Fried Donut Rings

These fried donut rings are golden on the outside and tender on the inside, with a simple homemade dough.

They use basic ingredients, come together without complicated techniques, and are finished with sugar while they are still warm.

You may also like: Cream Cheese Cinnamon Pancakes

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 pinch salt
• Neutral oil, as needed for frying
• Granulated sugar, as needed for coating

Preparation

1. Place the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract.
3. Mix first with a spoon, then use your hands to bring the dough together until it becomes soft and uniform.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead briefly, just until smooth. Avoid overworking it so the donut rings stay tender.
5. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 15 minutes.
6. Take small portions of dough and roll them into short ropes. Join the ends and press gently to form rings.
7. Heat plenty of neutral oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
8. Fry the donut rings in small batches, turning them as needed so they brown evenly on both sides.
9. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
10. Roll or sprinkle them with granulated sugar while they are still warm.

Tips and Advice

• Avoid adding too much extra flour while kneading, or the dough can become dry.
• If the dough feels too firm, add 1 to 2 tbsp of milk until it is easier to handle.
• Keep the oil at a moderate temperature. If it is too hot, the outside can brown before the center is fully cooked.
• Fry only a few rings at a time so the oil temperature does not drop too much.
• Make the rings roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
• Press the ends together well so they do not open while frying.
• Mix a little ground cinnamon into the coating sugar for a different flavor.
• Finely grated lemon or orange zest can also be added to the dough.
• These are best enjoyed the same day, when the outside is still slightly crisp and the inside remains tender.

Once coated with sugar, they are ready to serve and have that simple, homemade flavor that makes fried pastries so satisfying.