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Glazed Yeast Donuts

Yummy donuts that can be glazed clear or with chocolate.
Prep Time1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Rising Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time3 hours 30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer w/dough hook and paddle attachments
  • Dutch oven
  • Donut cutter
  • Skimmer

Ingredients

Dough

  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 5 ounces vegetable shortening (about 2/3 cup)
  • 4 packages instant yeast
  • 2/3 cup warm water (95 to 105 degrees F)
  • 4 eggs beaten
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3 tsp salt (kosher or table)
  • 2 tsp ground nutmeg (freshly ground, if you have it)
  • 10 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (divided in two equal batches)
  • 1/2 to 1 gal peanut oil (depending on Dutch oven size)

Glaze

  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 cups confectioners' sugar

Chocolate Glaze

  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 cups confectioners' sugar

Instructions

Donuts

  • Place the milk in a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat until warm enough to melt the shortening (at least 120 degrees F). Place the shortening in a bowl and pour warmed milk over it. Set aside to melt and cool.
  • In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the warm water and let dissolve for 5 minutes. Pour the yeast mixture into the large bowl of a stand mixer and, after making sure the milk and shortening mixture has cooled to less than 110 degrees F, add the milk and shortening mixture. Add the eggs, sugar, salt, nutmeg, and first half of the flour. Using the paddle attachment on the stand mixer, combine the ingredients on low speed until flour is incorporated, then turn the speed up to medium and beat until well combined. Stop the mixer and add the second half of the flour. Combine on low speed, then increase to medium and beat well until well combined.
  • Change to the dough hook attachment, and beat on medium speed until the dough pulls away from the bowl and becomes smooth, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a well-oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. Punch down the dough and divide into quarters.
  • On a well-floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to 3/8-inch thickness. Cut into donut shapes with a donut cutter (or pastry rings). Move the cut donuts to a floured baking sheet (or silicone mat), cover, and let rise for 30 more minutes. Repeat the process for the other portions of dough.
  • Preheat 2-3 inches of oil in a Dutch oven to 365 degrees F. Gently place the donuts into the oil, 3 or 4 at a time. Cook for 1 minute per side. Transfer to a cooling rack placed in a baking pan. Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes before glazing.

Glaze

  • Combine milk and vanilla in a medium saucepan and heat over low heat until warm. Sift confectioners' sugar (and/or cocoa powder) into milk mixture. Whisk slowly, until well combined. Remove the glaze from the heat and set over a bowl of warm water.
  • Dip donuts into the glaze, 1 at a time, and set on a draining rack placed in a sheet pan for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Everyone loves these homemade glazed donuts!