Savor the sweet, sticky delight of homemade caramel donuts. Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and covered in a silky caramel glaze, these donuts are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you’re craving something sweet. Freshly made from scratch, they are the ultimate comfort treat you won’t be able to stop at just one.

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Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (180ml) warm whole milk
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Caramel Glaze:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Donut Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape the Donuts

1. After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness.
2. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small) to cut out the donut shapes.
3. Place the donuts on a parchment-lined tray, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 3: Fry the Donuts

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the donuts in batches for about 1-2 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
3. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and place them on paper towels to drain.

Step 4: Make the Caramel Glaze

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color.
2. Slowly add the heavy cream, whisking carefully to combine.
3. Stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until smooth and glossy.
4. Remove from heat and let the caramel cool slightly to thicken.

Step 5: Glaze the Donuts

1. Once the donuts have cooled for a few minutes, dip the tops into the warm caramel glaze, allowing the excess to drip off.
2. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to set.

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Tips for Perfect Donuts

1. Monitor the Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil stays around 350°F (175°C) to ensure your donuts are golden and crispy, not greasy.
2. Fry in Small Batches: Fry the donuts in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and prevent overcrowding.
3. Let the Glaze Cool: Allow the caramel glaze to cool slightly before dipping the donuts to prevent it from running off.

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Why You’ll Love These Donuts

• Soft and Fluffy: These donuts have the perfect light and airy texture with a slightly crispy exterior.
• Rich Caramel Glaze: The warm, buttery caramel glaze is the perfect complement to the sweet donuts.
• Homemade Goodness: There’s nothing like enjoying fresh, homemade donuts made from scratch.

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Make These Caramel Donuts Today!

These irresistible homemade caramel donuts will make your morning, afternoon, or any time of day a little sweeter. They’re easy to make, delicious, and perfect for sharing. Bake a batch today and let us know how they turned out in the comments below. Enjoy!