Deliciously easy doughnut dough (master recipe)

1. Pour the milk into a small saucepan and add the butter and vanilla. Heat gently until the butter melts and the milk is warm, then remove from the heat.

2. Mix the sugar, flours and salt together in a large bowl, then make a well in the centre and add the yeast. Test the milk temperature with your little finger – it should be warm but not hot. Pour the milk mixture into the well and leave to stand for 5 minutes to let the yeast dissolve. Add the beaten eggs, then mix with a wooden spoon to a smooth, very wet dough (almost a batter); set aside for 10 minutes.

3. Beat the dough for 1 minute; you’ll find it has more body to it. Cover the bowl with oiled cling film and leave in a warm place for 2 hours, or until at least doubled in size.

4. Generously flour the worktop and your hands, then scrape the dough from the bowl. Flour the top of the dough too, then gently knead by bringing the top edge into the centre, turning the dough a quarter turn and repeating. Do this for 2-3 minutes. Add more flour if your hands get sticky (the odd sticky patch of dough will mean a better doughnut, though, so don’t be put off). The dough should feel soft, fluid and bouncy. Flour 2 large baking sheets.

5. Divide the dough in 2, roll each piece into a rough sausage and cut into 8 equal pieces (about 50-60g each). Use more flour to shape into smooth balls. Place the balls on the floured baking sheets, well spaced out, then cover loosely with oiled cling film and leave in a warm place to prove until almost doubled in size – about 45 minutes-1 hour. (You want the dough to be well risen but not so much that it is starting to lose shape.) It is now ready to cook.