Best Alton Browns Yeast Doughnuts Recipes

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YEAST DOUGHNUTS



Yeast Doughnuts image

When it comes to warm and fluffy freshly fried doughnuts, you just can't beat a yeast dough. There are plenty of doughnut recipes out there that call for chemical leaveners, and if faithfully followed, they will prepare something that looks like a doughnut, but won't taste or feel like a doughnut. I'd stick with yeast, which creates the texture and flavor that we all crave. This recipe first appeared in Season 8 of Good Eats.Photo by Lynne Calamia

Provided by Level Agency

Categories     Breakfast

Time 2h30m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 cups milk
3 tablespoons vegetable shortening
2 packages active dry yeast
1/3 cup warm water, 95 to 105ºF
2 ounces sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
2 large eggs, beaten
26 ounces all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting surface
2 to 4 quarts peanut or vegetable oil, for frying

Steps:

  • Place the milk and vegetable shortening in a medium saucepan over medium heat and cook just until the shortening has melted. Move to the refrigerator to cool to 110ºF, about 10 minutes.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, sprinkle the yeast over the warm water and let stand for 5 minutes.
  • After 5 minutes, combine the cooled milk mixture with the yeast mixture. Add the sugar, salt, nutmeg, eggs, and half of the flour, and combine with the paddle attachment on low. Increase the speed to medium and beat until well combined.
  • Replace the paddle attachment with the dough hook, add the remaining flour, and beat until dough pulls away from the bowl and becomes smooth, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the dough and shape into a smooth round. Transfer to a well-oiled bowl, cover, and rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  • On a well-floured surface, fold the dough over itself twice and roll out to 3/8-inch thick. Cut out using 2 1/2 inch doughnut cutter or pastry ring, using a 7/8-inch ring for the center hole. Scrap dough can be re-rolled twice. Set on a lightly floured half sheet pan and rise, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
  • Heat the oil in a deep fryer (or cast-iron Dutch oven fitted with a candy/fry thermometer) to 365ºF. Drop the doughnuts into the oil 4 at a time and cook 1 minute per side. Transfer to a wire rack placed in a paper towel-lined half sheet pan. The doughnut "hole" dough can be saved and fried after the doughnuts. Fry 10 to 12 holes at a time for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring gently with a spider. Drain and remove to a wire rack set over a paper towel-lined half sheet pan. While still warm, toss in vanilla sugar or glaze.

ALTON BROWN'S YEAST DOUGHNUTS



Alton Brown's Yeast Doughnuts image

Good old A.B. sure does know his way around the kitchen! Here's a great recipe from Good Eats I thought I'd post. We're making these right now and I cannot wait to eat some! You will need a kitchen scale for this, as you have to weigh the flour. Cooking time includes time to rise.

Provided by Cynna

Categories     Breads

Time 2h20m

Yield 20-25 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 cups milk
2 1/2 ounces vegetable shortening (approximately 1/3 cup)
2 1/2 tablespoons instant yeast
1/3 cup warm water (95 to 105 degrees F)
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon nutmeg
23 ounces all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting surface (this is by weight, not volume)
peanut oil or vegetable oil, for frying

Steps:

  • Place the milk in a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat just until warm enough to melt the shortening.
  • Place the shortening in a bowl and pour warmed milk over. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the warm water and let dissolve for 5 minutes.
  • After 5 minutes, pour the yeast mixture into the large bowl of a stand mixer and add the milk and shortening mixture, first making sure the milk and shortening mixture has cooled to lukewarm.
  • Add the eggs, sugar, salt, nutmeg, and half of the flour.
  • Using the paddle attachment, combine the ingredients on low speed until flour is incorporated and then turn the speed up to medium and beat until well combined.
  • Add the remaining flour, combining on low speed at first, and then increase the speed to medium and beat well.
  • Change to the dough hook attachment of the mixer and beat on medium speed until the dough pulls away from the bowl and becomes smooth, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Transfer to a well-oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  • On a well-floured surface, roll out dough to 3/8-inch thick. Cut out dough using a 2 1/2-inch doughnut cutter or pastry ring and using a 7/8-inch ring for the center whole.
  • Set on floured baking sheet, cover lightly with a tea towel, and let rise for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 365 degrees F.
  • Gently place the doughnuts into the oil, 3 to 4 at a time. Cook for 1 minute per side.
  • Transfer to a cooling rack placed in baking pan.
  • Allow to cool for 15 to 20 minutes prior to glazing, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 184.7, Fat 5.1, SaturatedFat 1.7, Cholesterol 23.7, Sodium 191.9, Carbohydrate 29.1, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 2.7, Protein 5.2

