Perfect Bubble Donuts: A Delightfully Fluffy Homemade Treat

As a pastry chef who’s made thousands of donuts, I can tell you that these bubble donuts are pure joy. They’re lighter than traditional donuts, with a perfectly crisp exterior giving way to an impossibly soft center. This recipe has been refined through years of professional experience to create the perfect balance of sweetness and texture that makes these treats irresistible.

Preparation Details

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including rising)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Servings: 24-30 bubble donuts
• Calories: 68 per piece

Ingredients

For the Donut Dough

• 1 cup plus 10 tablespoons (265g) all-purpose flour
• 2½ tablespoons (37g) granulated sugar
• ⅓ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon (3g) active dry yeast
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)
• ⅛ cup (30g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Classic Glaze

• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tablespoon warm water
• ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

1. Warm milk to 110°F (43°C) – should feel like warm bath water
2. Sprinkle yeast over milk
3. Let stand for 5-7 minutes until foamy
4. If no foam appears, your yeast might be dead – start over with fresh yeast

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Sugar
• Salt

1. Create a well in the center

3. Make the Dough

1. Pour activated yeast mixture into the well
2. Add room temperature egg
3. Pour in melted butter (ensure it’s not hot)
4. Mix with a wooden spoon until shaggy dough forms
5. Switch to hand kneading for 5-7 minutes until smooth
6. Dough should be slightly sticky but workable

4. First Rise

1. Place dough in lightly oiled bowl
2. Cover with plastic wrap
3. Place in warm spot (75-80°F/24-27°C)
4. Let rise for 1 hour or until doubled

5. Prepare for Frying

1. Transfer dough to piping bag fitted with ½-inch round tip
2. Line a baking sheet with paper towels
3. Set up cooling rack over second baking sheet
4. Heat oil in heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C)

• Use thermometer for accuracy
• Oil should be 3 inches deep

6. Frying Process

1. Pipe 1-inch lengths of dough directly into hot oil
2. Cut with clean scissors
3. Fry 6-8 pieces at a time
4. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown
5. Monitor oil temperature between batches

7. Glaze Application

1. Mix glaze ingredients until smooth
2. Dip warm donuts in glaze
3. Place on rack to set

Pro Tips for Perfect Bubble Donuts

• Keep oil temperature consistent for even cooking
• Don’t overcrowd the frying pot
• Test one donut first to perfect timing
• Glaze while still warm for best coating
• Store in airtight container up to 24 hours

Variations

1. Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• Mix 1 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• Roll warm donuts in mixture

1. Chocolate Glaze:

• Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to basic glaze
• Increase warm water to 2 tablespoons

1. Maple Glaze:

• Replace water with pure maple syrup
• Add splash of maple extract

Nutritional Information (per donut)

• Calories: 68
• Total Fat: 2.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.8g
• Cholesterol: 9mg
• Sodium: 35mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 10g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.2g
• Sugar: 3.5g
• Protein: 1.5g

These bubble donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm, when the contrast between the crispy exterior and fluffy interior is at its peak. They’re perfect for weekend brunch, special occasions, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something truly special. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – with just a few basic ingredients, you can create bakery-quality donuts that will delight family and friends.