Donuts Made at Home: A Fun and Flavorful Recipe to Try
There’s something extra satisfying about making donuts from scratch in your own kitchen. Whether it’s the warm, sweet smell filling your home or the freedom to get creative with toppings, homemade donuts are a treat worth every step.
This recipe is perfect for beginners and can be made with basic pantry ingredients. No fancy equipment needed—just a little time, love, and a sweet tooth!
📝 Ingredients for Classic Yeast Donuts
(Makes about 12 donuts)
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk (not too hot—just warm to the touch)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola works well)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add the softened butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir in the flour gradually until the dough begins to form. Knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Let It Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Shape Your Donuts
Once the dough has risen, roll it out to about ½-inch thick. Use a round cutter (or a glass and bottle cap) to cut out donut shapes. Don’t forget to save the holes!
Place the cut-out donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them lightly and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Fry the Donuts
Heat oil in a deep pan (about 350°F or 175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, turning once, until golden brown—about 1 minute per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Glaze or Dust
While still warm, dip your donuts into the glaze or dust them with powdered sugar. You can also add cinnamon sugar, melted chocolate, sprinkles, or anything fun you have at home.
🧁 Topping Ideas
Get creative with your homemade donuts!
- Cinnamon + sugar
- Chocolate glaze + crushed nuts
- Vanilla glaze + rainbow sprinkles
- Peanut butter drizzle
- Jam or custard filling (inject after frying)
🏠 Why Homemade Donuts Are Worth It
✅ Fresh, warm, and soft
✅ Customizable to your flavor mood
✅ Fun activity for weekends or family time
✅ You control the ingredients
✅ No need to leave the house when cravings hit
🥄 Want Baked Instead of Fried?
You can bake these too! Just place the shaped donuts on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes. They’ll be a bit more like soft rolls, but still delicious.
🍩 Final Thought: Sweetness from Scratch
Making donuts at home isn’t just about the end result—it’s about the process. The dough rising, the scent of frying, and the moment you bite into something you made from scratch. Whether you go classic or get wildly creative with toppings, homemade donuts are a total win.
💬 Tried this recipe? Share your favorite glaze combo or secret twist in the comments!
