Yeast DonutsIngredients 1 ⅛ cup whole milk, warm ¼ cup sugar 2 ¼ teaspoons instant or active dry yeast, one package 2 whole large eggs, lightly beaten 1 ¼ sticks unsalted butter, a total of 10 tablespoons (1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons), melted 4 cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt shortening or oil for frying Glaze for hot yeast donuts ½ cup butter, melted 2 teaspoons vanilla 3½ cups powdered sugar enough cream or milk to thin, (Start with 3 T and increase as needed) dash of salt Directions Warm the milk until it is about 105 degrees F. Add the milk to a mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. Add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Add the yeast and stir to combine. Let the yeast rest for 5 minutes. Add the beaten eggs and melted butter to the bowl and stir to combine. While the mixer is running slowly, add the flour and salt and mix until the dough comes together. Mix for 5 minutes to work the dough well. Turn off the bowl and let the dough sit in the bowl of the mixer for 10 minutes. After the rest period, turn the dough out into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours, but up to overnight. To form the donuts Remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it is 1/2 to 1/3 of an inch thick. Use a three-inch donut cutter to cut out the donuts. Place the cut donuts and holes on a lightly greased baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough. Cover the donuts and let them rise until doubled in size, about one hour. The donuts will be very puffy and airy looking. To fry the donuts Heat a few inches of oil or shortening in a large cast iron skillet or fryer over medium heat until the oil reaches 350 to 375 degrees Carefully add the donuts to the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 90 seconds per side. The donut holes will only take about 30 seconds per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the hot oil and place them on a paper towel lined baking sheet to remove extra grease. Let them cool slightly. Dip the hot donuts in the glaze (I like to flip on both sides so it's fully covered) and enjoy right away. For the Glaze Melt the butter in a medium bowl. Add the vanilla and stir to combine. Add the powdered sugar and stir to form a thick paste. Thin out the paste with milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture is about as thick as school glue. Dip the still warm donuts in the glaze and flip over to glaze both sides. Remove from the glaze and enjoy!
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