The Ultimate Homemade Donuts Recipe

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The Ultimate Homemade Donuts Recipe: Crispy, Fluffy, and Perfectly Sweet!

There’s nothing quite like a fresh, homemade donut—crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and perfectly sweet in every bite. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate bakery-style donuts in your own kitchen, this Ultimate Homemade Donuts Recipe is your go-to guide. Easy to follow, incredibly fun to make, and endlessly customizable, these donuts will become a family favorite in no time!

Whether you prefer a classic sugar glaze, rich chocolate coating, or a warm cinnamon-sugar dusting, this recipe has you covered. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a weekend treat, these donuts will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect texture: Light, airy, and pillowy on the inside with a golden, crispy crust.
  • Versatile glazes: Choose from sugar, chocolate, or cinnamon sugar—or try all three!
  • Fun to make: A hands-on recipe that’s great for baking with family or friends.
  • Better than store-bought: Once you try these, you’ll never go back to packaged donuts!

Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 3–4 minutes per batch
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12–14 donuts
  • Calories: ~200 kcal per donut (without glaze)
  • Course: Dessert, Breakfast, Snack
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

Classic Sugar Glaze:

  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Chocolate Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream

Optional Cinnamon Sugar:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Rolling pin
  • Donut cutter or two round cutters
  • Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
  • Slotted spoon or tongs
  • Cooling rack
  • Paper towels
  • Small bowls for glaze and coatings

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, stir together warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be inactive.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and optional nutmeg. Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and the foamy yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Roll and Cut

Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or two round cutters) to cut out donut shapes. Re-roll scraps and repeat until all dough is used.

Step 4: Fry the Donuts

Heat about 2 inches of oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts in small batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden. Drain on a cooling rack lined with paper towels.

Step 5: Glaze and Coat

Classic Sugar Glaze:

Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Dip warm donuts into the glaze, then let set on a rack.

Chocolate Glaze:

Warm heavy cream in a saucepan, add chocolate chips, and stir until smooth. Dip donuts in warm chocolate glaze.

Cinnamon Sugar:

Mix cinnamon and sugar in a bowl. Roll warm donuts in the mixture until evenly coated.

Donut Variations to Try

  • Filled Donuts: Add jam, custard, or Nutella to thinner dough rounds. Seal the edges before frying.
  • Vegan Donuts: Use flax eggs, plant-based milk, and vegan butter.
  • Baked Donuts: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes instead of frying.

Expert Tips for Perfect Donuts

  • Frying Temperature: Use a thermometer. Too hot = burnt outsides, raw insides. Too cool = greasy donuts.
  • Kneading: Don’t skip kneading—it helps create that soft, airy texture.
  • Glazing: Glaze donuts while they’re still warm for best absorption and shine.

Storage & Freezing

  • Make Ahead: Refrigerate the dough overnight and let it rise before frying.
  • Freezing: Freeze unglazed, fried donuts for up to 3 months. Reheat and glaze before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these in advance?
Yes! Prepare the dough the night before and let it rise before frying.

Can I freeze homemade donuts?
Absolutely. Freeze fried donuts (without glaze), then reheat and glaze as needed.

What if I don’t have a donut cutter?
Use a large round cookie cutter and a smaller one (or bottle cap) for the center.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You may need a bit more moisture in the dough.

Nutritional Info (Per Donut, Without Glaze)

  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Carbs: 28g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 6g

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made donuts from scratch before, this is the recipe that will turn you into a donut master. With the perfect texture, customizable glazes, and easy-to-follow instructions, these homemade donuts are destined to become your new favorite treat. Make them once, and you’ll never settle for store-bought again!

 

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