Making Donuts in 6 Easy Steps

Donuts are at the top of the list of desserts that freeze well and that can be made in advance in anticipation of celebrations. From making the dough to filling to frying them, cooking donuts is easy when you’re well prepared and know the steps to follow.

1-Preparing the Dough

Two bowls are used to prepare dry and liquid ingredients separately. In one, flour and sugar are mixed, in the other, beaten eggs are added to a mixture of milk and melted butter.

The ingredients are incorporated by making a well in the dry ingredient mixture to pour in the liquid mixture. Mix everything together with a spoon until you get a homogeneous, fairly thick and slightly sticky dough.

2-Resting

A variable resting time, ranging from thirty minutes to two hours, is necessary to allow the dough to rise. The objective is for it to double in size. This is how you get donuts with a lighter and airier crumb.

Before placing the donut dough in a bowl to let it rest, it is suggested to oil it to prevent it from sticking to the wall of the bowl and to promote its rising. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and leave it at room temperature in a dry location.

Check that the dough is ready. It will spring back into shape after pressing it with a finger.

3-Die-Cutting

First, roll out the dough on a lightly floured work surface and use a circular cookie cutter to cut out the round shape of the donuts and a smaller one to make the hole in the centre.

4-Cooking the Donuts

Organize yourself to optimize the work chain by placing the donuts to be cooked on one side and the cooling zone on the other side of the fryer filled with the frying oil. A metal spatula is used to place the donuts one by one and without splashing into the hot oil. We suggest cooking 3 or 4 donuts at a time.

You can also fry the donuts in a large pan where you heat the oil in which you immerse them. A good trick is to use wooden chopsticks to turn the donut in the oil without the risk of breaking the dough. The donuts are ready when they are golden brown on each side.

The Trick to Know if the Oil is Hot Enough

Dip a piece of dough in the oil. If it rises quickly to the surface and starts bubbling, it means the oil is ready for the frying stage.

5- Cooling

Once the donuts are fried (2 to 3 minutes on each side), use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil. Place them on a baking sheet covered with paper towels or a wire rack and wait for them to cool before filling.

6- Garnishes

The addition of garnishes brings the final touch to this treat, which is perfect for the holidays. You can frost your donuts with a chocolate, vanilla, caramel or flavour frosting of your choice. Another option is to stuff it with a fruit jam or jelly (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, etc.) using a piping bag, but the easiest way is to dust them with icing sugar or cinnamon sugar.

One last piece of advice before putting on your apron: Remember to double the recipe if you want to treat yourself to a few ahead of time! And for inspiration, take a look at these recipes: