There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked donuts wafting through your kitchen. These baked donuts are soft, pillowy, and perfectly sweet. Plus, they’re baked—not fried—making them a lighter option that still satisfies your donut cravings. Whether you fill them with your favorite jam or enjoy them plain, these donuts are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (divided, plus extra for dusting)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (quick-acting, 1 packet = 7 grams)
- 2/3 cup warm milk (110˚F; warm but not hot)
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted, divided)
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Finishing:
- 1/3 cup jelly or jam (preferably without large fruit chunks)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
Directions
1. Prepare the Dough Base
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add the warm milk, 3 Tbsp melted butter, egg yolks, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. During this time, the mixture should develop bubbles, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Knead the Dough
- Gradually add the remaining flour to the bowl and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough in the bowl (or on a floured surface) for 5 minutes, until it becomes soft and elastic.
3. First Rise
- Cover the dough and place it in a warm spot to rise until it doubles in size.
- Pro Tip: If your kitchen is cool, preheat your oven to 100°F (or the lowest setting), then turn it off and place the dough inside. It should rise in 45 minutes. At room temperature, the rise will take about 1 1/2 hours.
4. Shape the Donuts
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out to a thickness of 1/2 inch.
- Use a 2 1/2-inch round cutter to cut out donut shapes. Re-roll the scraps as needed. Place the cut rounds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each piece.
5. Second Rise
- Cover the baking sheet lightly with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let the donuts rise again until puffy, about 30-45 minutes.
6. Bake the Donuts
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden.
7. Add the Finishing Touches
- Remove the donuts from the oven and immediately brush them with the remaining 1 Tbsp melted butter. While still warm, roll the donuts in granulated sugar to coat.
- Using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip (or a resealable bag with the corner snipped off), fill each donut with your favorite jelly or jam. Simply insert the tip into the side of the donut and gently squeeze until filled.
Tips for Perfect Baked Donuts
- Jam Choices: Raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jams work wonderfully, but feel free to get creative!
- Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the sugar coating for a warm spice twist.
- Storage: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Nutritional Information
- Calories per Serving: 210 kcal
- Servings: 12 donuts
