Fried Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe
Sink your teeth into a batch of Fried Doughnuts with Sugar and you’ll instantly see why this nostalgic treat is a forever favorite. Each doughnut is golden, fluffy, and absolutely drenched in sparkly sugar, making every bite an irresistible blend of pillowy softness and sweet crunch. Whether you’re sharing these homemade delights with friends over coffee or sneaking a warm one straight from the cooling rack, this classic recipe is pure joy for the senses and surprisingly simple to master in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Fried Doughnuts with Sugar lies in just a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient has a role to play, from the tender crumb of the dough to that iconic sugar coating. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a showstopping treat!
- Active dry yeast: This is what makes your doughnuts light and fluffy, giving them their signature airy texture.
- Warm milk (about 110°F): The perfect temperature wakes up the yeast and adds richness to the dough.
- Granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness in both the dough and that glorious crunchy coating.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure and chew.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds tenderness and a hint of richness to every bite.
- Large egg: Helps bind the dough and gives it a beautiful golden hue.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): A neutral oil is best for that crisp, golden finish.
- Granulated sugar (for coating): The final sugary sparkle that turns these from simple fried dough into Fried Doughnuts with Sugar.
How to Make Fried Doughnuts with Sugar
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining your warm milk and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let this sit for around 5 to 10 minutes until it looks foamy and bubbly. This is the yeast springing to life and promises your doughnuts will puff up beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add your softened butter, the egg, and the foamy yeast mixture. Mix everything until you have a sticky dough that’s just begging to be kneaded.
Step 3: Knead Until Smooth
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes, until it’s smooth, elastic, and a little springy. This step is what gives Fried Doughnuts with Sugar their signature pillowy bite. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it’s doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Doughnuts
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to a half-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter (or two round cutters if you don’t have one) to cut out classic doughnut shapes. Gather up the scraps, re-roll, and keep cutting until you’ve used up all the dough.
Step 5: The Second Rise
Place your cut doughnuts on a floured surface or parchment-lined tray, cover them lightly, and let them rest for another 30 minutes. This second rise gives them that light, fluffy interior you crave in a great Fried Doughnut with Sugar.
Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry the doughnuts in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until they’re puffed and gloriously golden. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to paper towels so any extra oil can drain away.
Step 7: Coat in Sugar
While the doughnuts are still warm (but not too hot to handle), roll each one generously in granulated sugar. This is the moment they become true Fried Doughnuts with Sugar, sparkling and sweet and utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Fried Doughnuts with Sugar
Garnishes
The classic sugar coating is always a winner, but you can have fun by tossing a little cinnamon into the sugar for extra warmth. For a special touch, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can make your Fried Doughnuts with Sugar even more festive.
Side Dishes
These doughnuts pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, spiced chai, or even a glass of cold milk. Serve them alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or a simple berry compote for a lovely contrast to their sweet, fried goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Fried Doughnuts with Sugar high on a cake stand for a dramatic centerpiece, or skewer doughnut holes onto sticks for a fun party treat. For brunch, serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like chocolate, caramel, or fruit preserves and let everyone customize their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare!), store your Fried Doughnuts with Sugar in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re at their absolute best the day they’re made, but still delicious the next morning.
Freezing
You can freeze these doughnuts for longer storage. Place cooled doughnuts (without the sugar coating) in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw and toss them in fresh sugar.
Reheating
For that just-fried taste, warm leftover Fried Doughnuts with Sugar in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them tough. If reheating frozen doughnuts, let them come to room temperature first, then warm in the oven and coat with sugar.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step and add it directly to your dry ingredients. The rise time might be a little shorter, so keep an eye on your dough.
Why did my doughnuts turn out dense?
Dense doughnuts are usually the result of under-proofing (not letting the dough rise enough) or using flour that’s too packed. Make sure your yeast is active and allow the dough to double in size for the fluffiest Fried Doughnuts with Sugar.
Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying?
While you can bake them in a pinch, you won’t get the same classic texture and flavor as with frying. The magic of Fried Doughnuts with Sugar is in that crispy exterior and pillowy inside, which only comes from frying.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
A thermometer is the most reliable way—aim for 350°F. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough in the oil; it should sizzle and float to the top within seconds but not brown too quickly.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can let the dough rise overnight in the refrigerator for a slow, flavorful rise. In the morning, bring it to room temperature, shape, and continue with the recipe for fresh Fried Doughnuts with Sugar.
Final Thoughts
Few things bring more joy than a plate of warm Fried Doughnuts with Sugar, fresh from your own kitchen. They’re simple to make, wildly delicious, and sure to become a new favorite for you and everyone you share them with. Give this recipe a try—your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you!
Print
Fried Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 doughnuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic homemade fried doughnuts coated in granulated sugar, featuring a soft, fluffy yeast dough and a crispy golden exterior. Perfect for a delightful dessert or breakfast treat that can be made fresh in just a couple of hours.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For Coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is active and ready for dough preparation.
- Mix dough ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms, bringing all ingredients together.
- Knead dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for a light texture.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape doughnuts: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (about 3-inch and 1-inch sizes) to cut out doughnut shapes. Re-roll scraps and cut additional doughnuts as needed.
- Second rest: Place the cut doughnuts on a floured surface or parchment-lined tray, cover lightly, and let them rest for 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Heat oil: Heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it is hot enough for frying to achieve a crispy texture.
- Fry doughnuts: Fry doughnuts in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Coat doughnuts: While still warm, roll each doughnut in granulated sugar to coat evenly, adding a sweet finish.
- Serve fresh: Enjoy your homemade fried doughnuts immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix a little cinnamon into the sugar coating before rolling the doughnuts.
- These doughnuts are best enjoyed the same day they’re made as they lose freshness quickly.
- You can also fry the doughnut holes for bite-sized treats, using the dough scraps.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
