Soft, fluffy, and ready in under 2 hours—perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These homemade donuts are light, airy, and customizable—whether you prefer classic cinnamon sugar, chocolate glaze, or powdered sugar. Unlike store-bought versions, they’re made with simple ingredients and require no special equipment. The dough comes together quickly, and the result is fresh, warm donuts that melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, softened
- 7g (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
For Frying & Coating
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating)
- (Optional: Chocolate glaze, powdered sugar, or sprinkles)
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tsp sugar in warm milk. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes (or with a stand mixer for 5 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
4. Shape & Second Rise
- Roll out dough to ½-inch (1.2 cm) thickness.
- Cut into donut shapes (use a round cutter + small lid for holes).
- Place on a floured tray, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
5. Fry the Donuts
- Heat 2–3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot.
- Fry donuts in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until golden.
- Drain on a paper towel-lined tray.
6. Coat & Serve
- While warm, toss in cinnamon sugar or drizzle with glaze.
- Enjoy immediately!
Tips for Perfect Donuts
✔ Oil temperature is key: Too hot = burnt outside, too cool = greasy donuts.
✔ No cutter? Use a glass + shot glass for rings.
✔ Make ahead: Refrigerate shaped dough overnight; fry in the morning.
✔ Baking option: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes (less crispy but lighter).
Serving Suggestions
- With hot coffee or chocolate milk
- Filled with jam or custard
- Stacked as a donut tower for parties
Final Thoughts
These quick homemade donuts prove that fresh, fluffy donuts don’t require a trip to the bakery. The dough is forgiving, and the frying process is fun—perfect for a weekend project with kids or a special breakfast treat.
Customize them your way: Dip in maple glaze, roll in crushed nuts, or keep it simple with powdered sugar. Once you taste these, store-bought just won’t compare!
(For extra richness, replace ½ cup flour with ½ cup potato starch.)