Vanilla Bean Donuts
These donuts are loaded with vanilla beans. The vanilla beans add a naturally sweet flavor, but it can also be replaced with other flavors like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Yields: Makes About 14 donuts.
Ingredients
- 2 2/3 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon of baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon of baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ cup of unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup of vegetable oil
- ¾ cup of granulated sugar (plus another 2 tablespoons) Seeds of 1 vanilla bean
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of milk Soften butter, for the tins
For the Glaze
- 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 small pinch of salt
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk Food coloring and sprinkles (optional)
Method of Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 425º F.
- Butter 14 holes of three donut tins and set aside.
- Whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder in a mixing bowl for about 30 seconds. Set aside.
- Use an electric hand mixer to blend together the vegetable oil, butter, vanilla bean, and sugar until smooth (for about 1 minute).
- Blend in the eggs one at a time, and then add the vanilla extract.
- Add the flour mixture in thirds, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture.
- Spoon the batter into the buttered donut wells. Fill them about 1/4 – inch from the rim. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the donut should come out clean.
- Transfer the donuts to wire rack to cool.
- Whisk the powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt in a flat- bottomed bowl. Stir in 2 tablespoons of milk, add additional milk if needed to reach desired consistency. Whisk until smooth.
- Tint with food coloring, if desired.
- Dip the donuts in the glaze. Warm in the microwave for 6 to 10 second intervals on high if needed while you dip the donuts.