Sugar Donuts

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Sugar Donuts – Crispy on the Outside, Soft and Fluffy Inside

There’s something nostalgic and comforting about a classic sugar donut—crispy on the outside, incredibly soft and airy on the inside, and coated in sweet sparkling sugar. These homemade donuts are made with buttermilk for extra tenderness and flavor, and they strike the perfect balance between lightness and indulgence.

Whether you’re making them for a weekend breakfast, afternoon snack, or a sweet dessert, these donuts are sure to become a family favorite. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat—especially when you add a filling like jam, Nutella, or whipped cream!

Ingredients:

  • 6 tablespoons (90 ml) water, lukewarm
  • 5 oz (150 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 oz (57 g) butter, melted
  • 16 oz (454 g) all-purpose or bread flour
  • 2 oz (57 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1½ teaspoons (3.5 g) active dry yeast or quick-rise yeast
  • Neutral oil, for frying (like canola or sunflower oil)
  • Granulated sugar, for coating
  • Optional fillings: jam, Nutella, or whipped cream

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough (Two Methods)

Bread Machine Method:

  1. In your bread machine pan, add water, buttermilk, beaten egg, and melted butter.
  2. Add flour, sugar, and salt on top of the liquid ingredients.
  3. Make a small well in the flour and add the yeast.
  4. Select the “Dough” cycle and let the machine knead and proof the dough.

Manual Method:

  1. In a small bowl, combine 6 tablespoons of lukewarm water with the yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
  3. Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk, beaten egg, melted butter, and yeast mixture.
  4. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1–1½ hours).

Step 2: Shape the Donuts

  1. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
  2. Roll the dough to about ½-inch (1.25 cm) thickness.
  3. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small) to shape the donuts. Re-roll scraps and repeat.
  4. Place the cut donuts on a parchment-lined tray. Cover with a clean towel and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.

Step 3: Fry the Donuts

  1. Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature.
  2. Fry the donuts in small batches (2–3 at a time), about 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
  3. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Coat and Fill

  1. While still warm, roll the donuts in granulated sugar until fully coated.
  2. If filling, let donuts cool slightly, then use a piping bag fitted with a narrow tip to fill with your choice of jam, Nutella, or whipped cream.

Tips for Success:

  • Buttermilk adds flavor and softness—don’t skip it! If unavailable, you can substitute with ½ cup milk + 1½ tsp lemon juice or vinegar.
  • Make sure the oil stays at consistent frying temperature to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts.
  • For even softer donuts, you can let the shaped donuts rise slightly longer before frying.
  • Best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them gently in the microwave for a just-fried feel.

These sugar donuts are everything you crave in a sweet treat—light, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Whether served plain or filled, they’re a timeless classic that always delights.

 

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