Step 1

Grease a large mixing bowl and set aside.

Step 2

Dissolve granulated sugar in warm water,

Step 3

Then add yeast and DO NOT STIR it yet.

Step 4

Let stand for 10 minutes or until it begins to bubble. Stir yeast mixture.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, beat eggs  with a whisk and gradually add in the salt and 3/4 cup vegetable oil while continuing to beat. Stop when it becomes lighter in color (about 2 minutes).

Step 6

Then add milk.

Step 7

Add yeast mixture.

Step 8

Gradually add flour to mixture. Mix into a smooth and soft dough, ensuring it does not become tough. You want to add a little more flour (tbsp at a time) until the  dough doesn't stick to your hands anymore.

Step 9

This is what it should be like

Step 10

Move onto a floured board and knead for 15 minutes. *** if you have a dough hook with your stand mixer - use it and save yourself some work! This is what it's for. Just make sure you grease the bowl and the hook first.

Step 11

Place in a greased bowl and allow to rise in a warm, draft free place.

Step 12

Let it rise until the dough has doubled in size- this will take about 45 minutes.

Step 13

Punch down to original size.

Step 14

Then roll out to about 1/2 an inch in thickness and cut into donuts with a mini cutter.

Step 15

Place donuts and donut holes on a parchment covered cookie sheet,

Step 16

Cover with a clean tea towel and let them rise again for 40-45 minutes.

Step 17

Air fryer method (shown): spray air fryer and donuts and holes with oil. Cook on 350 F/ 175 degrees C for 3 minutes.If using deep fryer method: Melt the shortening in your deep fryer until it's a the right level.  Then set the deep fryer to 375 degrees F.  (****see Recipe Notes at end for stove top cooking if you do not have a deep fryer, although I don't recommend this, as it's not nearly as safe)Deep fryer: When deep fryer is ready, add 3 -5 doughnuts and a few doughnut holes in basket and lower into oil, place lid on and cook for 1 minute approximately. Then lift out basket and turn over with tongs. Repeat.

Step 18

When ready (will be a golden brown) remove onto paper towel lined plate or cookie sheet.

Step 19

Topping: Mix 1 cup of white granulated sugar and 4 tsp cinnamon together in a shallow bowl. While doughnuts are still warm, roll them in sugar cinnamon mixture.

Step 20

Place on parchment lined baking sheet.

Step 21

Serve warm or cold. Cooked doughnuts can also be frozen in a ziplock freezer bag for up to 6 months.