Soft & Fluffy Homemade Doughnuts with Cream or Jam Filling

Homemade doughnuts are warm, pillowy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you love them filled with cream, dusted with sugar, or glazed in chocolate, this easy recipe brings bakery-style donuts right to your kitchen. They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack and yes, they’re way better than store-bought!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super soft and fluffy texture
• Easy to customize with your favorite fillings
• Golden brown, perfectly fried at home
• Freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved
• Great for breakfast, brunch, or celebrations

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Oil for frying
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Filling of your choice: pastry cream, jam, Nutella, etc.

How to Make Soft, Filled Doughnuts

1. Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, add flour and salt. Make a well and pour in the yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
3. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 10 minutes until smooth.
4. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
5. Roll dough to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into circles with a cookie cutter.
6. Let rise again for 30 minutes.
7. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry doughnuts 1–2 minutes per side until golden.
8. Drain on paper towels.
9. Fill with pastry cream, jam, or Nutella using a piping bag.
10. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm for the best taste
• Pair with coffee or hot chocolate
• Dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar
• Glaze with chocolate or drizzle with icing
• Decorate with sprinkles for parties

Storage & Freezing

Room Temp: Store in an airtight container up to 2 days.

Freezer: Freeze in a single layer with parchment between layers. Store up to 3 months.

To reheat: Thaw and warm in the oven for a few minutes.

Tips for the Best Doughnuts

• Use warm (not hot) milk to activate yeast
• Knead well for soft texture
• Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free place
• Use a thermometer to keep oil at 350°F for even frying
• Fill while still slightly warm for gooey centers

Variations to Try

• Fill with lemon curd, strawberry jam, or custard
• Glaze with chocolate, vanilla, or maple icing
• Roll in cinnamon sugar for a churro-style doughnut
• Try baking instead of frying for a lighter version

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. Refrigerate the dough after kneading. Bring to room temp and let rise before frying.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes. Texture will be less airy but still delicious.

Do I need a deep fryer?

No. A heavy pot and a thermometer work perfectly for frying at home.

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