• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 cup whole milk, heated to 110°F
• 2 to 2 1/2 cups (320 to 400 grams) bread flour
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) superfine sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick or 2 ounces) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature and cut into cubes
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and dough hook, 2 large baking sheets, non-terry dish towel, 3-inch-diameter doughnut cutter with 1-inch-diameter hole (or cookie cutters), wire cooling rack, deep-fry thermometer