Step 1

Start off by making the yeast mixture first. In a large measuring cup, add 1 cup of warm milk (108 degrees Fahrenheit), 2½ tsp dry active yeast, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.

Step 2

Whisk it up and let it froth up for about 5-10 minutes.

Step 3

Now, in a stand mixer, add 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, 1 large egg, 2 large egg yolks, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and the frothy yeast mixture.

Step 4

Using the hook attachment, begin mixing the dough on low speed. Once there are no more dry patches of flour visible, pick the speed up to high. Continue mixing the dough for about 10-15 minutes. Yes, it takes time to get the right dough consistency. The dough should be just a little sticky and tacky to the touch.

Step 5

Then take the dough and place it into a large greased bowl (I greased mine with 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil).

Step 6

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise for about one to two hours or until it doubles or even triples in size. The more the dough rises, the fluffier your donuts will be.

Step 7

Once the dough is done rising, punch it down and place it onto a floured surface. Then use a rolling pin to roll the donut dough to about 1/2 inch thick.

Step 8

Now cut out circles using a 3-inch biscuit cutter or glass cup. After you’ve cut out the donuts, reshape the scraps, then roll them out and cut out some more circles. You should get about 16 donuts from the recipe.

Step 9

Place the cut out donuts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then cover them with a thin kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for 30 minutes.

Step 10

In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 inches of corn oil to 340 degrees Fahrenheit. I recommend using an instant-read thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.

Step 11

Now fry each donut for about 2 minutes per side. You want them to be golden brown. Then use a large slotted spoon to transfer the fried donuts to a baking sheet lined with paper towels.

Step 12

Once the fried donuts cool to a warm temperate, roll them in a bowl of granulated sugar. 1 cup of sugar should be more than enough for all the donuts.