no further! This recipe from The Pioneer Woman will guide you through the steps to create your own glazed doughnuts right in your kitchen. Perfect for breakfast, a sweet snack, or a special treat, these doughnuts are sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the process and bring the magic of homemade doughnuts to your home!

Ingredients:

For the Doughnuts:

• 1-1/8 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2-1/4 teaspoons (one package) active dry yeast
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1-1/4 stick unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Shortening or canola oil for frying

For the Glaze:

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup cold water or milk

Instructions:

Making the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: Pour the warm milk into a bowl, add sugar, and stir until dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and melted butter. Add the yeast mixture and egg mixture to the flour and stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Shaping and Frying:

4. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it to about 1/4-inch thickness.
5. Cut the Doughnuts: Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small) to cut out the doughnuts and doughnut holes. Place them on a floured baking sheet, cover with a cloth, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
6. Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the shortening or canola oil to 375°F (190°C).
7. Fry the Doughnuts: Carefully add the doughnuts to the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Making the Glaze:

8. Mix the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and water (or milk) until smooth.
9. Glaze the Doughnuts: While the doughnuts are still warm, dip them into the glaze, turning to coat completely. Place them on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set.

Enjoy:

Your homemade glazed doughnuts are now ready to enjoy! Serve them fresh with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a delightful treat any time of day.

Tips for Success:

• Temperature Control: Make sure your milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
• Proper Rising: Allow enough time for the dough to rise to ensure light and fluffy doughnuts.
• Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature; too hot, and the doughnuts will burn, too cool, and they will absorb too much oil.

Conclusion:

Making homemade glazed doughnuts may take a bit of time, but the result is well worth the effort. These doughnuts are soft, fluffy, and irresistibly delicious. With this recipe, you can bring the joy of fresh doughnuts into your home, delighting your family and friends with each bite. Happy cooking!