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How to Make Soft & Tender No-Mixer Donuts
Step 1: Prepare the Donut Dough
Start by combining the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). These ingredients form the base for your donut dough.
Next, in a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract together until smooth and well combined.
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spoon or spatula until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in dense donuts. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Donuts
Once the dough is formed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Using your hands, gently knead the dough a few times to bring it together. Then, roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
Use a donut cutter, or if you don’t have one, a round cookie cutter for the outer ring and a smaller cutter for the center hole. If you don’t have a cutter at all, you can also use a drinking glass and a bottle cap to create your own donut shapes. Gather any leftover dough, re-roll it, and cut out additional donuts until all the dough is used.
Step 3: Fry the Donuts
Fill a deep frying pan or pot with about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). To check the oil temperature, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready for frying.
Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each donut for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip the donuts and remove them from the oil when they’re perfectly golden and crisp. Be sure to let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Step 4: Glaze the Donuts (Optional)
For a sweet finish, you can glaze the donuts. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well-combined. Dip each warm donut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle the glazed donuts with colorful sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips for Perfect Soft & Tender Donuts
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the donut dough can lead to tough donuts. Mix until the ingredients are just combined, and avoid kneading the dough too much.
- Oil Temperature is Key: The oil temperature plays a huge role in getting the perfect donut. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly on the outside while staying raw on the inside. If the oil is too cool, the donuts will soak up too much oil and become greasy. Keeping the oil at around 350°F ensures perfectly fried donuts.
- Experiment with Flavors: These donuts are a great base for all sorts of variations. Try adding a teaspoon of nutmeg, a splash of almond extract, or even some citrus zest to the dough for a unique twist. You can also fill them with jam, chocolate, or custard for a more indulgent treat.
- Use Fresh Oil: If you’re frying multiple batches of donuts, be sure to replace the oil after a couple of rounds. Overused oil can affect the flavor and texture of the donuts.
- Make a Double Batch: Donuts disappear quickly, so if you’re making them for a crowd or a family breakfast, you might want to double the recipe to ensure everyone gets a taste.
Conclusion
These Soft & Tender No-Mixer Donuts are the perfect homemade treat for anyone craving a sweet, comforting indulgence. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create soft, fluffy donuts that are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you top them with a sweet glaze, dust them with powdered sugar, or enjoy them plain, these donuts are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Plus, making donuts at home means you can customize them however you like. So, grab your ingredients, heat up the oil, and treat yourself to a batch of warm, melt-in-your-mouth donuts — no mixer required!
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