Name: Homemade Fluffy Doughnuts Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups All-purpose flour/Bread flour; 3/4 cup warm Milk or water; 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter, softened; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1/4 cup granulated Sugar; 3/4 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Yeast (Instant/Active dried yeast); 1 cup Powdered sugar; 1 tsp Vanilla extract; 2 tbsp Milk or Water

Jump to Recipe·5 from 7 reviews

Few things feel as delightful as biting into a warm batch of Homemade Fluffy Doughnuts. Golden on the outside, feathery light in the center, and kissed with a sweet glaze, these doughnuts invite you to enjoy a dreamy treat made right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting to experiment with yeast doughs, this recipe brings out the best qualities of doughnuts: melt-in-your-mouth softness, that beautiful pillowy rise, and an irresistible homemade flavor that will win over family and friends in no time.

Homemade Fluffy Doughnuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how just a few simple, everyday ingredients can create the most magical Homemade Fluffy Doughnuts. Each item here has a special role in building structure, adding richness, or creating that signature sweetness and rise.

All-purpose flour or Bread flour: The foundation of the dough, giving structure yet tender crumb; bread flour will make them extra chewy if you prefer.
Warm milk or water (3/4 cup): Essential for activating yeast and bringing everything together gently—milk gives a richer flavor.
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, softened): Adds luscious richness and ensures a soft, tender doughnut every time.
Large egg (room temperature): Binds the dough and brings an airy lightness; let it come to room temp for the best texture.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): A touch of sweetness that feeds the yeast and browns the doughnuts beautifully.
Salt (3/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and brightens all the other flavors in the dough.
Instant or Active dried yeast (1 tsp): The magic behind that signature rise and cloud-like fluffiness.
Powdered sugar (1 cup, for glaze): Turns into a silky, sweet glaze to finish your doughnuts with a classic shine.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp, for glaze): A hint in the glaze boosts aroma and brings out nostalgic doughnut shop flavors.
Milk or Water (2 tbsp, for glaze): Just enough to make the glaze perfectly smooth and dippable.
Vegetable oil (for frying): The go-to for a crispy yet light crust; be sure it’s fresh and neutral in flavor.

How to Make Homemade Fluffy Doughnuts

Step 1: Bring Together the Wet Ingredients

To kick off your Homemade Fluffy Doughnuts adventure, grab a large mixing bowl and add in the warm milk (or water), granulated sugar, salt, instant or active dried yeast, and your room-temperature egg. Mix well until the sugar dissolves and the yeast wakes up, creating the foundation for that signature airy texture.

Step 2: Add Butter and Flour, Form the Dough

Next, blend in the softened unsalted butter, quickly followed by your choice of flour. Mix until you see a rough, shaggy dough—don’t worry, it’ll soon come together into the pillowy mass you’ve been dreaming of. This step is all about building the right structure for your Homemade Fluffy Doughnuts.

Step 3: Knead to Smooth Perfection

Now, turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and knead for 10–12 minutes. You’ll feel it transform under your hands, turning smooth and elastic. This is a bit of a workout, but the result—a soft, silky dough—is worth every stretch and fold.

Step 4: Rest and Relax

Cover your dough with a bowl and let it take a 15-minute nap. This short rest relaxes the gluten, making shaping your Homemade Fluffy Doughnuts a breeze.

Step 5: Divide and Shape the Dough Balls

Once rested, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Take each piece, gather the edges into the center, and roll into a neat little ball. Cover the balls with a kitchen towel and allow another 15-minute rest. This keeps the dough soft and cooperative for perfect doughnut shaping.

Step 6: Shape the Doughnuts

Dust the surface (and your hands!) with flour. Gently press each dough ball to flatten ever so slightly, then use your thumb to make a hole in the center. Slowly widen it with your fingers, giving each doughnut its signature look. Arrange the shaped doughnuts on a parchment-lined baking tray and dust with more flour to prevent sticking. Cover with cling film while they proof.

Step 7: Proof Until Puffed

Let your doughnuts rise in a cozy, warm spot for about 35–40 minutes. When they look visibly puffed and extra fluffy, they’re ready for a trip to the fryer. This gentle wait rewards you with the lightest Homemade Fluffy Doughnuts imaginable.

Step 8: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep pot or fryer, keeping a close eye with a candy thermometer. Carefully lower a few doughnuts in at a time, making sure there’s enough space so they don’t crowd each other. Fry 1.5 minutes per side until gloriously golden brown, flipping with a slotted spoon.

Step 9: Drain and Glaze

Transfer your finished doughnuts to a tray lined with paper towels, so excess oil is whisked away. While they cool just enough to handle, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk (or water) for your simple yet luscious glaze. Dip each doughnut, let the glaze set for a few seconds, and enjoy the sweet anticipation!

How to Serve Homemade Fluffy Doughnuts

Garnishes

While a classic sugar glaze is always a winner on Homemade Fluffy Doughnuts, don’t be afraid to sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar, drizzle with melted chocolate, or even finish with toasted coconut flakes for a lovely texture. Add a dusting of powdered sugar if you like an understated look!

Side Dishes

Serve your doughnuts with a big mug of coffee or hot cocoa for a retro breakfast spread, or add fresh berries and whipped cream for a brunch upgrade. If you love a savory-sweet combo, a small wedge of sharp cheese can be surprisingly delightful on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Homemade Fluffy Doughnuts high on a tiered cake stand, thread them onto a skewer for an eye-catching doughnut bouquet, or set up a DIY dipping bar with small bowls of different glazes and toppings for guests to personalize their treats. Kids especially love to help decorate!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Homemade Fluffy Doughnuts leftover (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’re best enjoyed fresh but will stay soft and tasty for another day with proper storage.

Freezing

You can freeze the fried but unglazed doughnuts. Let them cool completely, then wrap snugly in plastic wrap and keep inside a freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month. Simply thaw at room temperature before finishing with glaze or sugar.

Reheating

To bring back that just-fried warmth, pop your doughnuts into a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes. If already glazed, use a microwave on low power for 10–15 seconds each—just enough to soften, not melt the glaze.

FAQs

Can I use a stand mixer to knead the dough?

Absolutely! If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, let it knead your Homemade Fluffy Doughnuts dough for about 7–8 minutes on low to medium speed. This makes life easier and guarantees a super smooth dough.

What’s the best way to cut out uniform doughnut shapes?

If you want perfect uniformity, use a doughnut cutter or two round cookie cutters of different sizes. But hand-shaping, as described above, yields wonderfully rustic shapes and that classic homemade charm.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While traditional Homemade Fluffy Doughnuts are fried for that unmistakable texture and flavor, you can bake them at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes. They won’t get quite the same golden crust, but they will still be soft and airy.

How do I flavor the glaze?

Mix in a little lemon or orange zest for brightness, swap vanilla for almond or coffee extract, or add a pinch of ground cinnamon or even cocoa powder for something fun and different. Make the glaze your own!

Why are my doughnuts not as fluffy as expected?

This is usually due to under-kneading, not letting them proof long enough, or accidentally adding too much flour during shaping. Take the time to knead thoroughly and proof your dough until it’s visibly puffy for best results.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something joyful about making and sharing Homemade Fluffy Doughnuts, knowing each bite is crafted with a little love and a lot of anticipation. Whether you keep the glaze classic or add your own creative spin, I hope your kitchen fills with laughter, smiles, and the delicious aroma of fresh doughnuts. Give this recipe a try next weekend—the results are sure to make you a doughnut fan for life!