Crispy Creamy Doughnuts

Last night I was browsing around twitter and checking out different blogs when I came across "The Purple Pug". There was a link to her Facebook page so I went to check it out. The first thing I do when I check out a new party page is scope out the pictures, so as I'm looking through the pictures I see these super cute little donuts. Donuts are something I had never made before, and they looked so cute. I have a couple parties coming up this summer and new treats are always fun, so I went on a recipe search. 

Homemade mini Doughnuts!

Crispy Creamy Doughnuts (source Allrecipes )

Makes 2 dozen mini doughnuts and 2 Dozen Doughnut Holes

1 envelope of dry active yeast

2 tbsp warm water (105-115 degrees)

3/4 c luke warm milk

1/4 c sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1 egg

2 tbsp + 2 tsp Shortening

2 1/2 c Flour

2 c oil for frying

Glaze

2 tbsp + 2 tsp Butter melted

1 c icing sugar

3/4 tsp vanilla

2 tbsp hot water (as needed) 

Mix melted butter, icing sugar and vanilla together. Add hot water to make the glaze a smooth consistency for dipping, but not too watery.

Sprinkle the yeast over warm water, let stand for 5 minutes. In a large bowl, or your mixer bowl fitted with the dough hook, add all ingredients except 1 c of flour. Mix. Beat in remaining flour 1/4 c at a time until the dough no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl. Knead for 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl in a warm place to rise until doubled. Its ready when you touch the dough and the indent of your (clean) finger stays. Be patient, its so worth it.

Roll dough to a 1/2 " thickness and cut with a doughnut cutter, or 2 circle cutters 1 bigger than the other. Let doughnuts sit and rise again for an hour or so, covered with a tea towel. While your waiting for the doughnuts to rise you can make the Glaze and heat the oil. 

Slide doughnuts into the oil with a wide spatula, turn over when they are golden brown on the bottom. They are done when golden on both sides, scoop out and let sit on a cooling rack with a cookie sheet underneath to catch the oil drips. When they are cool enough to handle (but still warm), dip them in the glaze and then sprinkles if you want. 

I used 2 different sized Circle cutters for my Doughnuts and it worked just fine, but a doughnut cutter would have been convenient.

What the looked like just before sliding into the oil

Inspired by the The Purple Pug  Also linked on my sidebar!