1. Make the donut dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
2. Shape the donuts:
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out donut shapes. For the hole in the middle, you can use a smaller cutter or just use your fingers to create a hole in the center.
- Gather any leftover dough, roll it out again, and cut more donuts.
3. Fry the donuts:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot over medium heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the donuts in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each donut for about 1-2 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Make the glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Dip the warm donuts into the glaze, making sure they’re coated evenly, then set them on a cooling rack to let the glaze harden.
5. Serve and enjoy:
- Let the donuts cool slightly, and enjoy them fresh and warm. You can also add sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or any toppings you like!
These easy homemade donuts are fluffy, sweet, and so much better than store-bought ones. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or just a fun treat!