Yeasted Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons dry yeast, divided
• 1 1/4 cup warm water
• 8 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 12 egg yolks (from large eggs)
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• Canola oil for frying
• Cinnamon-sugar mixture

Directions

1. Note: Start the dough preparation the day before you plan to fry & serve the doughnuts, and plan to be up early to finish them up the next morning.
2. Day 1: Mix 1 1/2 tablespoons yeast with warm water. When mixture foams, put 4 cups flour and the yeast mixture into the bowl of a large mixer. Using a dough hook, mix and knead until thoroughly incorporated. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. Day 2: Mix remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons yeast with the warm milk. Place remaining 4 cups flour, salt and sugar in large mixing bowl. When yeast foams, add yeast mixture, yolks and melted butter to dry ingredients, mixing until incorporated. Let mixture rest for 1 hour.
4. Combine the two doughs in a mixer, using a dough hook, until completely incorporated. This may take 5-10 minutes on a low speed � and you might need to do some of it by hand, like I did.
5. Roll dough to 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick and cut into desired shape for doughnuts. Cover dough pieces with a damp towel and let rest at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Uncover and let rise in a warm place.
6. Meanwhile, heat 2 inches of oil to 325-degrees F in a large, deep, heavy pan, like a Dutch oven. Working in batches, fry the doughnuts (and holes!) until golden � about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and then roll in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
7. Serve immediately.