Yeast Donuts

Prep: 180 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

Delicious homemade yeast donuts with a soft interior and crispy exterior, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat, appealing to those who enjoy classic fried pastries.

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Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup warm milk
  • 1 cup warm water with yeast
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 egg
  • 4 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Mix together warm milk, warm water with yeast, sugar, vanilla, salt, and egg; let rise for 2 hours.
  2. Roll out the risen dough on a floured board and cut with a donut cutter.
  3. Let the cut donuts rise for an additional hour.
  4. Deep fry the donuts in hot fat until golden brown.
  5. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and cinnamon or serve plain.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of your yeast donuts, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or using a flavored extract like almond instead of vanilla. If you don't have warm milk, you can substitute it with an equal amount of warm water. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour until manageable. Ensure the oil temperature is correct to avoid greasy donuts.

Serving Suggestions

These yeast donuts are delightful served fresh, dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. They also pair beautifully with a spread of the Nutty Canadian Cheese Block for a sweet and savory experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to restore their texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them chewy and tough.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Yeast Donuts contains roughly 271 calories, with 4g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1809mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).

271 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4g 8% DV
Total Fat 1.6g 2% DV
Carbs 44.1g 16% DV
Fiber 3g 11% DV
Sugar 3.9g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1809.2mg 79% DV
Potassium 316mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 51.7mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 13.2mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 21.9mg 24% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 67.7mg 5% DV
Iron 1.4mg 8% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my donuts not rise properly?

If your donuts didn't rise well, it could be due to inactive yeast. Always check the expiration date on your yeast packet and ensure the water is warm, not hot. Too much salt can also inhibit yeast activity, so make sure to measure accurately.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After mixing, let it rise for one hour, then refrigerate it instead of letting it rise the full two hours. When ready to use, allow it to come to room temperature and rise again before rolling and cutting.

What should I do if my donuts are greasy?

Greasy donuts can result from frying in oil that is not hot enough. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is between 350°F and 375°F. Additionally, drain the donuts on paper towels right after frying to remove excess oil.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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