Grandma-Style Yeast Donuts
Soft inside with a crispy crust - so good! These grandma-style donuts are loved by adults and kids alike. Great for breakfast or a snack. They pair well with milk, hot tea, fruit kissel, and even coffee. Serve with jam, honey, or sweetened condensed milk!
Updated : 12 March, 2026
Easy
More than 1 hour.
Ingredients
250 milliliters
Milk
450 grams
Wheat flour
15 grams
Fresh yeast
1
Eggs
40 grams
Sugar
60 grams
Butter
60 grams
Vegetable oil
50 milliliters
Water
0.75 teaspoon
Salt
1 grams
Vanillin
Table
Table of volume measurements:
- teaspoon - 5 ml
- dessert spoon - 10 ml
- tablespoon - 20 ml
- glass - 200 ml
Preparation
Step 1
How do you make grandma-style donuts? Prepare all the necessary ingredients. First, make the sponge. Put fresh yeast into a bowl and add 1 tsp sugar. Choose yeast carefully and check the expiration date - fresh yeast is the key to fluffy baking.
Step 2
Add warm water to the yeast. The water must be warm so the sugar dissolves faster and the yeast starts working, but not hotter than 40°C / 104°F.
Step 3
Add 1 tbsp flour to the sponge and mix thoroughly. Place it in a warm spot for 15-20 minutes.
Step 4
In a separate deep bowl, pour in warm milk. Add sugar and mix.
Step 5
Melt the butter in a double boiler or microwave. Add the melted butter to the milk.
Step 6
Add an egg to the milk mixture. Salt the mixture and add vanillin (be careful - too much vanillin can taste bitter; follow the package instructions).
Step 7
Pour the sponge into the batter and mix. Add flour and knead the dough. You may need a little less or more flour. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky - don’t worry, that’s normal. Cover and place in a warm spot. Let the dough rise for about 1 hour (turning on the oven light works well).
Step 8
After an hour (sometimes longer, depending on yeast activity and room temperature), the dough will double. Transfer it to a floured surface. Divide into equal pieces, using a little flour so it doesn’t stick to your hands.
Step 9
Use your fingers to make a hole in the center of each ball and stretch it into a ring.
Step 10
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet and heat it well. Carefully lower the donuts into the hot oil one by one. Fry for 2 minutes, flip, and fry for another 2 minutes until golden.
Step 11
Place the donuts on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Enjoy your meal!
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