Can You Make Donuts With Bread Dough? A Complete Guide

When you think about donuts, what comes to mind? Fluffy textures, sweet glazes, and warm, melty centers that almost seem to defy gravity. Most people envision a rich, yeast-leavened dough specific for donuts. But what if you have some bread dough on hand and are craving those delectable circles of joy? Can you make donuts with bread dough? In this article, we will explore this fascinating question, provide a comprehensive guide to making donuts from bread dough, and offer tips and tricks to achieve that perfect donut experience.

Understanding the Basics: Can You Really Use Bread Dough?

The short answer is, absolutely! While traditional donuts are usually made with a sweet dough that incorporates eggs and butter, bread dough can be quite versatile. Though the texture may differ slightly, using bread dough to create donuts can yield delicious results. Let’s break down the distinctions and how you can adapt bread dough for your donut needs.

Types of Donuts and How They Differ

To better understand how to make donuts with bread dough, it’s important to know the different types of donuts.

Yeast Donuts vs. Cake Donuts

Generally, donuts can be categorized into two main types: yeast donuts and cake donuts.

• Yeast Donuts: These are light, airy, and made with a yeast-leavened dough. They require a longer preparation and rising time but produce a soft texture.
• Cake Donuts: Denser and often richer in flavor, cake donuts use baking powder or baking soda for leavening. They are quicker to make and typically do not require rising time.

While bread dough leans more towards the yeast variety, it can be adapted for the cake style as well. Let’s dive deeper into how to transform your ordinary bread dough into extraordinary donuts.

Transforming Bread Dough into Donuts

Now that we understand the types of donuts let’s explore how to transform bread dough into delicious donuts.

Ingredients You Will Need

To make donuts from bread dough, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Steps to Make Donuts from Bread Dough

Here’s how to create your own bread dough donuts, step by step:

Step 1: Prepare Your Bread Dough

If you’re using homemade bread dough, let it rest until it’s doubled in size—usually about 1 hour. If using store-bought dough, follow the package instructions for thawing and rising.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough is ready, lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. You want it thick enough to hold up when frying but thin enough to create the right texture.

Step 3: Cut Your Donuts

Using a donut cutter or two circular cutters (one larger and one smaller for the center hole), cut out your donuts.

Step 4: Let Them Rise

Place your cut donuts on a floured surface or parchment paper and cover them with a clean kitchen towel. Let them rise for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour until they have puffed up.

Step 5: Heat Oil for Frying

In a deep, heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully check the temperature with a thermometer to avoid overheating, which can burn the donuts.

Step 6: Fry the Donuts

Once the oil is ready, gently slide your donuts into the hot oil. Fry them for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot; work in batches if necessary.

Step 7: Drain and Cool

Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the donuts and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Allow them to cool for a few minutes.

Step 8: Add Sugar or Glaze

While the donuts are still warm, coat them in sugar or dip them in your favorite glaze. To make a simple glaze, mix powdered sugar with a small amount of milk and vanilla extract until you reach your desired consistency.

Why Use Bread Dough for Donuts?

Using bread dough as a base for donuts comes with a host of benefits:

Convenience

If you have bread dough lying around, you can save time and money instead of making dough from scratch. It’s a great way to use leftovers and minimize waste.

Versatility

Bread dough can easily be flavored, allowing you to experiment with different spices, flavorings, and toppings. Add in some nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough for an enticing flavor profile.

Lower Fat Content

Compared to traditional donut recipes that include more fats like butter or oil directly in the dough, using bread dough can yield a lighter end product, especially when you control the frying.

Tips for Perfectly Fried Donuts

To ensure your donuts come out just right, keep these tips in mind:

Monitor Oil Temperature

Too hot, and your donuts will burn; too cold, and they will absorb excess oil, becoming greasy. A temperature of around 350°F (175°C) is optimal.

Don’t Skip the Second Rise

Allowing your cut donuts to rise a second time is crucial for achieving a light and airy texture. It gives the yeast time to aerate the dough once more.

Experiment with Fillings

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider filling your donuts with fruit jams, cream, or even chocolate. Simply inject the filling after frying using a pastry bag.

Creative Variations on Bread Dough Donuts

Don’t be afraid to get inventive! Here are a couple of variations you can try using bread dough:

Filled Donuts

You can create filled donuts by rolling the dough into small balls instead of cutting out rings. After frying, inject the centers with your favorite fillings like custard, jelly, or cream.

Donut Holes

Using scraps from cutting donuts, roll them into small balls. Deep fry them to create delicious donut holes that are perfect for snacking.

