Long John donuts are a delicious treat that have a soft and fluffy interior with a crisp, sugary exterior. While you can always buy them at a bakery, making them from scratch at home is a fun and rewarding process that will result in the perfect donut.

To make perfect Long John donuts from scratch, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
– ⅓ cup sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast
– ¾ cup warm milk
– 1 egg
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon salt
– Oil for frying

Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Add the yeast mixture, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-8 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness.
6. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 4×1 inch strips. Place the strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.
7. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully lower the dough strips into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
8. Remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
9. Once the donuts have cooled slightly, you can fill them with your favorite filling, such as pastry cream, jam, or chocolate ganache.
10. Sprinkle the donuts with powdered sugar or dip them in a glaze for an extra sweet touch.

Now you have the perfect Long John donuts to indulge in. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a delicious treat that you can savor any time of day.