YEAST DOUGHNUTS



Yeast Doughnuts image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     dessert

Time 2h27m

Yield 20 to 25 doughnuts

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 cups milk
2 1/2 ounces vegetable shortening, approximately 1/3 cup
2 packages instant yeast
1/3 cup warm water (95 to 105 degrees F)
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
23 ounces all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting surface
Peanut or vegetable oil, for frying (1 to 1/2 gallons, depending on fryer)

Steps:

  • Place the milk in a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat just until warm enough to melt the shortening. Place the shortening in a bowl and pour warmed milk over. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the warm water and let dissolve for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, pour the yeast mixture into the large bowl of a stand mixer and add the milk and shortening mixture, first making sure the milk and shortening mixture has cooled to lukewarm. Add the eggs, sugar, salt, nutmeg, and half of the flour. Using the paddle attachment, combine the ingredients on low speed until flour is incorporated and then turn the speed up to medium and beat until well combined. Add the remaining flour, combining on low speed at first, and then increase the speed to medium and beat well. Change to the dough hook attachment of the mixer and beat on medium speed until the dough pulls away from the bowl and becomes smooth, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a well-oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  • On a well-floured surface, roll out dough to 3/8-inch thick. Cut out dough using a 2 1/2-inch doughnut cutter or pastry ring and using a 7/8-inch ring for the center whole. Set on floured baking sheet, cover lightly with a tea towel, and let rise for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 365 degrees F. Gently place the doughnuts into the oil, 3 to 4 at a time. Cook for 1 minute per side. Transfer to a cooling rack placed in baking pan. Allow to cool for 15 to 20 minutes prior to glazing, if desired.

Alton Brown is a well-known chef and television personality who has contributed tremendously to the culinary world. He is known for his unique recipes and ingenious cooking techniques. One of his most popular recipes is the Alton Brown yeast doughnut recipe. This recipe is highly sought after by doughnut enthusiasts and aspiring bakers all over the world.

The Perfect Recipe for Yeast Doughnuts

The Alton Brown yeast doughnut recipe is the perfect recipe for anyone who wants to make delicious and fluffy doughnuts from scratch. The ingredients and instructions are carefully curated to ensure that the doughnuts turn out perfect every time. The recipe calls for simple ingredients like flour, sugar, yeast, butter, milk, egg yolks, and spices.
The Ingredients
The ingredients in this recipe are straightforward and can be found in most household pantries. The flour is a mixture of bread flour and cake flour. This combination helps to achieve the perfect texture for the dough. The sugar is used to sweeten the dough and add flavor. The yeast is what makes the dough rise and gives the doughnuts a light and fluffy texture. The butter is used to add richness and flavor to the dough. The milk is used to hydrate the dough and create a tender and soft texture. The egg yolks are used to add richness and flavor to the dough, and the spices like nutmeg and cinnamon are used to add an extra layer of flavor.
The Instructions
The instructions for making the Alton Brown yeast doughnut recipe are easy to follow and foolproof. The dough is mixed in a stand mixer until it becomes smooth and elastic. Then it is left to rest and rise for about an hour. Once the dough has risen, it is rolled out and cut into doughnut shapes using a doughnut cutter or a biscuit cutter. The doughnut shapes are then left to rise for another 30 minutes. After the doughnuts have risen, they are fried in oil until golden brown on both sides. Then they are drained on a paper towel to remove any excess oil. For the glaze, powdered sugar and milk are mixed together until a smooth and pourable consistency is achieved. The glaze is then poured over the doughnuts, and they are left to cool for a few minutes before serving.

The Result

The Alton Brown yeast doughnut recipe results in perfectly shaped, light and fluffy doughnuts that taste amazing. The texture is soft and tender, and the flavor is that of a traditional doughnut, with a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. The glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor to the doughnuts, making them irresistible.

Conclusion

The Alton Brown yeast doughnut recipe is the perfect recipe for anyone who wants to make delicious and fluffy doughnuts from scratch. The ingredients are simple and can be found in most household pantries, and the instructions are easy to follow. The result is a mouth-watering treat that is sure to impress. Whether you are an aspiring baker or a doughnut enthusiast, this recipe is a must-try.
Making doughnuts at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Alton Brown's yeast doughnut recipe is a popular option for people looking to make doughnuts from scratch. However, there are some tips and tricks that can help ensure success when making this recipe. In this article, we will discuss some valuable tips for making Alton Brown's yeast doughnut recipe.

Tip 1: Use high-quality ingredients

The key to making great doughnuts is to use high-quality ingredients. This includes flour, yeast, sugar, and butter. Using high-quality ingredients will ensure that the doughnuts come out fluffy, flavorful, and delicious.
Flour:
Make sure to use all-purpose flour for this recipe. Using bread flour or pastry flour can make the doughnuts too chewy or too delicate, respectively.
Yeast:
Active dry yeast is the best choice for this recipe. Make sure to check the expiration date on the yeast before using it.
Sugar:
Regular granulated sugar is perfect for this recipe. Do not use confectioners' sugar or any other type of sugar.
Butter:
Use unsalted butter for this recipe. Salted butter can affect the flavor and texture of the dough.

Tip 2: Follow the recipe precisely

When making doughnuts, it is crucial to follow the recipe precisely. Even small deviations from the recipe can affect the texture, flavor, and overall quality of the doughnuts. Pay close attention to the measurements and the timing of each step.

Tip 3: Don't overmix the dough

Overmixing the dough can result in tough and chewy doughnuts. Mix the dough only until it comes together and is smooth. Do not overmix the dough.

Tip 4: Let the dough rest

After mixing the dough, let it rest for at least 1 hour. This allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to work with.

Tip 5: Use the right tools

Having the right tools can make a huge difference when making doughnuts. Here are some tools that can help:
Mixing bowl:
Use a large mixing bowl to make the dough. This will give you enough room to mix the ingredients without making a mess.
Stand mixer:
Using a stand mixer can make mixing the dough easier and more efficient. However, you can also mix the dough by hand if you prefer.
Doughnut cutter:
Use a doughnut cutter to cut the doughnuts into the right shape. If you don't have a doughnut cutter, you can use a round cookie cutter and a smaller cutter to make the hole in the center.
Deep-fry thermometer:
Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil. Keeping the oil at the right temperature is crucial to making perfect doughnuts.
Wire rack:
Use a wire rack to cool the doughnuts after frying. This will prevent them from getting soggy.

Tip 6: Fry the doughnuts correctly

Frying the doughnuts correctly is crucial to making perfect doughnuts. Here are some tips for frying the doughnuts:
Use the right oil:
Use vegetable oil or canola oil for frying. These oils have a high smoke point and are suitable for deep-frying.
Keep the oil at the right temperature:
Monitor the temperature of the oil closely using a deep-fry thermometer. The oil should be between 360°F and 375°F.
Add the doughnuts carefully:
Add the doughnuts carefully to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding the pot can lower the temperature of the oil and make the doughnuts greasy.
Flip the doughnuts:
Flip the doughnuts using a slotted spoon or tongs to ensure that they cook evenly on both sides.
Drain the doughnuts:
After frying, drain the doughnuts on a wire rack to remove excess oil. Do not place them on paper towels or they may become soggy.

Tip 7: Add toppings and fillings

One of the best parts of making doughnuts is adding toppings and fillings. Here are some delicious toppings and fillings that you can try:
Cinnamon sugar:
Mix together cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle it on the warm doughnuts.
Glaze:
Mix together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a simple glaze. Dip the warm doughnuts in the glaze and let them cool.
Chocolate glaze:
Melt chocolate and mix it with powdered sugar and milk to make a decadent chocolate glaze. Dip the warm doughnuts in the glaze and let them cool.
Jelly filling:
Fill a piping bag with jelly or jam and pipe it into the center of the doughnuts after they cool.
Pastry cream filling:
Make pastry cream and pipe it into the center of the doughnuts after they cool.

Conclusion

Making Alton Brown's yeast doughnut recipe can be a fun and rewarding experience. Following these tips can help ensure that the doughnuts come out fluffy, flavorful, and delicious. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, follow the recipe precisely, use the right tools, fry the doughnuts correctly, and add delicious toppings and fillings. With these tips, you'll be making perfect yeast doughnuts in no time!

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