Lightest Fluffiest Doughnuts or Donuts

Make the dough: Coat a large bowl with vegetable oil and set aside. Gently warm 1/2 cup milk and oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Combine the water and yeast in a large bowl, stir to dissolve, and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes. Add the warm milk and oil to the yeast mixture and stir to combine. Add the remaining sugar, sour cream, eggs, yolks, salt, and vanilla and stir to combine. Add the flour gradually. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Place it in the prepared bowl and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in volume — about 2 hours. Punch dough down, re-cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 or up to 12 hours.

Make the doughnuts: Turn the dough out onto a generously floured work surface. Lightly flour the dough and roll it out to about 3/4 inch thick. Cut doughnuts out of the dough using a 3-inch doughnut cutter and transfer them and their holes to a baking sheet. Gather dough scraps, reroll, and repeat cutting doughnuts and holes until all dough is used. Chill doughnuts and holes for 30 minutes.

Fry the doughnuts: Heat about 4 inches of vegetable oil in a large deep skillet fitted with a thermometer over medium-high heat until oil reaches 350°F. Fry the doughnuts three at a time until golden — about 2 minutes per side. Remove doughnuts and holes with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining doughnuts and holes.

Make the glaze: Combine the remaining milk and confectioners' sugar in a small bowl and stir until smooth. While doughnuts and holes are still hot, dip them in the glaze and transfer to a wire rack until glaze is set and doughnuts are cool. Serve immediately.