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Fried Butter Donuts Recipe

Fried Butter Donuts Recipe

Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned fried butter donut? They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and coated in a sweet glaze or powdered sugar.

Making them at home is surprisingly easy and fun, especially if you have a deep fryer, or just simple a fry pan! Just mix up a simple dough, let it rise, shape it into donuts, and then drop them into the hot oil. Fry them until they’re golden brown, then drain them on a paper towel and coat them in your favorite topping.

Whether you’re a fan of classic glazed donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, or something more creative like matcha donuts or bacon maple donuts, you can’t go wrong with a freshly fried batch.

So grab some friends or family, put on some music, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade fried donuts!

Why You Will Love This Fried Butter Donuts

  1. Decadent Indulgence: These Fried Butter Donuts are the epitome of indulgence, satisfying your sweet tooth and providing a truly memorable treat. The combination of crispy, fried dough with the luscious butter and sugar coating creates an irresistible symphony of flavors and textures.
  2. Fairground Nostalgia: If you’ve ever enjoyed Fried Butter Donuts at fairs or festivals, this recipe will transport you back to those cherished moments. Relive the nostalgia of warm, freshly-made donuts that bring a smile to your face with every bite.
  3. Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses simple pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a batch of these delightful treats without needing any special or hard-to-find ingredients.
  4. Fun to Make: Making Fried Butter Donuts is an enjoyable activity that can be shared with family and friends. It’s an opportunity to bond over the joy of cooking and share the results of your efforts with loved ones.

recipe starts here

Fried Butter Donuts Ingredients and Equipment

Ingredients Equipment
  • Egg: 20g
  • Powdered Sugar: 38g
  • Butter: 21g
  • Salt: 3g
  • Yeast: 3g
  • Low-gluten Flour: 30g
  • High-gluten Flour: 220g
Pick what you have from your kitchen,
  • Stand Mixer (or, Mixing Bowl, Whish and Spatula
  • Deep Fryer (or, Fry Pan)
  • Donut Cutter
  • Rolling Pin
  • Plastic Food Wrap
  • Non-Stick Parchment Paper Sheet

Fried Butter Donuts Instructions

Fried Donuts Recipe

Step 1

Get rid of all the ingredients in the stand mixer except for the butter and water. Remember to keep the yeast separate from the sugar and salt, and don’t mix them together.

Fried Donuts Recipe

Step 2

Slowly pour water into the tank along the side, using ice water in the summer and normal temperature water in the winter. When the water starts forming a ball at a slow speed, switch the speed to fast. If the stand mixer starts making noodles, add water in batches.

Fried Donuts Recipe

Step 3

Once the dough reaches the expansion stage, add room temperature softened butter. Making it slowly until the butter is absorbed, then make it faster until the dough reaches the complete stage. You could actually add the butter during the expansion stage if you want.

Fried Donuts Recipe

Step 4

Let the dough ferment at a room temperature of around 82°F degrees until it’s 1.5 to 2 times of its original size. When you rub the dough with flour, it shouldn’t shrink.

Fried Donuts Recipe

Step 5

Divide the fermented dough into 50-gram pieces.

Fried Donuts Recipe

Step 6

Knead each piece by hand.

Fried Donuts Recipe

Step 7

Cover the dough with Plastic Food Wrap and let it rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes.

Fried Donuts Recipe

Step 8

Flatten the dough into a bagel shape, then roll it out from the middle to both ends.

Fried Donuts Recipe

Step 9

Turn the dough over side

Fried Donuts Recipe

Step 10

Fold the dough in half up and down, then fold it in half again. Pinch the ends tightly to form a long strip.

Fried Donuts Recipe

Step 11

Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough.

Fried Donuts Recipe

Step 12

Make a circle with the dough.

Step 13

Pinch the ends tightly to form a circle.

Place each donut on Parchment Paper Sheet to move them around more easily.

Fried Donuts Recipe

Step 14

Put the shaped donuts in the fermentation box to start the second round of fermentation. If you don’t have a fermentation box, use the fermentation function of the oven. Remember to put a bowl of warm water in the oven to ensure the humidity. Ferment the dough until it’s about twice the size.

Fried Donuts Recipe

Step 15

Put more oil in a pot and heat it to 80% heat, which is around 356°F degrees. Controlling the oil temperature is really important. If it’s too hot, the donuts will burn quickly, but if it’s too low, they’ll absorb too much oil. Fry the donuts over medium heat until they turn golden brown.

Fried Donuts Recipe

Step 16

While the donuts are still hot, sift powdered sugar over them or sprinkle them with powdered sugar.

Fried Donuts Recipe

Step 17

I’m not exaggerating at all, but I ate one donut as soon as I took a picture, then ate two more in another minute. LOL.

Fried Donuts Recipe

Step 18

Do what makes you happy and enjoy!

Fried Butter Donuts Serving Suggestions

Fried Butter Donuts are a delectable treat on their own, but you can take them to the next level by serving them with various accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance the experience:

  1. Ice Cream: Top your warm Fried Butter Donuts with a scoop of vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon ice cream. The combination of hot and crispy donuts with cold and creamy ice cream is irresistible.
  2. Fruit Compote: Serve the donuts with a side of fruit compote, such as strawberry, raspberry, or apple. The fruity sweetness complements the richness of the donuts.
  3. Chocolate Sauce or Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate or caramel sauce over the Fried Butter Donuts for an extra indulgent touch.
  4. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side pairs wonderfully with the donuts and adds a light and airy texture.
  5. Fresh Berries: Garnish the plate with a handful of fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries. They add a burst of color and freshness to the dessert.
  6. Powdered Sugar: For a classic touch, dust the Fried Butter Donuts with powdered sugar just before serving. It adds a delicate sweetness and a pretty finishing touch.
  7. Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Instead of the traditional butter and sugar coating, roll the donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a spiced twist.
  8. Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as toasted almonds or pecans, over the donuts for added texture and flavor.
  9. Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Pair the Fried Butter Donuts with a cup of hot coffee or hot chocolate for a comforting and satisfying dessert experience.
  10. Mini Donut Skewers: Make mini donuts and serve them on skewers with assorted dipping sauces for a fun and interactive dessert platter.
  11. Brunch Buffet: Include Fried Butter Donuts as part of a brunch buffet spread, alongside other pastries, fruits, and breakfast dishes.
  12. Mini Donut Tower: Stack the donuts on a serving platter in a tower formation, creating an eye-catching centerpiece for dessert tables.

Fried Butter Donuts Storage and Shelf Life

Fried Butter Donuts are best enjoyed fresh and are at their peak of deliciousness right after frying. However, if you have leftovers or need to store them for a short period, here’s how you can do it:

Storage

Allow the Fried Butter Donuts to cool completely to room temperature before storing them.

Place the cooled donuts in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent air from getting in, which could make the donuts stale.

It’s essential to avoid stacking or overcrowding the donuts in the container to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Shelf Life

The shelf life of Fried Butter Donuts is relatively short due to their fresh nature and high moisture content. When stored properly, they can last for about 1 to 2 days at room temperature.

However, it’s important to note that Fried Butter Donuts are best enjoyed fresh and lose their crispy texture and flavor over time. If you plan to keep them for longer, freezing is an option.

Freezing

To freeze Fried Butter Donuts:

  1. Allow the donuts to cool completely.
  2. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper.
  3. Freeze the donuts for about 1 to 2 hours or until they are firm.
  4. Transfer the partially frozen donuts to a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container, separating the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  5. Label the container with the date for easy reference.
  6. The frozen donuts can be kept for up to 1 month.

When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen donuts:

  1. Remove the desired number of donuts from the freezer.
  2. Let them thaw at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes.
  3. To restore some of the crispiness, you can reheat the thawed donuts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

Remember that the texture of the donuts may not be exactly the same as when they were fresh, but freezing is a good option to preserve them for a short period if needed. Always use your best judgment when deciding whether to consume stored or thawed donuts, as their quality will diminish over time.

Fried Butter Donuts Cooking Tips and Tricks

Consistent Oil Temperature

Maintain a consistent oil temperature while frying. Fluctuations can lead to uneven cooking and greasy donuts. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and adjust the heat as needed.

Use Fresh Ingredients

For the best flavor and texture, use fresh and high-quality ingredients. This includes using fresh butter, good-quality flour, and fresh baking powder.

Resting the Dough

After making the dough, allow it to rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to handle and shaping the donuts.

Fry in Batches

Avoid overcrowding the frying pan. Fry the donuts in batches, allowing enough space between them for even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to uneven browning and undercooked centers.

Drain Excess Oil

After frying, place the donuts on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps maintain the crispy texture and prevents them from becoming too greasy.

Butter Coating

While the donuts are still warm, roll them in melted butter and then coat them with sugar or other toppings. The warmth helps the butter and sugar adhere better to the donuts.

Experiment with Toppings

Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings and coatings. Aside from the classic butter and sugar, try cinnamon-sugar, powdered sugar, glazes, or even your favorite sprinkles or crushed nuts.

Flavor Variations

Add a pinch of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for extra flavor. You can also incorporate citrus zest or vanilla extract for a delightful twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best oil to use for frying?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or vegetable oil works best. This allows the donut to brown without the oil burning.

How do you shape the dough around the butter cube?

Roll the chilled dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Place the butter cubes in the center, then wrap the dough around each cube. Pinch and seal the seams well.

Should the butter be room temperature or chilled?

Chilled! Cold, firm butter is much easier to wrap and holds its shape better when frying. Room temperature butter will melt too fast.

What’s the best way to top fried butter donuts?

Some classic favorites are powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, chocolate drizzle, caramel, or fresh fruit.

Can I make gluten-free Fried Butter Donuts?

Yes, you can try making gluten-free Fried Butter Donuts by using a gluten-free flour blend suitable for frying. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may differ slightly from the traditional recipe


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