It's been proven that donuts = increased happiness.

This lockdown, Baking is one of our favourite ways at the Feather & Oak headquarters to keep busy, bring a sense of calm and also doubles as aromatherapy. Nothing quite lifts the spirits as much as the scent of freshly baked cinnamon sugar donuts wafting down the hallway - wouldn't you agree?

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

(With The Lockdown Seal Of Approval!)

Prep time: 1 hour 30 minutes (approx)
Frying Time: up to 10 minutes total

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup whole milk, lukewarm
• 2 3/4 tsp dry yeast
• 1/4 cup caster sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 25g melted butter
• 2 cups high grade all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading and dusting)
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• vegetable oil, for deep frying (we used rice bran oil!)

Method:

1. Start by mixing the milk, yeast and 1 tablespoon of the caster sugar in a bowl. Set aside in a relatively warm place for 10 minutes or until the surface is nice and foamy. Mix in the remaining caster sugar, yolks, butter until well combined. Add the flour and mix until it forms a dough.
2. Transfer to a floured surface and begin to knead for 3-4 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover and allow to rest for approximately 30-40 minutes or until the dough has doubled in size!
4. Transfer back to your floured surface and knead for a further 3-4 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough until it is approximately 1cm thick. Using a lightly dusted 8cm round cutter or the top of a glass/mug, cut rounds from the dough. Then using a smaller 3cm round cutter, cut holes from the centre of each round. If you don't have a small cutter on hand you could simply use shot glass or anything smaller than the larger cutter!
6. Repeat with the remaining dough, re-rolling as you need to make 10-12. Place the beautiful doughy doughnuts on a large baking tray lined with non-stick baking paper. Keep them covered loosely with plastic wrap or a towel and set aside in a warm place for 30-40 minutes or until the dough has doubled in size.
7. Whilst you're waiting for them to rise again, make the cinnamon sugar by mixing the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Set aside. (No fingers, yet!!)
8. It's frying time! Fill a deep saucepan with the 2-3 inches of oil and place over medium heat until the temperature reaches 180°C  on a deep-frying thermometer.
9. Cook the doughnuts in small batches for approximately 30 seconds each side or until golden brown then proceed to drain on paper towel. Whilst the doughnuts are still hot, toss each in the cinnamon sugar mixture before serving.

We hope you love these donuts - they are a hug for the soul right now during these uncertain times. We like to focus on the things we can control during lockdown, and in this case, it's how many donuts can we get away with eating.
Let us know in the comments below if you make them and be sure to share with friends and family.