Step 1

Mix the yeast, warm milk, one teaspoon of sugar, and one teaspoon of flour . In a small bowl and set aside to activate for 5 minutes.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine eggs, the remaining sugar, salt, lemon zest, and ¼ oil. Add yeast mixture and slowly incorporate the flour, until the dough is well combined.

Step 3

Gently flour your workspace, and knead your dough. Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover with a tea towel, and allow it to rest for 20 minutes.

Step 4

Once the dough is rested, separate it into four sections in order to make it easier to work with and roll the dough out about ¼ inch thick.

Step 5

Use a medium-diameter glass to cut out circles. Heat about 4 cups of oil (about 3 deep) in a large pan to ~350 degrees.

Step 6

While the oil is heating, combine vanilla sugar, and powdered sugar in a separate bowl (this is for sprinkling your donuts). Place about 5 donuts in at a time, allowing them to fry for about a minute on each side.

Step 7

Once the donuts are golden brown, remove and place them on paper towel lined tray. Allow the donuts to cool down for a couple of minutes, and you can either roll them in icing sugar, or use a sieve to sprinkle them lightly.