My kids always asks for a donut whenever we’re at the local grocery store getting fresh produce since the tempting display of those sugar-coated fried concoctions are right next to the veggies. Who thought to place donuts next to the produce section?   I usually cut them right off and continue with our shopping, but I am human and have fallen prey to their chewy, oozy, deliciousness.  We don’t have a Krispy Kreme in the vicinity of our small town and would have to drive 15 mins to hop on the freeway, then drive another 15 mins (without traffic) or so to actually get to a Krispy Kreme… which is too far for me.  I did do it once when I was pregnant and at the end of my first trimester of morning sickness.  I took my two kiddos, strapped them into their carseats and turned it into an educational experience as they watched a fascinating contraption make their donuts from start to finish.  And at the end of it, they got their donuts with chocolate and sprinkles.

Well, I started a new tradition of doughnuts on Christmas morning last year and woke up at 5:30am to make the dough and have enough time for it to rise, but was not too keen on waking that early again.  So I racked my brain and remembered I had made challah dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator! And it had been even more soft and delicious than if I had let it rise the regular way.  So I decided to try that same method with these doughnuts and it was even better than last year’s doughnuts!!!

So Christmas eve, I made the dough, covered, and placed in the fridge overnight, then rolled out, cut and fried them at 8am-ish Christmas morning and got to eat them before opening presents from Santa.  I’ve made this recipe before and it  made SO much that  I decided to halve the recipe (below) this time.   Good, big batch though if you have family in town to help you eat them, but not an impossible feat for a family of 5 over a couple days.  I made a little of the white glaze and some chocolate glaze and added Xmas sprinkles to add holiday cheer. 🙂  They were DELICIOUS!

makes about 2 dozen donuts

Directions
1.       Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl.
2.       Add milk, sugar, salt, eggs, butter and mix
3.       Add only 2 cups of flour and mix on medium speed for about 2 mins, scraping bowl.
4.   Add remaining 3 cups flour and mix until smooth dough forms
5.       Place dough in a large, greased bowl and cover.  Place in draft-free spot
6.       Let rise for 1-2 hrs.
7.    Roll dough on floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness
8.       Cut with 3-4 inch round cutter and about 1inch for the small donut hole
9.       Let it rest for about 10 mins
10.   Heat oil in a fryer or saucepan with plenty of oil (at least 2 inches deep) Heat to 350-375F
11.   Carefully slide doughnuts into the hot oil and let fry about 1 min on each side. 
12.   Remove and place on a plate covered with paper towels
13.   Make the Creamy Glaze by microwaving the butter until liquid (for Chocolate glaze, melt with chocolate on low heat)
14.   Add powdered sugar and vanilla and mix
15.   Add milk slowly until you reach desired consistency.