Delicious Shipley Donut Recipe
Shipley Do-nuts is a popular donut chain known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistibly sweet flavor. Founded in 1936, Shipley Donuts has been a beloved part of many people's morning routine for decades. The donuts are fried to perfection and coated with a glossy glaze, making them the ultimate indulgence.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Donut cutter (or two round cookie cutters)
- Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
- Candy thermometer (optional, but helpful for frying)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp butter melted
Instructions
Making the Dough
- Start by mixing the warm milk and sugar in a bowl, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and the melted butter. Add the yeast mixture, along with the egg and vanilla, and mix until a smooth dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, then cover and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
Making the Glaze
- While the dough is rising, prepare the glaze. In a medium-sized bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir until smooth and creamy, adding more milk if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Cooking
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Using a donut cutter, cut out the donuts and holes. Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the oil and place them on a cooling rack.
Serve and Enjoy!
- While the donuts are still warm, dip them into the glaze, ensuring they are fully coated. Let any excess glaze drip off and allow the donuts to set for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Shipley donuts!
Notes
- Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too sticky after mixing, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it feels too dry, add a little bit of milk to adjust. You want a smooth and elastic dough that doesn't stick to your hands when kneading.
- Frying Temperature: The oil temperature is crucial for perfectly fried donuts. Too hot, and the donuts will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. Too cool, and they will absorb excess oil, making them greasy. A candy thermometer is recommended for precision, but if you don't have one, drop a small piece of dough into the oil—if it bubbles and rises to the surface within a few seconds, the oil is ready.
- Glaze Consistency: The glaze should be smooth and pourable but not runny. If the glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it.
- Donut Holes: Don’t throw away the donut holes! They can be fried just like the donuts and glazed as well, making for a perfect bite-sized treat.
- Storage: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them by microwaving for 5-10 seconds to bring back their soft texture.
- Flavor Variations: While this recipe gives you the classic glazed Shipley donut, feel free to get creative! You can add a dusting of cinnamon sugar for a classic touch, or drizzle chocolate ganache on top for a decadent variation. Even adding fillings like raspberry jam or custard before frying will give a fun twist.
- Making Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight for a longer rise. In the morning, simply punch down the dough, roll it out, and fry.