Imagine biting into a warm, pillowy treat that’s delicately crisp on the outside and tender within, dusted with sparkling sugar that clings to your fingers and lips. That’s the magic of Fried Doughnuts with Sugar: A Sweet Family Treat. This recipe brings together everything I love about old-fashioned homemade doughnuts—the irresistible aroma, the melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the pure joy they spark at the breakfast table, around the holidays, or just because. Whether you’re baking with kids or treating yourself, these doughnuts transform the simplest ingredients into a celebration, and they’ll quickly become a cherished tradition in your home.

Fried Doughnuts with Sugar: A Sweet Family Treat Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Fried Doughnuts with Sugar: A Sweet Family Treat lies in its simplicity—each ingredient has a purpose, creating sweet, fluffy doughnuts with just the right amount of richness and flavor. With a few pantry staples and a bit of patience, you’ll be amazed at what you can whip up at home.

Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons, 1 packet): The secret to that light, airy rise; always check your yeast’s freshness for best results.
Warm milk (3/4 cup, 110°F): Gently warms the dough and activates the yeast for a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup, plus 1 cup for coating): Provides sweetness in the dough and that sparkling, crunchy finish we all love.
Large eggs (2): Bring richness and structure, making each bite delightfully soft.
Unsalted butter, melted (5 tablespoons): Adds flavor and moisture—using unsalted lets you control the final taste.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances sweetness and brings a warm, inviting aroma.
All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups): The backbone of the dough; measure carefully for perfect texture.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and sharpens all the flavors.
Vegetable oil for frying: Gives that golden, crisp exterior—pick a neutral oil with a high smoke point.

How to Make Fried Doughnuts with Sugar: A Sweet Family Treat

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by combining the warm milk, yeast, and just a tablespoon of your sugar in a large mixing bowl. Let this sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture gets bubbly and foamy—that’s how you know the yeast is alive and ready to give your doughnuts their signature lift. This step is small but mighty, setting the stage for those light, fluffy doughnuts.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Once your yeast is activated, stir in the rest of the sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This combination creates a sweet, rich base, and the vanilla will make your kitchen smell like a bakery even before they hit the fryer.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Now, gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Don’t rush—adding the flour slowly helps ensure your doughnuts don’t turn out dense. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 6 to 8 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you poke it, it should spring back gently.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Transfer your dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size. This wait is where the magic happens! The dough will become airy and soft, promising doughnuts that are anything but heavy.

Step 5: Shape the Doughnuts

Punch down your risen dough to release any air bubbles, then roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thick. Use a round cutter for the doughnuts and a smaller one for the centers (save those holes—they make fantastic mini treats!). Place the cut doughnuts on a floured baking sheet, cover lightly, and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F—use a thermometer if you have one for the most consistent results. Fry the doughnuts in batches, about 1–2 minutes per side, until they’re beautifully golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. The scent at this stage is pure happiness!

Step 7: Sugar Coating

While the doughnuts are still warm (but not too hot to touch), gently roll them in granulated sugar until every inch is sparkling. This is what gives Fried Doughnuts with Sugar: A Sweet Family Treat their irresistible, classic finish. Serve immediately for the ultimate experience!

How to Serve Fried Doughnuts with Sugar: A Sweet Family Treat

Garnishes

A simple roll in granulated sugar is classic, but you can take it up a notch by mixing a pinch of cinnamon into the sugar for a cozy, aromatic twist. For a special touch, dust with a little powdered sugar right before serving, or drizzle with a thin glaze made from milk and vanilla if you love extra sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair your doughnuts with a tall glass of cold milk, a mug of hot coffee, or even some fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast. These doughnuts also go beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert, making Fried Doughnuts with Sugar: A Sweet Family Treat a showstopper at brunch or after dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the doughnuts high on a cake stand for a centerpiece, or skewer doughnut holes on sticks for a playful, kid-friendly treat. You can also serve them in paper bags for a nostalgic, fairground feel—perfect for parties or family gatherings. However you present them, the sparkle of sugar always draws a crowd!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep your Fried Doughnuts with Sugar: A Sweet Family Treat in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll lose a bit of their initial crispness but stay wonderfully soft and sweet.

Freezing

To freeze, let the doughnuts cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to two months—just wait to sugar them until after reheating for best results.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-from-the-fryer magic, warm your doughnuts in a 300°F oven for about 5–7 minutes or briefly in the microwave (about 15–20 seconds). If they weren’t sugared before freezing, roll them in fresh sugar while still warm for that signature sparkle.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough up to the first rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature, shape, and proceed as usual. This can make Fried Doughnuts with Sugar: A Sweet Family Treat even easier for busy mornings.

What if I don’t have a doughnut cutter?

No worries! You can use a round cookie cutter or even the rim of a glass, plus a small bottle cap or shot glass for the centers. The shape might be rustic, but the taste will be spot-on.

Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying?

While this recipe is designed for frying to achieve that classic crispness, you can bake the shaped doughnuts at 375°F for 8–10 minutes. They’ll be more bread-like, but still delicious—just brush with melted butter before rolling in sugar.

How do I know when the oil is ready?

A thermometer is the best tool; aim for 350°F. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough in—the oil should bubble around it and the dough should brown in about a minute. Too hot and they’ll burn, too cool and they’ll absorb oil.

Can I add flavors to the dough?

Definitely! Try adding a touch of nutmeg or lemon zest to the dough for a different twist, or swap vanilla for almond extract. The sugar coating is also a great place to get creative—think cocoa powder or cardamom mixed in for a unique batch of Fried Doughnuts with Sugar: A Sweet Family Treat.

Final Thoughts

There’s something timeless and joyful about making Fried Doughnuts with Sugar: A Sweet Family Treat from scratch. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or sneaking a warm one just for yourself, these doughnuts are a reminder that the simplest pleasures are often the sweetest. Give this recipe a try—you just might start a new family tradition!

Fried Doughnuts with Sugar: A Sweet Family Treat Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 12 doughnuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these classic Fried Doughnuts with Sugar, a sweet family treat that combines a soft, fluffy interior with a perfectly crispy golden exterior. Made from scratch using simple ingredients and fried to perfection, these doughnuts are then generously coated in granulated sugar for an irresistible, crunchy finish. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, this recipe promises a homemade indulgence that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

For Frying

Vegetable oil, for frying

Sugar Coating

1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

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Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is alive and activated.
Prepare the Dough: Add the remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine all wet ingredients thoroughly.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing continuously until a soft dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Knead the dough by hand or with a dough hook mixer for 6 to 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten for a tender texture.
First Rise: Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Shape the Doughnuts: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/2-inch thickness. Cut doughnuts using a round cutter and a smaller cutter for the centers to make doughnut holes.
Second Rise: Arrange the cut doughnuts on a floured baking sheet, cover lightly, and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
Heat Oil and Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry doughnuts in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Drain and Coat: Remove doughnuts from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. While still warm, roll each doughnut in granulated sugar to coat evenly.
Serve: Serve the doughnuts immediately for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy them fresh for a delightful treat.

Notes

You can reuse the doughnut holes and fry them as mini treats.
For a cozy twist, add a pinch of cinnamon to the sugar coating.
These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 to 1.5 hours rising time)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American