
Homemade Donut Recipe: Vanilla Bean Sugar Donuts
There’s something undeniably magical about biting into a warm, freshly fried donut—crispy on the outside, soft and flaky on the inside, and coated in a sweet, aromatic vanilla bean sugar. While it’s easy to swing by your local donut shop for a quick fix, making donuts at home is an experience all its own, especially when they’re infused with the rich, floral notes of Tahitian vanilla. These Vanilla Bean Sugar Donuts take a delightful shortcut with puff pastry, making them the perfect treat to whip up even on a busy weeknight. Trust us, once you try these, you’ll never look at store-bought donuts the same way again.
Why Puff Pastry?
Traditional donuts often require a time-consuming process of mixing, kneading, and proofing dough. Puff pastry, on the other hand, offers a quick and easy alternative without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. Its buttery layers puff up beautifully when fried, creating a light and airy texture that’s perfect for soaking up the luscious vanilla bean sugar coating.
What You’ll Need
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vanilla Bean Sugar Donuts
Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Bean Sugar
Mix the Ingredients
Start by making your vanilla bean sugar. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and the seeds (caviar) scraped from the Tahitian vanilla bean. The fragrance of the vanilla will immediately fill the air, giving you a preview of the deliciousness to come.
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
01. Unfold and Roll
Lightly flour your work surface and unfold the puff pastry sheets. Use a rolling pin to gently roll out the dough, just enough to smooth out any creases from the packaging. You don’t need to flatten it too much—just a light touch will do.
02. Cut the Dough
Using a donut cutter (or a combination of a large and small biscuit cutter), cut out donut shapes from the dough. Don’t forget to save those holes! They make for delightful mini donuts that are just as delicious.
03. Chill the Dough
Place the cut-out donuts (and holes) back into the refrigerator to chill while you heat the oil. Chilling helps the dough maintain its shape during frying and results in a better puff.
Step 3: Fry the Donuts
01. Heat the Oil
Pour about two inches of canola oil into an enamel cast iron pot or deep fryer. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). The right temperature is key—too hot, and the donuts will burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil.
02. Fry the Donuts
Carefully lower the chilled donuts into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Cook each donut for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and puffed. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and transfer them to a cooling rack.
Step 4: Coat with Vanilla Bean Sugar
Coat the Donuts
Once the donuts are cool enough to handle but still warm, roll them generously in the vanilla bean sugar mixture. Make sure every inch is covered with that sweet, fragrant coating. The warmth of the donuts helps the sugar adhere, creating a delicious crust.
Enjoy Your Homemade Vanilla Bean Sugar Donuts
Your homemade Vanilla Bean Sugar Donuts are ready to be devoured! Serve them immediately for the best experience—crispy, flaky, and bursting with the exquisite flavor of Tahitian vanilla. Whether you’re treating yourself on a cozy morning or impressing guests at brunch, these donuts are sure to be a hit. And don’t be surprised if they disappear in minutes—they’re just that good.
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