step one 1) yeast mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and a tablespoon of granulated sugar. Stir gently, then let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial for ensuring your doughnuts rise perfectly.

step two 2) rest of dough ingredients

1. Pour the remaining dough ingredients—1 egg, soft butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract—into the yeast mixture bowl. Stir to combine until the dough begins to come together.

step three 3) knead

1. If mixing by hand, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on low-medium speed with the dough hook attachment for the same amount of time.
2. *this is how it should look like after kneading for 15 minutes, elastic and wont break after stretching.*

step four 4) allow the dough to rise

1. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, then cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size. This step is key to creating the fluffy texture that makes homemade doughnuts irresistible.
2. *our dough over proofed because we left it on a really warm environment for too long. When you make this recipe you will have a softer looking dough*

step five 5) shape and cut

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness on a sheet of parchment paper or a lightly floured surface. Use a circle cutter to create the doughnut shapes, then use a smaller cutter or the back of a piping tip to cut out the holes in the center.

step six 6) second rise

1. Place the cut doughnuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them with plastic wrap, and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes, or until they become puffy.

step seven 7) fry

1. In a deep frying pan, heat sunflower oil to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry a few doughnuts at a time (or just one if the pan isn’t large enough) for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. If the doughnuts have parchment paper, be sure to remove it before placing them in the oil, or they won’t fry properly. Once fried, remove the doughnuts and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

step eight 8) prepare the glaze

1. In a bowl, whisk together the juice of two lemons, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This tangy glaze will add a delightful finish to your homemade doughnuts. Dip each doughnut into the glaze, then place them on a wire rack to set.