A basic recipe for making doughnuts:

Ingredients:

2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
Vegetable oil, for frying
For Coating:

1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for coating)
Instructions:

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and nutmeg.

Add the softened butter and eggs to the yeast mixture, and mix well.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or a round cutter to cut out doughnut shapes. If you don't have cutters, you can use a glass for the larger circle and a smaller one for the center hole.

Place the cut doughnuts on a floured surface and let them rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large, deep pan to 350°F (175°C).

Carefully place the doughnuts in the hot oil, frying each side until golden brown (about 1-2 minutes per side).

Remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

In a shallow dish, mix the sugar (and cinnamon if using). While the doughnuts are still warm, coat them in the sugar mixture.

Allow the doughnuts to cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your homemade doughnuts!