Servings: 12–15 doughnuts
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Resting Time: 1½–2½ hours
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Calories per Doughnut: Approximately 180–220 kcal
Macros (Approx. per Doughnut):
Protein: 4–5g
Carbs: 25–30g
Fat: 8–10g
Fiber: 1g
Introduction
Soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden, these pillow doughnuts are the ultimate homemade treat for breakfast, snacks, or special occasions. With a light and airy texture that feels like biting into a sweet cloud, these doughnuts are loved by both kids and adults.
Made with a simple yeast-based dough, this recipe creates beautifully soft doughnuts with a tender inside and a lightly crisp golden exterior. Coated with sugar and filled with your favorite custard, cream, or chocolate filling, they taste just like fresh bakery doughnuts.
Whether you are preparing a weekend breakfast, party dessert, or homemade snack, this soft pillow doughnuts recipe delivers delicious results with simple ingredients and an easy step-by-step process.
Look at the Recipe
- Ultra Soft Texture: A properly risen yeast dough creates light and fluffy doughnuts.
- Sweet & Buttery Flavor: Vanilla, butter, and sugar create a classic homemade taste.
- Customizable Filling: Enjoy them plain or filled with custard, cream, or chocolate.
Ingredients Needed
For the Dough
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50g) sugar
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
- 2 eggs
- 60g butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Coating
- Sugar, for rolling
Optional Filling
- Chocolate filling
- Custard filling
- Cream filling
How to Make Our Soft Pillow Doughnuts
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Prepare the yeast mixture. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and instant yeast.
Let it bloom. Allow the mixture to rest for 5–10 minutes until it becomes slightly foamy. This helps ensure the yeast is active.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Combine dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Mix well.
Add wet ingredients. Add eggs, vanilla extract, softened butter, and the activated yeast mixture.
Knead the dough. Knead for 10–15 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, soft, and elastic.
The dough should feel slightly sticky and soft. Avoid adding too much flour, as this can make the doughnuts dense.
Step 3: First Dough Rise
Rest the dough. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Shape the Pillow Doughnuts
Release air from the dough. Gently punch down the risen dough.
Divide into portions. Cut the dough into equal-sized pieces.
Shape into balls. Roll each piece into a smooth round ball. Avoid using a cutter to maintain the soft pillow shape.
Place the shaped doughnuts on a lightly floured tray and cover.
Step 5: Second Rise
Allow final proofing. Let the shaped doughnuts rest for 30–45 minutes until they become noticeably fluffy and airy.
This step helps create the signature soft pillow texture.
Step 6: Fry the Doughnuts
Heat the oil. Warm vegetable oil over medium heat.
Fry carefully. Add doughnuts in small batches and fry until golden brown on both sides.
Avoid high heat, as the outside may brown too quickly while the inside remains uncooked.
Drain excess oil. Remove doughnuts and place them on paper towels or a wire rack.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Coat with sugar. While still warm, roll each doughnut in sugar until evenly covered.
Add filling (optional). Use a piping bag to fill doughnuts with custard, chocolate, or cream.
Serve fresh and enjoy the soft, fluffy texture.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage: Keep doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Warm briefly in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back softness.
Freezing: Freeze unfilled doughnuts for up to 1 month. Thaw and warm before serving.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or a glass of milk for a perfect sweet snack.
