Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions:

  1. Combine warm milk and a pinch of sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until a thick foam forms.
  2. Whisk in the remaining sugar, egg, and softened butter.
  3. Stir in flour and salt until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes or until doubled in size.
  5. Gently press the air out of the dough on a lightly floured surface.
  6. Divide the dough into 4 equal sections. Roll each section into a long rope about 1 inch wide.
  7. Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces and quickly roll them into tight spheres.
  8. Place holes on a parchment-lined tray, cover, and let rest for 15 minutes.
  9. Heat vegetable oil to exactly 350°F (175°C).
  10. Carefully drop 5-6 holes into the oil, rotating frequently with a slotted spoon for 2-3 minutes until light mahogany-gold.
  11. Remove donut holes and place on a wire cooling rack.
  12. Prepare glaze by mixing powdered sugar, whole milk, vanilla extract, and salt; dip warm donuts into the glaze.