Extremely soft and fluffy Donuts
Extremely soft and fluffy Donuts !!! is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by The apron on YouTube.
Prep: 2 hrs 22 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 2 hrs 42 min
Cost: $2.31 total, $0.19 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Whole Milk (Warm to about 110°F to activate yeast)
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (Feeds the yeast)
- 1 teaspoon Instant Dry Yeast (Can substitute active dry yeast (increase proof time))
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Sifted before use)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Fine sea salt)
- 1/4 cup Plain Yogurt (Full‑fat yogurt adds tenderness)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Softened at room temperature)
- Enough for deep frying (about 2 inches in pan) Vegetable Oil (Neutral oil such as canola or peanut)
- 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar (For dusting after frying)
Instructions
Activate Yeast
In a mixing bowl combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and instant dry yeast. Stir gently until the yeast dissolves.
Time: PT2M
Mix Dry Ingredients and Yogurt
Add the sifted all‑purpose flour, salt, and plain yogurt to the bowl. Knead the mixture by hand for about 4–5 minutes until it starts to come together.
Time: PT5M
Incorporate Butter
Add the softened butter to the dough and continue kneading until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Time: PT5M
Shape and Rest
Divide the dough into equal pieces, roll each into a smooth ball, and gently press each ball down to about 1‑inch thickness.
Time: PT5M
Proof the Dough
Leave the shaped dough at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or until it has noticeably puffed up.
Time: PT2H
Cut Donut Shapes
Using a small donut cutter, cut out the center holes and the outer rings. Gather the scraps, re‑knead briefly, and cut more donuts if desired.
Time: PT5M
Fry Donuts
Heat the vegetable oil in the pan over medium heat. Fry each donut for 2‑3 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and fry the other side until equally golden.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Drain and Dust
Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon, place on paper towels to drain excess oil, then dust generously with powdered sugar.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 3g
- Carbohydrates
- 25g
- Fat
- 8g
- Fiber
- 0.5g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy
Allergens: Milk, Wheat (gluten), Butter (dairy)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Whole Milk: Almond milk, Soy milk
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar, Honey (reduce liquid)
- Instead of Instant Dry Yeast: Active dry yeast
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Bread flour (for chewier texture)
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt (adjust amount)
- Instead of Plain Yogurt: Greek yogurt (thin with water), Sour cream
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Vegetable shortening
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Peanut oil
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: Granulated sugar (powdered in blender)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Rolling Pin
- Donut Cutter
- Frying Pan or Deep Fryer
- Slotted Spoon
- Paper Towels
- Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Activate Yeast
- Incorporate Butter
- Proof the Dough
- Fry Donuts
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use room‑temperature butter for a tender crumb.
- Dust with powdered sugar while the donuts are still warm for better adhesion.
- For a flavored glaze, dip the cooled donuts in a simple sugar‑glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
Troubleshooting
Dough does not rise during proofing
Make sure the milk was warm, not hot, and that the yeast is fresh. If needed, add a pinch more sugar and a warmer environment.
Donuts are dense or heavy
Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, and ensure a full 2‑hour proof. Over‑kneading can also develop too much gluten; stop when the dough feels soft.
Oil is too hot and donuts burn quickly
Maintain medium heat; if the oil smokes, lower the temperature. Test with a small dough piece before adding the full batch.
Donuts stick together after frying
Place fried donuts on a single layer of paper towels with enough space to cool; avoid stacking while still hot.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat briefly before serving.
Freezer: Freeze uncoated donuts in a single layer, then transfer to a zip‑top bag for up to 1 month. Thaw and re‑heat in the oven.
Room temperature: Best eaten the same day; can keep at room temperature in a sealed container for up to 12 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- You can proof the dough overnight in the refrigerator for a slower rise; bring to room temperature before cutting.
- Unfried donuts can be frozen on a tray, then transferred to a bag; fry from frozen for a slightly crispier exterior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of soft fluffy homemade donuts in American cuisine?
Donuts, originally brought to America by Dutch settlers as "olykoeks," evolved into the sweet, fried treats we know today. Soft, yeast‑leavened donuts became popular in the early 20th century with the rise of doughnut shops and are now a staple at breakfast tables and coffee breaks across the United States.
What regional variations of donuts exist within the United States and how do they differ from the soft fluffy version from The Apron?
In the U.S., you’ll find cake‑style donuts (denser, leavened with baking powder), Boston cream donuts filled with custard, and the iconic glazed ring. The Apron’s recipe focuses on a soft, yeasted dough that yields a pillowy texture, unlike the crumbly cake donuts of the Midwest.
How are soft fluffy homemade donuts traditionally served in American households?
They are typically served warm, dusted with powdered sugar or glazed, alongside coffee or milk. In many families they appear at weekend breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or as a sweet treat after school.
During which American celebrations or holidays are soft fluffy donuts especially popular?
Donuts are especially popular on National Donut Day (first Friday of June), at fairs, and during holiday brunches such as Thanksgiving or Christmas morning when families enjoy a sweet breakfast treat.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional American yeast donuts and what are acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include all‑purpose flour, milk, yeast, sugar, butter, and plain yogurt or buttermilk for tenderness. Substitutes can be almond milk for dairy‑free, margarine for butter, or Greek yogurt in place of plain yogurt while keeping the flavor profile similar.
What other American dishes pair well with soft fluffy homemade donuts from The Apron?
They pair nicely with classic American breakfast items such as scrambled eggs, bacon, or a hearty bowl of oatmeal. For a brunch spread, serve them alongside fruit salad and freshly brewed coffee.
What makes The Apron’s soft fluffy homemade donuts special compared to other donut recipes?
The Apron’s method emphasizes a gentle, two‑hour proof and the addition of plain yogurt, which creates an extra‑soft crumb. The step of incorporating soft butter after the initial knead also contributes to a tender, melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making soft fluffy homemade donuts from The Apron?
Common errors include using milk that’s too hot (which kills the yeast), under‑kneading the dough, skipping the full proofing time, and frying at too high a temperature which burns the exterior before the interior cooks through.
Why does this donut recipe use yogurt instead of milk alone for tenderness?
Yogurt adds acidity, which slightly weakens gluten formation, resulting in a softer crumb. It also contributes a subtle tang that balances the sweetness, a technique The Apron highlights for extra fluffiness.
What does the YouTube channel The Apron specialize in?
The YouTube channel The Apron specializes in approachable home‑cooking tutorials that focus on classic comfort foods, quick weeknight meals, and detailed step‑by‑step techniques for beginners and intermediate cooks alike.
How does the YouTube channel The Apron’s approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
The Apron emphasizes clear, concise instructions, minimal equipment, and practical tips like ingredient substitutions and storage advice, making classic American dishes accessible without fancy gadgets, unlike some channels that rely on high‑end equipment or elaborate plating.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
