Deep Fried Donuts

Ingredients

• 1 cup buttermilk milk
• 1/2 granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 teaspoons active yeast
• 2 Tablespoons warm water
• 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 cups bread flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Oil for frying
• Fine sugar or confectioners' sugar for the coating the donuts

Directions

1. To begin, heat the buttermilk, sugar, butter and salt in a saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts.
2. Remove and allow to cool to room temperature.
3. In a measuring cup combine the yeast and warm water.
4. Mix with a fork and allow it to sit for 5 minutes or until bubbly.
5. Transfer the buttermilk mixture to a mixing bowl and beat in 1 cup of flour using an electric mixer on medium speed. Once combined mix in the yeast.
6. Add in a 1/2 cup of flour at a time, using medium speed until the dough comes together.
7. Scrape down the sides when needed.
8. When the dough is just slightly sticky, turn the mixer to high speed and beat for 5 minutes.
9. If the dough remains sticky, beat in another 1/4 cup of flour.
10. When the dough reaches and elastic texture,remove from mixer and place in a buttered bowl.
11. Cover with a clean dish towel.
12. Place in a warm spot to rise until doubled, anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes.
13. Once dough has risen, move the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
14. Roll out the dough to 1/2 inch thickeness.
15. Using a 3 inch round cookie cutter or a glass and cut out the donut circles.
16. Any scraps can be made into odd shapes or little balls so you do not waste any dough.
17. Set each cut piece aside on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
18. Cover with a clean towel and let rise to double in size.
19. When the donuts have risen, heat about 2 inches of oil to 375 degrees F in a heavy bottom, medium sized, deep saucepan. Use a thermometer.
20. Once doughnuts have risen, give each a small press flattening them just slightly, place them into the heated oil, 2 at a time. It is better to just cook a couple at a time, so you don't burn them.
21. Fry and flip the donuts until golden on both sides.
22. Once they are finished cooking, gently remove with tongs place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the extra grease. The oil is extremely hot so be very careful.
23. While doughnuts are still hot sprinkle and roll in sugar.
24. Set aside to cool completely.