These Crispy and Creamy Doughnuts are soft, golden, fluffy, and filled with a rich cream center. Finished with sweet glaze, caramel drizzle, powdered sugar, or crunchy toppings, they make the perfect homemade treat for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a special weekend baking project.
Each doughnut has a light crisp outside, a soft tender inside, and a creamy filling that makes every bite extra indulgent.
Ingredients
For the Doughnuts
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Oil, for frying
For the Cream Filling
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Caramel sauce
- Crushed cookies or nuts
- Powdered sugar
- Chocolate glaze
- Fresh berries for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
Add the remaining sugar, eggs, softened butter, vanilla extract, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Knead and Rise
Knead the dough for 6–8 minutes, either by hand or with a stand mixer, until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Filling
In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks.
Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth custard.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface, and chill until cold.
Step 4: Shape the Doughnuts
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ½-inch thickness.
Cut into rounds using a doughnut cutter or a large round cutter. For filled doughnuts, leave them whole without cutting a center hole.
Place the doughnuts on parchment paper, cover lightly, and let them rise for another 30–40 minutes.
Step 5: Fry the Doughnuts
Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the doughnuts in batches for 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined tray to drain.
Step 6: Fill the Doughnuts
Once the doughnuts are cool enough to handle, place the chilled cream filling into a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
Make a small hole in the side of each doughnut and pipe in the cream filling until slightly full.
Step 7: Add the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Dip the tops of the doughnuts into the glaze and let them set for a few minutes.
Step 8: Decorate and Serve
Drizzle with caramel sauce, dust with powdered sugar, or sprinkle with crushed cookies or nuts if desired.
Serve fresh and enjoy.
Tips for the Best Doughnuts
Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, so it activates the yeast without killing it. Keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F for doughnuts that are golden outside and fluffy inside. If the oil is too cool, the doughnuts may absorb too much oil; if it is too hot, they may brown too quickly.
For the creamiest filling, chill the custard completely before piping it into the doughnuts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these doughnuts with coffee, hot chocolate, tea, or a glass of cold milk. They are perfect for brunch tables, dessert trays, birthdays, holidays, or weekend treats.
Storage
These doughnuts are best enjoyed the same day they are made.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because they are cream-filled, they should be kept chilled. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rise Time: 2 hours
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Servings: 12 doughnuts
- Course: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
