Doughnuts hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of those precious Sunday afternoon family drives where these sweet treats were a cherished part of our outings. Whether they come with holes in the middle or as round, filled pastries, doughnuts have become a beloved part of Nigerian snack culture, especially with modern variations featuring colorful icing and cinnamon toppings.
This recipe shares how to make classic, homemade doughnuts – perfect for packing in lunch boxes or as an after-school treat. While you might see it spelled as “donuts” elsewhere, rest assured it’s the same delicious pastry.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus 1/4 cup for kneading)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 3 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 5 tablespoons water
- 7 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Sugar and cinnamon mixture for coating
- Prep time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Serves: 8-10 doughnuts
Steps to Follow
- Step 1: Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl
- Step 2: Beat the egg in a separate bowl
- Step 3: Add water, beaten egg, and milk to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly
- Step 4: Cut softened butter into small pieces and knead into the dough until well incorporated
- Step 5: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth
- Step 6: Place dough in a bowl, cover with cling film or kitchen cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes
- Step 7: After rising, punch down the dough with your finger to release air bubbles and knead for 2 minutes
- Step 8: Return dough to bowl and let rise for another 30 minutes
- Step 9: Roll dough to 1cm thickness and cut into circles using a doughnut cutter or glass
- Step 10: Heat oil and fry doughnuts until golden brown on both sides
- Step 11: Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil
- Step 12: Coat warm doughnuts in cinnamon-sugar mixture
Additional Instructions
- For ring-shaped doughnuts, use a smaller cutter or bottle cap to remove centers
- Oil temperature should be around 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Best served warm
- Can be reheated briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds
General Nutritional Values
- Approx. Calories: 220 kcal per doughnut
- Approx. Protein: 4g
- Approx. Carbohydrates: 25g
- Approx. Fat: 11g
