Donuts

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• Active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 large eggs
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)

For Frying:

• Vegetable or canola oil (enough to deep fry the donuts)

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions:

1. Make the Dough:

1. Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well to form a dough.
3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
4. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Shape the Donuts:

1. Roll out the dough: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness.
2. Cut the donuts: Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (a large one for the outer circle and a smaller one for the hole) to cut out the donut shapes. Reroll the scraps to make more donuts.
3. Let them rest: Place the shaped donuts on a parchment-lined tray and let them rest for 20-30 minutes to rise again.

3. Fry the Donuts:

1. Heat the oil: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into the oil—it should bubble and rise to the surface.
2. Fry the donuts: Gently lower the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
3. Drain: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

4. Make the Glaze (Optional):

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
2. Dip the warm donuts into the glaze and place them on a wire rack to let the glaze set. You can also dust them with powdered sugar if you prefer.

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Serve:

Serve the donuts fresh, warm, and glazed for the best experience. You can also fill them with jam, custard, or chocolate for a stuffed donut version.

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Nutritional Values (per donut, assuming 12 donuts):

• Calories: ~200-250 kcal (depending on size and glaze)
• Protein: ~3g
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Fat: ~9g
• Fiber: ~1g
• Sodium: ~150mg