These homemade bread machine donuts are a delightful treat that can be easily made in the comfort of your own kitchen. Using a bread machine simplifies the dough-making process, allowing you to enjoy fresh, fluffy donuts without the hassle.
This recipe is straightforward and perfect for breakfast or dessert. You can customize the flavors and toppings to suit your taste, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
Creating the Perfect Donuts
Making donuts at home can be a rewarding experience, especially when you see them transform from simple ingredients into fluffy, golden treats. The process begins with a straightforward dough that rises beautifully, resulting in a light texture that melts in your mouth.
Using a bread machine simplifies the preparation, allowing you to focus on the fun part—frying and decorating! With just a few ingredients, you can create a batch of donuts that are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients for Success
The key to delicious donuts lies in the quality of your ingredients. Start with warm milk, which helps activate the yeast, ensuring a good rise. Granulated sugar and melted butter add sweetness and richness to the dough.
Don’t forget the eggs, which contribute to the structure and moisture of the donuts. All-purpose flour is essential for creating the right texture, while active dry yeast is what makes them fluffy. Finally, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze will elevate your donuts to a whole new level.
The Dough-Making Process
Begin by adding the ingredients to your bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Selecting the dough setting allows the machine to mix and knead the dough until it reaches a smooth and elastic consistency.
Once the mixing is complete, transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover it with a towel. Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which usually takes about an hour. This step is crucial for achieving that light and airy texture.
Shaping Your Donuts
After the dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out. Dust your work surface with flour and roll the dough to about half an inch thick. Using a donut cutter, cut out the shapes and place them on a floured baking sheet.
Don’t forget to save the holes! They can be fried too, making for delightful little bites. Allow the shaped donuts to rest for a few minutes before frying, which helps them puff up even more.
Frying to Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F. Carefully add the donuts to the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for about 1-2 minutes until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color.
Once fried, remove the donuts and let them drain on paper towels. This step is essential to remove excess oil, ensuring a light and fluffy treat rather than a greasy one.
Finishing Touches
Now comes the fun part—decorating your donuts! You can dust them with powdered sugar for a classic touch or dip them in a rich chocolate glaze. Sprinkles add a pop of color and a bit of crunch, making them even more appealing.
Arrange your freshly made donuts on a rustic wooden table, creating an inviting scene perfect for sharing with family or friends. Whether enjoyed at breakfast or as a sweet snack, these homemade delights are sure to bring smiles all around.
Easy Bread Machine Donuts Recipe
These donuts are soft and airy, made with a simple dough that rises beautifully in the bread machine. The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish and yields approximately 12 donuts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar or glaze for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In the bread machine pan, add the warm milk, sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, flour, and yeast in the order recommended by the manufacturer.
- Select the Dough Setting: Choose the dough setting on your bread machine and start the cycle. Allow the machine to mix and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough from the pan and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Shape the Donuts: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter to cut out donuts and holes. Place them on a floured baking sheet.
- Fry the Donuts: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F. Carefully add the donuts to the hot oil, frying a few at a time until golden brown on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Drain and Cool: Remove the donuts from the oil and drain on paper towels. Allow them to cool slightly before glazing or dusting with powdered sugar.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 12 donuts
- Calories: 200kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g