Step 1

In your large mixing bowl, activate yeast by mixing with warm water. Let in sit about 5 minutes. Meanwhile in a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour with the pure gluten flour. Alternatively, you can substitute bread flour for the all-purpose flour and leave out the extra gluten.

Step 2

Back to the original large mixing bowl, the yeast mixture should be foamy. Add sugar, flax meal, coconut oil and optional vanilla. Whisk well until fairly smooth.

Step 3

Add flour a quarter cup at a time. Incorporate the flour completely before adding more. Reduce the amount of flour that you add once the mixture starts to form a dough. Add only enough flour to form a soft dough that is slightly sticky. You might have some flour leftover. Knead until fairly smooth. Then place back into the bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rest in a warm, draft-free location for one hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4

Scoop the dough out gently on to a floured surface. Gently roll the dough out to 3/8th inch thickness. Cut out the donuts using donut/cookie cutters or improvise as I did with a large mason jar ring lid for the outer edge and a small shot glass for the inner edge.

Step 5

Place cut donuts and donut holes on to a lightly floured parchment on a baking sheet. Cover with a warm, lightly damp towel or a sheet of plastic with the bottom side dusted with flour. Let the uncooked donuts rise for 45 minutes to one hour or until at least doubled in size.

Step 6

Meanwhile, mix the glaze for whisking the icing sugar with water. Add a drop of vanilla extract or your choice of flavouring if desired.

Step 7

When the dough has risen, prepare a saucepan or fryer with canola oil. Heat to 375°F. During cooking, you will keep the oil at 350-375°F for best results. Lower temperatures will result in greasy, oil-logged donuts. Prepare a wire rack and any utensils that you'll need for flipping the donuts and dipping them into glaze.

Step 8

Use a slotted spoon to gently lower a donut into the hot oil. Cook only one layer of donuts at one time. Each donut will take 30 to 45 seconds on the first side to become golden brown. Flip and cook for about 30 seconds or until that side is golden brown. Remove carefully with tongs (or chopsticks) and let drain on the wire rack. Continue with the rest.

Step 9

Glaze the hot donuts by dipping them in the glaze on one or both sides. Place back onto the rack and sprinkle on any toppings you'd like.

Step 10

Let the donuts cool for 15 minutes or more before eating. These are best eaten within one or two days. Store in a breathable container at room temperature.