White Line Doughnuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture is frothy.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and melted butter together. Add the yeast mixture and vanilla extract, stirring until well combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. You may need to use your hands to knead the dough once it gets too thick to mix with a spoon.
4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic.
5. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape the Doughnuts

1. Roll the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out to about 1-inch thick.
2. Cut the Doughnuts: Using a sharp knife or doughnut cutter, cut the dough into long oval shapes, or use a round cutter to make traditional doughnut holes. For long johns, make sure the doughnuts are elongated and about 3-4 inches long.
3. Let the Doughnuts Rise: Place the cut doughnuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them with a cloth and let them rise for about 30-45 minutes, until they’ve puffed up slightly.

Step 3: Fry the Doughnuts

1. Heat the Oil: While the doughnuts are rising, heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). You’ll need enough oil to fully submerge the doughnuts.
2. Fry the Doughnuts: Carefully drop the doughnuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the doughnuts for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Filling (Optional)

1. Whip the Cream: If you’re filling the doughnuts with cream, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together in a mixing bowl until stiff peaks form.
2. Fill the Doughnuts: Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly, use a piping bag to fill them with whipped cream. If you prefer a custard filling, you can substitute whipped cream for a simple custard or pastry cream.

Step 5: Glaze the Doughnuts

1. Make the Glaze: In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and the glaze reaches a drizzly consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
2. Glaze the Doughnuts: Dip the tops of the cooled doughnuts into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them on a cooling rack to set for a few minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the glaze has set, your white line doughnuts are ready to enjoy! These doughnuts are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two.

Tips for Perfect White Line Doughnuts

• Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If the yeast doesn’t froth after 5 minutes in the milk, it may be expired, and you should start with new yeast.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Fry the doughnuts in small batches to prevent them from sticking together or cooling the oil too much.
• Temperature is Key: Make sure your oil is hot enough to fry the doughnuts but not so hot that they burn. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and keep it between 340°F and 350°F.
• Customize the Filling: If you don’t want to fill the doughnuts with whipped cream, try using custard, chocolate ganache, or even fruit jam for a different flavor.

Variations for White Line Doughnuts

• Chocolate Glaze: Swap out the white glaze for a rich chocolate glaze by melting semi-sweet chocolate with a bit of milk and powdered sugar.
• Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts: If you prefer a more classic flavor, omit the glaze and toss the freshly fried doughnuts in cinnamon and sugar.
• Fruit-Filled Doughnuts: For a fruity twist, fill the doughnuts with fruit preserves, such as strawberry or raspberry jam, before glazing.

Final Thoughts

White line doughnuts are a treat that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. Whether you enjoy them with a simple glaze or fill them with creamy goodness, these doughnuts are sure to be a hit with family and friends. They are the perfect combination of light, fluffy dough and a sweet, satisfying topping. Enjoy!