Conclusion: A Delicious Can-Do

So, there you have it! Making donuts from bread dough is not only possible but incredibly rewarding. The versatility and ease of bread dough provide a fantastic canvas for creating a variety of indulgent treats. Whether you opt for traditional glazed, filled, or even innovative options, the world of homemade donuts awaits. Next time you find yourself with bread dough in hand and a craving for something sweet, you know exactly what to do! Unleash your creativity and enjoy the delicious journey of donut-making at home.

Can you use bread dough to make donuts?

Yes, you can use bread dough to make donuts. While traditional donuts are typically made with a sweet, enriched dough that includes eggs, sugar, and fat, bread dough is more versatile than it might seem. By adding a few ingredients to bread dough, such as sugar, vanilla, and milk, you can enhance its flavor and texture, making it suitable for frying.

Using bread dough has its advantages. It often yields a denser donut, which can be perfect for those who enjoy a more substantial bite. Additionally, bread dough is usually easier to handle than traditional donut dough, as it is more forgiving when it comes to rising and shaping. So, while it may not be the classic method, using bread dough can still produce delicious results.

What type of bread dough works best for donuts?

The best types of bread dough for making donuts are generally enriched doughs, like brioche or even a simple white sandwich dough. These types of doughs contain more fat and sugar compared to basic bread dough, which helps create a richer flavor and softer texture. If you have a basic bread recipe, consider adding in some additional sugar and fat, such as butter or shortening, to improve the outcome.

When using store-bought dough, pre-packaged biscuit or roll dough can also be a convenient option for making donuts. These specially formulated doughs often have the right ingredients that enhance sweetness and tenderness. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preference and the specific flavor profile you wish to achieve in your donuts.

How do you prepare bread dough for donuts?

Preparing bread dough for donuts involves a few simple steps. First, if you’re using homemade bread dough, allow it to rise until it has doubled in size. Once it’s ready, punch it down gently to release any gas bubbles. After that, you can roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Using a donut cutter or two round cutters, cut out the donut shapes, making sure to also cut out the holes.

If you’re using store-bought dough, simply roll it out on a floured surface, as mentioned, and use the cutters to form your donuts. After cutting, allow the doughnuts to rise for an additional 30 minutes to an hour, until they puff up slightly. This extra rising can give your donuts a lighter texture when fried, resulting in a delightful treat.

What frying method should you use for bread dough donuts?

When it comes to frying bread dough donuts, a deep frying method is recommended for the best results. This involves using enough oil to fully submerge the donuts so they cook evenly on all sides. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are great choices because they have high smoke points and neutral flavors, allowing the donuts to brown nicely without imparting any undesirable tastes.

Heat the oil to about 350°F (175°C) before placing the donuts in. It’s essential to maintain this temperature during the frying process to prevent greasy donuts. Fry the donuts for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Using a thermometer ensures consistent results, and cooking them in small batches allows for better control.

How long do bread dough donuts take to cook?

Bread dough donuts typically take about 3-4 minutes to cook, depending on the thickness and size of the donuts. After frying for 1-2 minutes on one side, you’ll want to flip them over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until they reach a golden brown color. It’s important to keep an eye on them during frying to prevent burning.

Make sure to test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a donut; if it comes out clean, the donut is ready. Once fried, place the donuts on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This brief period will help achieve that perfect balance between a crispy outside and a soft inside.

Can you glaze or frost bread dough donuts?

Absolutely! Glazing or frosting your bread dough donuts can take them from tasty to extraordinary. After the donuts have cooled slightly on a wire rack, you can dip them in a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or water. For a flavored twist, consider adding extracts like vanilla or almond, or even cocoa powder for a chocolate glaze.

Frosting is also an option if you prefer a richer topping. You can use buttercream or cream cheese frosting for an indulgent finish. For added texture and flavor, consider rolling your donuts in sprinkles, nuts, or shredded coconut after glazing or frosting. The possibilities are endless, and you can customize your donuts to fit any occasion or taste preference.

Can you bake donuts with bread dough instead of frying them?

Yes, you can definitely bake donuts using bread dough instead of frying them. Baking is a healthier alternative to frying, as it reduces the overall fat content. If you’re using a bread dough recipe, shape your donuts as you normally would and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each donut for expansion.

To bake the donuts, preheat your oven to around 375°F (190°C) and bake them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown. While baked donuts may have a different texture than fried ones, they can still be delicious and satisfying, especially when topped with a sweet glaze or frosting after they cool.