Step 1

Whisk together the dry ingredients. Add the flour, sugar, instant yeast, baking powder, and salt to a mixing bowl. Whisk until combined.

Step 2

Add the wet ingredients. Pour in the milk and vanilla extract and mix using a spoon until it forms a dough.

Step 3

Knead. Using your hands, knead the dough until it is soft and smooth, for 5-7 minutes. Note: the dough should have the consistency of pizza dough. It should be soft and just slightly sticky. If it's too sticky, add one tablespoon of flour at a time. If it's too dry, add more almond milk.

Step 4

Proof the dough. Once your dough is smooth, cover it with plastic film and let it proof for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. Let it rise at room temperature in a warm room or in an oven with the light on.

Step 5

Divide into balls. Once the dough has doubled in volume, punch it to deflate it. Divide the dough into 6 balls.

Step 6

Roll into sesame seeds. Transfer the sesame seeds to a small bowl. Working with one ball at a time, roll it into sesame seeds and slightly press it so the sesame seeds stick to the dough.

Step 7

Flatten into discs. Next, flatten each dough ball into thin discs using a rolling pin. The thinner your discs, the more hollow your donuts will be. You do not want them too thin, though. I usually go for about 3-4 mm thick.

Step 8

Heat the oil. Heat about 2 cups of oil in a deep saucepan over medium heat for at least 5 minutes. Dip a wooden chopstick or spoon to test if the oil is hot enough. If many small bubbles form around the chopstick, the oil is hot enough.

Step 9

Deep fry. Once the oil is hot, carefully add one disc of dough to it. Flip the disc using two wooden spatulas (or chopsticks) every 5-7 seconds. The disc will start to take a golden brown color and puff up like a balloon.

Step 10

Remove from oil. Once golden brown, remove the donut from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer it to a plate lined with a kitchen paper towel to remove excess oil. Repeat with the remaining discs.

Step 11

Let cool. Let the donuts cool for at least 5 minutes before enjoying! These donuts are best served the same day but will keep for up to 2 days in an airtight container at room temperature.