Donuts are one of those sweet snacks that almost everyone loves. Their round shape with a hole in the middle, soft texture, and endless topping options make them a favorite treat. It’s no surprise that donuts often appear as a special dish at family gatherings, social events, or simply as a treat for guests at home. However, many people complain that their homemade donuts turn out hard, dense, or fail to rise properly. The secret to soft and fluffy donuts isn’t just in the recipe, it’s also in the method of making them. So, let’s go through some easy tips on how to make donuts that are soft, fluffy, and beginner-friendly. 

How to Make Soft and Fluffy Donuts 

Here’s the step-by-step guide to making soft, fluffy donuts at home.

1. Use Quality Ingredients and Accurate Measurements

The first key lies in the ingredients. Choose high-protein flour so the gluten can form properly and make the dough elastic. Also, use instant yeast that’s still active. To test, dissolve the yeast in warm water with a little sugar, if it foams, it’s good to go.

Accuracy matters too. Too much flour will make the donuts hard, while excess liquid makes the dough sticky and difficult to knead. So, always measure carefully.

2. Knead Until Smooth and Elastic

The kneading process determines the final texture. The dough must be fully elastic and no longer sticky to the touch. You should be able to stretch it thin without tearing (windowpane test). If the dough isn’t properly kneaded, the donuts will turn out dense.

You can knead by hand or use a stand mixer, just don’t stop too early!

3. Proof the Dough with Patience

The next secret is fermentation. Once the dough is smooth, cover it and let it rise until it doubles in size. This usually takes 45–60 minutes depending on room temperature.

Don’t rush into frying before the dough rises properly, underrisen dough makes dense donuts. But also avoid overproofing, as it can cause the donuts to collapse when fried.

4. Shape the Donuts Neatly

After the dough rises, gently punch it down to release air. Shape the dough as you like: either use a donut cutter for perfect rounds or hand-roll them. Lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Once shaped, let the donuts rest again for 15–20 minutes to proof a second time. This step makes them lighter and fluffier.

5. Fry at a Stable Oil Temperature

Too hot, and the donuts burn outside but stay raw inside. Too cool, and they absorb too much oil. The ideal frying temperature is around 170–180°C (340–355°F). Fry over medium heat, and don’t overcrowd the pan for even cooking.

Flip the donuts just once during frying. Flipping too often can ruin their shape.

6. Add Your Favorite Toppings

Donuts become even more irresistible with toppings. You can dust them with powdered sugar, coat with chocolate glaze, sprinkle grated cheese, or fill them with jam, melted chocolate, or cream. For a healthier creamy filling, try using FiberCreme.

FiberCreme is a high-fiber, multi-purpose creamer that can replace milk or coconut milk. It gives your filling a rich, creamy taste but is lower in sugar and contains 0 mg cholesterol. That means your donuts are not only delicious but also a healthier choice for the whole family. 

Read More: Know the Difference Between Potato Donuts and Regular Donuts Before Making Them!

Make Donuts More Delicious and Healthy with FiberCreme! 

Now you know how to make soft, fluffy, and fail-proof donuts. From ingredient choices, kneading, proofing, to frying techniques, every step plays a role in achieving the perfect result. To make your donuts even more special, add creamy fillings or toppings with FiberCreme. Not only will they taste amazing, but the added fiber is also good for your body. 

So, let’s get creative and turn your homemade donuts into a healthy and tasty treat with FiberCreme! Find more donut recipes and other creamy snack inspirations on Instagram @FiberCreme_TV or the Ellenka YouTube channel.