Eggless fluffy donuts

### Instructions for Making Eggless Fluffy Donuts

#### Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

1. **Activate the Yeast**: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step activates the yeast and helps the donuts rise.

#### Step 2: Make the Dough

1. **Mix Wet Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, vanilla extract, and the frothy yeast mixture.

2. **Add Dry Ingredients**: Gradually sift in the flour, salt, and nutmeg (if using). Mix until the dough starts to come together. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little extra flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you get a soft, slightly sticky dough.

3. **Knead the Dough**: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-8 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.

#### Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

1. **First Rise**: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm area for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. You can place it in the oven with the light on or in a warm corner of your kitchen.

#### Step 4: Shape the Donuts

1. **Roll Out the Dough**: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness.

2. **Cut the Donuts**: Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out donut shapes. For the donut holes, use a smaller round cutter to punch out the center. Gather the leftover dough, roll it out again, and cut more donuts until all the dough is used.

#### Step 5: Fry the Donuts

1. **Heat the Oil**: In a deep pan or pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil—if it bubbles and rises quickly, the oil is ready.

2. **Fry the Donuts**: Carefully slide a few donuts into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

#### Step 6: Glaze the Donuts (Optional)

1. **Make the Glaze**: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or water), and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed to make it pourable but thick enough to coat the donuts.

2. **Glaze the Donuts**: Dip each warm donut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. For a thicker glaze, you can repeat the dipping process.

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### Tips for the Perfect Eggless Fluffy Donuts

1. **Warm Milk**: Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, when activating the yeast. Too hot milk can kill the yeast, while cold milk might not activate it properly.

2. **Let the Dough Rise**: Be patient during the rise time. A longer rise leads to fluffier donuts, so don’t rush this step!

3. **Fry at the Right Temperature**: If the oil is too hot, the donuts will burn on the outside before cooking through. If it’s too cool, the donuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to maintain a consistent 350°F (175°C).

4. **Add Flavor Variations**: Customize your donuts with different flavorings like cinnamon sugar, chocolate glaze, or sprinkles. You can even fill them with jam, custard, or chocolate ganache for a decadent treat.

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### Why These Eggless Donuts Are So Special

– **Fluffy and Light**: Despite being eggless, these donuts are incredibly fluffy and soft, thanks to the yeast and the careful rise time.
– **Perfectly Sweet**: The sweetness level is balanced, so these donuts are delicious without being overwhelming. The glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness.
– **Diet-Friendly**: These eggless donuts are suitable for people with egg allergies, vegans, or anyone following a plant-based diet. They’re just as delicious as traditional donuts, if not more so!

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### Conclusion

These eggless fluffy donuts are the perfect way to enjoy a classic treat without the need for eggs. With their soft, pillowy texture and light sweetness, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you enjoy them glazed, filled, or topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, these donuts are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whip up a batch today, and share them with friends and family—they’ll be gone in no time!