Nothing beats the irresistible smell and taste of fresh, homemade doughnuts. These Carnival Doughnuts are coated with a sweet, sugary dust and have a light and fluffy texture that’s perfect for any carnival or fair-themed celebration. Light, sweet, and indulgent, they make the perfect treat for any time of year!
Ingredients:
For the Doughnuts:
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (plus 1 tsp for the yeast mixture)
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
2 large eggs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 tsp sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and nutmeg. Make a well in the center.
Add the eggs, softened butter, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture into the well of the flour mixture.
Stir everything together until a sticky dough forms. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or mix by hand.
Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Doughnuts: