Perfect Donut Dough

The Foundation for Fluffy, Tender, Homemade Donuts

This is a versatile, enriched yeast dough that works for both fried ring donuts and filled donuts (like jelly or Boston cream). It yields a light, slightly sweet, and tender crumb with that classic “pull-apart” texture.

 Master Donut Dough Recipe

Prep Time: 25 mins + 1.5-2 hours rising | Cook Time: 2-3 mins per batch (frying) | Yield: 12-15 donuts + holes

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• ¾ cup warm whole milk (110°F/43°C)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar, divided
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional, classic for donuts)
• 3 ½ – 4 cups (440-500g) bread flour (all-purpose works, but bread flour is chewier)
• Neutral oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut)

For Topping/Serving: