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### **Ingredients for Fluffy Doughnuts**
Now that we know a bit about the history of doughnuts, let’s dive into what makes the perfect fluffy doughnut. The key to achieving that soft, airy, melt-in-your-mouth doughnut is the dough itself. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
#### **For the Doughnuts:**
– **2 cups all-purpose flour** (plus extra for rolling)
– **1/4 cup granulated sugar**
– **1 teaspoon salt**
– **1 tablespoon instant yeast** (or active dry yeast)
– **1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg** (optional, for flavor)
– **1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon** (optional, for flavor)
– **1/2 cup whole milk**, warm
– **1/4 cup water**, warm
– **2 large eggs**
– **1/4 cup unsalted butter**, softened
– **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**
#### **For Frying:**
– **Vegetable oil** (or any neutral oil, such as canola or sunflower), for frying
#### **For the Glaze:**
– **2 cups powdered sugar**
– **2-3 tablespoons whole milk**
– **1 teaspoon vanilla extract** (optional)
– **Pinch of salt**
You can also use **chocolate glaze** or other toppings like sprinkles, crushed nuts, or fillings such as custard or jam. Feel free to get creative with your doughnut toppings after frying!
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### **Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Fluffy Doughnuts**
Let’s get started on making your own batch of light, fluffy doughnuts. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying your homemade doughnuts in no time.
#### **1. Activate the Yeast**
Start by activating your yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and water (around 110°F/43°C). Sprinkle the yeast over the liquid, along with a pinch of sugar, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. The yeast should become frothy and bubbly, indicating it’s active. If it doesn’t bubble, your yeast may be expired, and you should use fresh yeast for better results.
#### **2. Prepare the Dough**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mix well, and then create a well in the center. Pour in the activated yeast mixture, eggs, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients together until a dough begins to form.
#### **3. Knead the Dough**
Once the dough has come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about **8-10 minutes**, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. This is an important step to develop the gluten, which will help the doughnuts rise properly and achieve that perfect fluffy texture. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much as it can make the dough too dense.
#### **4. Let the Dough Rise**
Place the kneaded dough in a large, greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about **1-1.5 hours**, or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for creating the light and fluffy texture of your doughnuts.
**5. Roll and Cut the Dough**
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about **1/2 inch thick**. Use a round cookie cutter or doughnut cutter to cut out the doughnuts. If you don’t have a doughnut cutter, you can use a larger round cutter for the outer shape and a smaller one for the hole in the center. You should aim to get about 12-15 doughnuts, depending on the size.
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