If there’s one dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside, it’s these homemade Fried Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, each bite melts with sweet sugar that reminds you of cozy mornings and joyful family gatherings. This recipe brings together simple pantry staples with a little magic from yeast and frying, delivering doughnuts that are light, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible. Once you make these, you’ll see why they become an instant favorite for celebrations or just because.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be few, but each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture and flavor. From the yeast that gives the dough its airy rise to the sugar that adds sweetness and crunch, every item is essential to creating your dream doughnuts.
- Active dry yeast: Dissolves in warm milk to start the dough’s rise, making it light and fluffy.
- Warm milk: At about 110°F, it activates the yeast without killing it, ensuring your dough rises beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness directly to the dough and provides a crunchy coating on the outside.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and softness to the dough’s texture.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and adds a slight tenderness inside the fried doughnuts.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Vegetable oil: Used for frying, it ensures your doughnuts get the perfect golden crisp without overpowering their flavor.
How to Make Fried Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by dissolving the yeast into warm milk and letting it sit until frothy, usually about five minutes. This little bubble dance is a sure sign your yeast is awake and ready to give your dough that airy lift we all love.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Now, mix sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt in a large bowl. Add in your frothy yeast mixture, then gradually introduce the flour. Stir until the dough begins to form, then knead on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic. This kneading is where the gluten develops, giving your doughnuts their wonderful texture.
Step 3: Let it Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rest somewhere warm for one to two hours. Watching it double in size is like seeing your effort turn into doughnut magic. This rise makes the dough light and airy inside once fried.
Step 4: Shape the Doughnuts
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any large air bubbles, then roll it out to a half-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter—or two round cutters of different sizes if you don’t have one—to cut out your doughnut shapes. Place them on a floured tray, cover, and let them rest for another 30 minutes. This second rise adds an extra fluffy, tender quality to the doughnuts.
Step 5: Fry the Doughnuts
Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or a large pot. Carefully add doughnuts a few at a time, frying each side for about 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Fried to perfection, these doughnuts have a delicate crunch with a soft center waiting inside.
Step 6: Coat with Sugar
While the doughnuts are still warm, roll them in granulated sugar until fully coated for that perfect sparkle and sweet finish. This last step adds the iconic sugary crunch that makes these doughnuts so addictive and delightful.
How to Serve Fried Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of extra granulated sugar is classic, but you can also sprinkle some cinnamon sugar for a warm twist or drizzle a bit of chocolate or caramel sauce if you’re feeling indulgent. Fresh berries or a light glaze are also delightful for adding a burst of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
These fried doughnuts shine on their own, but pairing them with a creamy cup of hot coffee, chai, or a rich hot chocolate creates a cozy, comforting experience. For a brunch spread, fresh fruit or yogurt provides a nice contrast, balancing the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your doughnuts on a pretty platter for a casual party vibe, or place them around a festive candle for a charming centerpiece. You can even thread them on skewers for a fun doughnut bouquet—a playful and eye-catching way to share your Fried Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their softness while preventing them from drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap doughnuts individually in plastic wrap and freeze them in a zip-top bag. Frozen doughnuts can last up to a month and make a quick sweet treat whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen doughnuts at room temperature and warm them briefly in a microwave or oven. A quick 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave or a few minutes at 350°F in the oven will revive that fresh-out-of-the-fryer softness and warmth.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast can be used, but since it doesn’t need to be dissolved first, it should be mixed directly into the flour. Adjust rising times slightly, as instant yeast often works faster.
What type of oil works best for frying doughnuts?
Vegetable oil is ideal because it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, allowing the doughnuts’ sweetness and texture to shine without any overpowering taste.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
Rolling the dough to about half an inch thick ensures the doughnuts fry evenly and develop that tender interior without being too dense or too thin and crispy.
Why do my doughnuts come out greasy sometimes?
Overcrowding the fryer or oil that’s not hot enough can make doughnuts absorb too much oil. Fry in small batches and maintain the temperature around 350°F for best results.
Can I add flavors to the dough?
Absolutely! Vanilla extract, citrus zest, or a pinch of cinnamon in the dough can add wonderful layers of flavor while keeping the classic feel of this Fried Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Making Fried Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe at home is a joyful experience that brings warmth and sweetness to any day. These doughnuts offer a perfect blend of a crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy inside, all coated in sweet sugar that never fails to satisfy. Whether for a family gathering or a special weekend treat, I truly believe this recipe will become one of your treasured favorites. So go ahead, give these fried doughnuts a try—your heart and taste buds will thank you!
Print
Fried Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic recipe for fried doughnuts coated in granulated sugar offers a delightful homemade sweet treat. Soft, fluffy doughnuts are fried to golden perfection and generously rolled in sugar, making them a nostalgic and irresistible snack for family gatherings or any time you crave a comforting dessert.
Ingredients
Doughnuts
- 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)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm milk (approximately 110°F). Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy to ensure the yeast is active and ready for use.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter, egg, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir until integrated. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let it Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and leave it in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Doughnuts: Once risen, punch down the dough to release trapped air. Roll the dough on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Using a doughnut cutter or two round cutters, cut out doughnut shapes. Arrange the doughnuts on a floured baking sheet, cover with a cloth, and let them rest for about 30 minutes to puff up slightly.
- Fry the Doughnuts: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry a few doughnuts at a time to prevent overcrowding, cooking each side for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Coat with Sugar: While the doughnuts are still warm, roll them generously in granulated sugar until fully coated for a sweet finish.
- Serve: Enjoy these freshly made sugar-coated doughnuts warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Do not overcrowd the oil when frying to maintain oil temperature and even cooking.
- You can use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature accurately at 350°F.
- For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or cinnamon to the dough mixture.
- Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container and consume within 1-2 days for freshness.
