Soft, airy, golden donuts made right in your kitchen
These homemade donuts are everything you could want—pillowy on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and coated in your favorite topping. Whether you prefer classic sugar donuts, glazed donuts, or chocolate-dipped ones, this recipe gives you a perfect base every time.
⭐ Ingredients (Makes 12 Donuts)
For the dough:
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
½ tsp salt
¾ cup warm milk (not hot!)
2 tbsp melted butter
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
For frying:
Vegetable or canola oil
For toppings (choose your favorite):
Cinnamon sugar
Powdered sugar
Classic vanilla glaze
Chocolate glaze
Sprinkles
👩🍳 How to Make Homemade Donuts
1. Prepare the Dough
Warm the milk until just lukewarm.
Add yeast + 1 tsp sugar and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
Add melted butter, egg, vanilla, and the yeast mixture.
Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead by hand or mixer for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. First Rise
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Shape the Donuts
Punch down the dough to release air.
Roll out to about ½ inch thick.
Use a donut cutter (or two round cutters) to shape donuts + holes.
Place on parchment paper and cover for a second rise—30 minutes.
4. Fry the Donuts
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry 2–3 donuts at a time.
Cook 40–60 seconds per side until golden.
Drain on paper towels.
Donut holes fry even faster—about 20–30 seconds.
5. Add Toppings
While donuts are still warm, dip or coat them in:
Cinnamon Sugar
Mix ½ cup sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon. Roll donuts generously.
Vanilla Glaze
Whisk:
1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla
Dip warm donuts and let them set.
Chocolate Glaze
Melt together:
½ cup chocolate chips
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp milk
Dip and decorate with sprinkles!
🌟 Tips for Perfect Donuts
Oil too hot? Donuts brown fast but stay raw inside—keep it at 350°F.
Too dense? Rise time was too short—let dough fully double.
Want fluffier donuts? Add 1 extra tbsp butter to the dough.
Prefer baked donuts? I can give you an easy baked version!
😍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Soft, fluffy texture
✔ Simple ingredients
✔ Perfect for glazing or decorating
✔ Tastes like bakery-style donuts at home
✔ Family-friendly and fun to make