- Prepare the Doughnut Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Heat the Oil:
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot or deep fryer, filling it to about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature.
- Fry the Doughnuts:
- Using a small cookie scoop or a teaspoon, carefully drop small amounts of batter into the hot oil. Fry the doughnuts in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Fry each mini doughnut for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to turn them and remove them from the oil.
- Place the fried doughnuts on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If you want to add food coloring, divide the glaze into separate bowls and add the desired colors.
- Dip each mini doughnut into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place them on a wire rack to set. For a thicker glaze, dip the doughnuts a second time after the first layer has set.
- Add Toppings:
- While the glaze is still wet, add your favorite toppings such as sprinkles, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts. For cinnamon sugar doughnuts, roll the warm doughnuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture instead of glazing them.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the glazed doughnuts to set for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy your perfectly mini doughnuts fresh for the best taste and texture.
Tips for Success
- Consistency: Ensure your batter is thick enough to hold its shape when dropped into the oil but not too thick that it doesn’t drop easily.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking. Too hot, and the doughnuts will burn on the outside and be raw inside; too cold, and they will absorb too much oil.
- Uniform Size: Use a small cookie scoop or teaspoon to ensure uniform-sized doughnuts for even cooking.
Variations
- Filled Mini Doughnuts: Use a pastry bag with a small tip to fill the doughnuts with jam, custard, or chocolate after frying.
- Chocolate Glaze: Substitute the vanilla glaze with a chocolate glaze made from powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk.
Serving Suggestions
- Coffee Pairing: Serve with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.
- Party Treat: Perfect for parties, brunches, or as a fun family dessert project.
These Perfectly Mini Doughnuts are a delightful treat that’s sure to please both kids and adults. Enjoy the process of making them and get creative with the toppings for a fun and delicious experience!