Ingredients

Scale

Doughnut Dough

6 Tbsp (90 ml) water: Water activates the yeast, helping the dough rise.
5 oz buttermilk (150 ml): Buttermilk adds a subtle tanginess and richness to the dough, helping create a soft crumb and tender texture.
1 egg, beaten: The egg binds the dough together, adding structure and richness.
2 oz (57 g) butter, melted: Butter adds flavor and moisture, making the doughnuts soft and rich.
16 oz (454 g) all-purpose or bread flour: Flour is the backbone of the dough, and the choice of flour helps achieve the right texture.
2 oz (57 g) sugar: Sugar is essential for the dough’s sweetness and to activate the yeast.
1 tsp salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the dough’s flavor.
1 1/2 tsp (5 g) regular or quick-rise yeast: Yeast is the magic ingredient that makes these doughnuts light and airy.
Oil for frying: You’ll need oil for frying, such as sunflower or grapeseed oil, which has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. You can also use a deep fryer, wok, or a large pot for frying.
Sugar for coating: The sugar coating gives the doughnuts that signature sweet crunch.

Optional Fillings (if desired):

Jam: Fruit jams (like strawberry or raspberry) add a sweet and tangy flavor to the doughnuts. You can use your favorite jam variety.
Chocolate hazelnut spread (Nutella): Nutella is a rich, creamy filling that pairs perfectly with doughnuts for a decadent treat.
Whipped cream: Fresh whipped cream can be piped into the doughnuts for a lighter, airy filling that contrasts beautifully with the fried dough.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

For the bread machine method:

Place the liquid ingredients in the pan: Start by adding the water, buttermilk, beaten egg, and melted butter into the bread machine pan.
Add the dry ingredients: Measure out the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add the dry ingredients into the bread machine, but make a small indentation in the flour to create a well for the yeast.
Start the dough cycle: Set the bread machine to the dough setting and let it do the work.

For the stand mixer with dough hook method:

Activate the yeast: In a small cup, pour the warm water and sprinkle the yeast over it. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This will activate the yeast.
Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center.
Add wet ingredients: Into the well, pour the buttermilk, beaten egg, and melted butter along with the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a dough forms.
Knead the dough: If using a stand mixer, knead the dough on low speed with the dough hook for about 5 minutes. If doing it by hand, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Let the dough rise: Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise for 1 to 2 hours until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape the Doughnuts

Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, place it onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about a 1/2 inch thickness.
Cut out the doughnuts: Use a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out the doughnuts. Use a smaller cutter to create the holes in the center. If you have a doughnut cutter, this will save you time.
Let the doughnuts rise again: Place the cut-out doughnuts on parchment paper and cover them with a cloth. Let them rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes to 1 hour until they double in size again.

Step 3: Fry the Doughnuts

Heat the oil: In a deep fryer or large pot, heat the oil to about 350°F (180°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping in a small piece of dough—if it sizzles and rises to the surface, it’s ready.
Fry the doughnuts: Carefully drop the doughnuts into the hot oil using parchment paper. Fry them for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown.
Drain the doughnuts: Remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined platter to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Coat the Doughnuts

While the doughnuts are still warm, roll them in a bowl of sugar to coat them evenly. This will give them a delicious sweet exterior. You can also opt to dust them with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.

Step 5: Fill the Doughnuts (Optional)

If you’re adding filling, use a skewer to make a small hole in the center of each doughnut. Then, using a piping bag, fill them with jam, chocolate hazelnut spread, or whipped cream.

Notes

Use a Kitchen Scale: Accurate measurements are key to making perfect doughnuts, so be sure to use a kitchen scale. This ensures the right texture and consistency.
Frying Oil: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower or grapeseed oil. This helps to avoid burning the doughnuts while frying.
Fillings: Be creative with your fillings! Try lemon curd, custard, or even marshmallow fluff. You can also top the doughnuts with sprinkles or drizzle them with chocolate glaze for extra indulgence.
Freezing: Doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the doughnuts for up to a month. Simply fry them, let them cool, and freeze them in an airtight container. To serve, heat them in the oven for a few minutes.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Frying, Mixing, Rising
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian