The aroma of freshly baked donuts is enough to transport anyone to a world of sweet indulgence and comfort. Homemade Baked Donuts, with their golden exteriors and soft, pillowy interiors, are a delightful treat for all ages.

These donuts offer the perfect balance of sweetness and simplicity, making them an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy afternoon snack. In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients, the step-by-step preparation process, and why Homemade Baked Donuts are a must-try addition to your culinary repertoire.

Before we dive into the world of Homemade Baked Donuts, let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that come together to create this delectable delight:

1. All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient that forms the foundation of the donut dough, providing structure and texture.
2. Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the dough and the donuts’ exterior, delivering that classic sugary coating.
3. Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile, balancing the sweetness.
4. Instant Yeast: The leavening agent responsible for making the donuts rise and achieve their airy texture.
5. Warm Milk: Creates a tender and moist crumb, ensuring the donuts are not overly dry.
6. Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a hint of buttery flavor to the dough.
7. Egg Yolks: Contribute to the dough’s structure, providing moisture and a slightly richer texture.
8. Vanilla Extract: Enhances the donuts’ flavor with its delightful aroma.
9. Jelly or Jam: The sweet and fruity filling that adds a burst of flavor to the donuts.

Optional for Coating:

• Granulated Sugar: To create that irresistible sugary crust on the exterior of the donuts.
• Now, let’s embark on the step-by-step preparation of Homemade Baked Donuts, a delightful treat that’s sure to capture your taste buds:
• Creating the Donut Dough:
• In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) of instant yeast, and 1/4 tsp of salt.
• Add 2/3 cup of warm milk, 3 Tbsp of melted unsalted butter, 2 egg yolks, and 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously to form a smooth and well-combined dough.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes, or until some bubbles form on the surface.
• Gradually add the remaining 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, incorporating just enough until the dough holds together and no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl. Knead the dough inside the bowl for 5 minutes. If the dough is excessively sticky, lightly dust it with flour and continue kneading with clean, dry hands.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise. You can choose to place it in a 100˚F oven for 45 minutes or let it rise at room temperature for approximately 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
• Homemade Baked Donuts are more than just a delightful snack; they are a labor of love that embodies the essence of homemade comfort and indulgence. These donuts, with their golden exteriors, tender interiors, and sweet surprises, are sure to become a family favorite. So, embrace the joy of baking and share the delight of Homemade Baked Donuts with your loved ones.
• Shaping and Baking the Donuts:
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 375˚F, positioning the rack in the center of the oven.
• Turn the risen dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out to just under 1/2 inch thick. Using a 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out circles from the dough. You can re-roll any scraps to create a total of 12 donuts.
• Place the cut-out donuts on the prepared baking sheet, cover them with a tea towel, and let them rise again. You can either let them rise in a 100˚F oven for 20 minutes or at room temperature for about 45 minutes, or until they have visibly puffed.
• Bake the donuts, uncovered, in the center of the preheated oven at 375˚F for 10-12 minutes or until they are lightly golden on top.
• Finishing Touches:
• As soon as the donuts come out of the oven, brush a hot bun with the remaining 1 Tbsp of melted butter and roll it in a bowl of granulated sugar. This step creates that irresistible sugary crust that defines a classic donut.
• Cut a deep slit in the side of each donut, creating a pocket for the sweet surprise. Using a pastry bag, pipe jelly or jam into each donut, ensuring they are generously filled with fruity goodness.
• Serve your Homemade Baked Donuts fresh and warm, allowing your family and friends to savor every bite of these delectable treats.