Decadent Homemade Yeast Doughnuts
Indulge in the delightful experience of making your own yeast doughnuts at home! This recipe, inspired by the culinary genius Alton Brown, brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen. Soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweetened, these doughnuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a treat anytime. With the rich aroma of nutmeg and the satisfying satisfaction of frying them to golden perfection, these doughnuts will impress family and friends alike. Remember, a kitchen scale is essential for precise measurements, particularly for the flour, ensuring bakery-quality results. So, roll up your sleeves and prepare to take your taste buds on a delicious journey!
N/A
Servings
155
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Milk
1 1/2 cups (Warm in a saucepan)
Vegetable Shortening
2 1/2 ounces (Melted)
Instant Yeast
2 1/2 tablespoons (Sprinkled over warm water to dissolve)
Warm Water
1/3 cup (95 to 105 degrees F)
Eggs
2 (Beaten)
Sugar
1/4 cup (Granulated)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (Fine salt)
Nutmeg
1 teaspoon (Ground)
All-Purpose Flour
23 ounces (Plus more for dusting)
Peanut oil or Vegetable oil
For frying (Preheated to 365 degrees F)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, gently heat the milk over medium heat until it's warm enough to melt the vegetable shortening. Remove from the heat once the shortening is fully melted.
2
Transfer the melted shortening and warm milk into a large mixing bowl and set aside to cool slightly until lukewarm.
3
In a small bowl, dissolve the instant yeast in the warm water and let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
4
Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the bowl with the lukewarm milk and shortening, then add the beaten eggs, sugar, salt, nutmeg, and half of the flour.
5
Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, mix on low speed until the flour is incorporated. Increase the speed to medium and beat until well combined.
6
Add the remaining flour gradually, mixing on low speed initially and then speeding up to medium to incorporate everything until the dough forms a cohesive mass.
7
Switch to the dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and becomes smooth, approximately 3-4 minutes.
8
Transfer the dough to a well-oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
9
Once risen, turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and roll it out to about 3/8-inch thickness. Use a 2 1/2-inch doughnut cutter to cut out the doughnuts and a 7/8-inch cutter for the holes.
10
Place the cut doughnuts on a floured baking sheet and cover lightly with a tea towel. Allow them to rise for another 30 minutes.
11
While the doughnuts are rising, preheat oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 365 degrees F.
12
Carefully place the doughnuts into the hot oil, cooking them 3 to 4 at a time for about 1 minute on each side, or until they turn a lovely golden brown.
13
Once cooked, transfer the doughnuts to a cooling rack set over a baking pan to catch any drips.
14
Allow the doughnuts to cool for 15 to 20 minutes before glazing or serving.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
22g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Homemade Yeast Doughnuts?
They are soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweetened fried pastries inspired by the culinary techniques of Alton Brown.
Who is the inspiration behind this doughnut recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary genius Alton Brown.
How many calories are in one of these doughnuts?
Each doughnut contains approximately 155 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 7g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in these doughnuts?
Each serving contains 22g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of the doughnuts?
Each doughnut provides 2g of protein.
Why is a kitchen scale recommended for this recipe?
A kitchen scale is essential for precise measurements, especially for the flour, to ensure bakery-quality results.
What type of flour should I use?
You should use all-purpose flour for this recipe.
How much flour is required by weight?
The recipe calls for 23 ounces of all-purpose flour.
What type of yeast is needed?
This recipe requires 2 1/2 tablespoons of instant yeast.
How do I prepare the milk and shortening?
Gently heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it is warm enough to melt the vegetable shortening.
What temperature should the warm water be for the yeast?
The water should be between 95 and 105 degrees F.
How long should the yeast sit in water?
Let the yeast and water mixture sit undisturbed for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
What spice gives these doughnuts their signature aroma?
Ground nutmeg is used to provide a rich aroma and satisfying flavor.
What mixer attachment should be used first?
Start by using a paddle attachment on a stand mixer to incorporate the ingredients.
When should I switch to the dough hook?
Switch to the dough hook attachment after the ingredients are combined to knead the dough until it is smooth.
How long does the first rise take?
The dough should rise in a warm place until doubled in size, which takes approximately 1 hour.
How thick should the dough be rolled out?
Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 3/8-inch.
What size cutter is needed for the doughnuts?
A 2 1/2-inch doughnut cutter is used for the main shapes.
What size cutter should be used for the doughnut holes?
A 7/8-inch cutter is recommended for the doughnut holes.
Is there a second rise period for the doughnuts?
Yes, after cutting the doughnuts, they should rise on a floured baking sheet for another 30 minutes.
What is the correct oil temperature for frying?
The oil should be preheated to 365 degrees F.
Which types of oil are best for frying these doughnuts?
Peanut oil or vegetable oil are ideal for frying this recipe.
How many doughnuts can I fry at one time?
It is best to cook 3 to 4 doughnuts at a time to avoid overcrowding the fryer.
How long do the doughnuts cook on each side?
They should cook for about 1 minute on each side.
How can I tell when the doughnuts are finished cooking?
The doughnuts are done when they turn a lovely golden brown color.
How should I drain the excess oil?
Transfer the cooked doughnuts to a cooling rack set over a baking pan to catch any drips.
How long should the doughnuts cool before serving?
Allow the doughnuts to cool for 15 to 20 minutes before glazing or serving.
What occasions are these doughnuts suitable for?
They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a special treat anytime.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include doughnuts, yeast doughnuts, homemade doughnuts, breakfast treats, desserts, and fried pastries.