Craving a taste of homemade goodness? Look no further than The Pioneer Woman Donuts recipe. Ree Drummond, the queen of comforting home cooking, has graced us with a donut recipe that is simply irresistible. These aren’t just any donuts; they are soft, fluffy, and perfectly glazed, promising a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will rival any bakery. If you’re looking to create a batch of classic glazed donuts at home, The Pioneer Woman’s recipe is your golden ticket to success.
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Why The Pioneer Woman Donuts are a Must-Try
Ree Drummond’s recipes are renowned for their approachability and deliciousness, and her donut recipe is no exception. This recipe stands out because it’s designed for home bakers, ensuring even beginners can achieve bakery-quality results. The Pioneer Woman’s donuts are praised for their light and airy texture, perfectly balanced sweetness, and that classic glazed finish that everyone loves. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, homemade glazed donuts. Plus, who can resist the charm of a recipe from The Pioneer Woman herself?
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Glazed Donuts
Before you embark on your donut-making adventure, gather these simple ingredients. You probably have most of them in your pantry already!
For the Doughnuts:
- 1-1/8 cup Warm Whole Milk (not hot, just comfortably warm)
- ¼ cup Sugar
- 2-1/4 teaspoons Instant or Active Dry Yeast (one package)
- 2 Large Eggs, Beaten
- 1-1/4 sticks Unsalted Butter, Melted
- 4 cups All-purpose Flour
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- Canola Oil, for frying
For the Glaze:
- 3 cups Powdered Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup Cold Water or Milk
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Donuts
Let’s break down the process of creating these delightful Pioneer Woman donuts. It’s easier than you might think!
Making the Dough
- Warm the Milk and Dissolve Sugar: In a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, gently warm the milk. It should be warm to the touch but not hot. Stir in the sugar until it dissolves completely.
- Activate the Yeast: In a separate small bowl, add the yeast. Pour the warm milk and sugar mixture over the yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 10 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is activated when it becomes foamy.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Melt the butter in another bowl. Ensure it’s not too hot; let it cool slightly. Whisk in the beaten eggs into the melted butter, stirring constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of your electric mixer fitted with the dough hook, pour in the yeast mixture. Turn the mixer on low speed and gradually add the egg and butter mixture. Mix for a couple of minutes until well combined.
- Add Flour Gradually: With the mixer still running on low, gradually add the flour, about ¼ to ½ cup at a time, until all the flour is incorporated. Add the salt.
- Knead the Dough: Stop the mixer and scrape down the bowl. Turn the mixer back on to medium-low speed and knead the dough for 5 full minutes.
- Rest the Dough: Stop the mixer and scrape the bottom of the bowl again. Mix for another 30 seconds. Turn off the mixer and let the dough rest in the bowl, undisturbed, for 10 minutes.
- First Rise (in the Refrigerator): Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, tossing to coat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This cold rise is key for developing flavor and texture in Pioneer Woman donuts.
Shaping and Second Rise
- Roll Out the Dough: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out to about ¼ to ⅓-inch thickness.
- Cut Doughnut Shapes: Use a 3-inch donut cutter to cut out rounds. For classic donut holes, use a 1½-inch cutter to cut holes from the center of each round. Re-roll scraps to cut out more donuts and holes until all dough is used.
- Second Rise (Proofing): Place the cut donuts and holes on a floured baking sheet. Cover them with a large, clean tea towel. Place the baking sheet in a warm, draft-free place in your kitchen to rise for at least 1 hour, or up to 1 hour and 15 minutes. The donuts should visibly puff up and become airy.
Frying The Donuts
- Heat the Oil: Pour plenty of canola oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 375 to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature constantly, ensuring it doesn’t exceed 380°F.
- Fry the Donuts: Gently place one or two donuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry for about 1 minute per side, until golden brown. They will cook quickly.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried donuts with a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drip off. Place them immediately on several layers of paper towels to drain. Flip after 5 seconds, and again after another 5 seconds to remove as much oil as possible.
- Fry Donut Holes: Fry the donut holes similarly, but for a shorter time, about 30 seconds per side, as they cook faster.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the donuts to cool slightly before glazing.
Glazing Your Pioneer Woman Donuts
- Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the cold water or milk, whisking until the glaze is completely smooth and has a pourable consistency. Add more liquid if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Glaze the Donuts: Dip each donut into the glaze, submerging it halfway. For donut holes, you can completely submerge them and remove them with a slotted spoon.
- Set the Glaze: Place the glazed donuts on a cooling rack set over a cookie sheet. This allows excess glaze to drip off and the glaze to set.
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Tips for Perfect Pioneer Woman Donuts
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, for activating the yeast. And maintain the oil temperature between 375-380°F for even frying.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry donuts in batches of one or two to prevent overcrowding and keep the oil temperature consistent.
- Cold Rise is Crucial: Don’t skip the overnight refrigeration. It enhances the flavor and makes the dough easier to handle.
- Proof Properly: Allow sufficient time for the second rise (proofing). Properly proofed donuts will be lighter and airier.
- Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of liquid in the glaze to achieve your preferred thickness. For a thinner glaze, add a bit more water or milk.
Serving and Enjoying Your Homemade Donuts
Pioneer Woman donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm, if possible. Share them with family and friends, just like in the original story that inspired this recipe. These homemade glazed donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or any time you crave a sweet treat. They are guaranteed to bring smiles and happy moments to anyone who takes a bite. Enjoy the delightful taste of homemade goodness with this incredible Pioneer Woman donuts recipe!
