Classic Cinnamon Doughnuts

There's nothing quite like the taste of a traditional cinnamon doughnut. However, don't be fooled into thinking that they're too hard to make! Baking enthusiasts of all levels will be able to achieve this classic yet delicious recipe.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup of milk
• 2 x 7g packets of dry yeast
• 1 cup of caster sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 4 1/2 cups of plain flour
• 220g butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
• Vegetable or light olive oil, for frying

Method

1. Heat milk over low heat until just warm (overheating will kill yeast). Remove from heat and pour into a jug. 

2. Add yeast, 2 tablespoons caster sugar, and salt. Whisk with a fork until well-combined. Allow to stand for 10 minutes.

3. Sift flour into a large bowl. Add butter and rub in with fingertips until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add 1/4 cup caster sugar, stirring until well-combined.

4. Make a well in the centre. Add yeast mixture and eggs. Mix until well-combined.

5. Drop mixture onto a floured surface. Knead for 10 minutes. Place dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Stand in a warm place for 45 minutes.

6. Combine remaining caster sugar and cinnamon on a plate. Knock down dough and turn onto a lightly floured board. Cut dough in half and knead each piece for 5 minutes.

7. Roll one piece out to 1 1/4cm thick. Cut 8cm circles with a biscuit cutter. Using a 4cm round cutter, cut out centre of each circle to form donuts. Continue with remaining dough.

8. Half-fill a frypan with oil. Heat over medium heat until oil is hot. Add 2 to 3 donuts at a time, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Toss donuts, one at a time, in cinnamon sugar until well-coated.

Article via Recipe via taste.com.au | Author Dixie Elliott | Image credit Steve Brown & Mark O'Meara | Publication Super Food Ideas