Soft Glazed Donuts

Be still, my heart...and belly!

Hot, fresh, glazed donuts are perfect for satisfying the sweet tooth of this 6-months pregnant lady. They are the bee's knees, I tell ya.

And before you protest at the word "donut", let me just say:

I KNOW.

I know that these are not healthy... not even a tiny bit... that much is obvious the minute I bite into one: the smooth, sugar glaze crackles, my teeth sink into the super soft, pillowy-goodness of the warm donut, and magic occurs.

Not. Healthy.... But, oh, so good!

Why are they soooo darn good?!?

Because of all the fat, obviously.

... And sugar.

Did I mention I was pregnant??

Anyway, I made these for my (super-hunky-adorable-manly) husband's birthday yesterday.

HAPPY 32nd BIRTHDAY, you luscious man, you!

Turning 32 called for a very special treat! (Plus we celebrated with cake AND pie AND ice cream with his family on Wednesday.) I decided these donuts would fit the bill perfectly. It needs to be said that this in not a knock-off of Krispy Kreme... there are about a million different "copycat" recipes out there. This recipe is a stand-alone, and it is amazing!

So, I whipped up a whole heapin' big bunch of 'em.

That's country speak for "a lot."

The only tricky part about making these donuts is keeping little kidlet fingers from snatching them before they've had a chance to cool for even two seconds... or maybe that's just my kids... who will look at me with huge innocent brown eyes... and try to deny it... WHILE they lick their sticky fingers.


... Oh, yeah.

I decided to do cinnamon-sugar donut holes, too.

Sweet. Blissful. Sugar rush.

The recipe?

Of COURSE, I'll share it with you!

You can all gain pregnancy sympathy-weight with me, while I grow this little man.

You guys are the best!

Soft Glazed Donuts
Printable Version

*Makes approx. 24 donuts AND 24 donut holes


INGREDIENTS
2 Tbsp. active dry yeast
1/4 cup lukewarm water
1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1/3 cup shortening
5-6 cups all-purpose flour
1 quart canola oil for frying

Glaze
6 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1/4 cup salted butter (melted)


DIRECTIONS
In a large mixing bowl (or standing mixer) combine the warm water and yeast. Let sit 10 minutes until bubbly. Add the warm milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening, and the flour (starting with 5 cups). Mix thoroughly, adding additional flour as needed until the dough pulls away from the sides on the bowl, and the dough is elastic and smooth; 6-8 minutes. Cover, and let rise until doubled: 60-90 minutes.

On a floured surface, roll the dough to 1/4 - 1/2 inch thickness. (Just depends on if you like thicker or thinner donuts.) Cut into desired shapes. (I use a drinking glass, and the lid from the salt shaker... fancy gear, I know.) Roll out extra dough, and cut into desired shapes, or use for donut holes. Cover, and let rise about 30 minutes.

While the donuts rise, prepare the glaze by combining the melted butter, milk, and powdered sugar in a large bowl.  Whisk until smooth. Set aside.

Place a wire rack on top of a cookie sheet. Set aside.

In a large, deep, skillet, heat the oil to 325 degrees (not quite the "medium" setting on the stovetop.) Fry the donuts until lightly browned on each side. Using a slotted spoon or spatula, retrieve the donuts, allowing the extra oil to drip back into the skillet.

Place the donuts into the glaze bowl, and coat them entirely in the glaze. Set onto the wire rack, allowing the excess glaze to drip off onto the cookie sheet.

Serve immediately, or allow to cool ad store in an airtight container. Best when eaten within 3 days.

**Alternate options: Coat donuts in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, add lemon extract, almond extract, or any number of flavors to the glaze, or fry the donuts in rectangular shapes, add more powdered sugar and maple extract to the glaze, and have maple bars.