Homemade Donuts

Mini Donuts are light, fluffy, and perfectly bite-sized treats rolled in sweet sugar for a classic finish. These golden little donuts are simple yet irresistible, making them perfect for snacking, parties, or a fun homemade dessert.

Why These Mini Donuts Are the Best

• Soft and Fluffy Texture: Each donut is tender on the inside with a light golden exterior.

• Classic Sugar Coating: A simple roll in granulated sugar adds sweetness and sparkle.

• Easy to Make: Quick to prepare and bake or fry, making them ideal for any occasion.

• Perfectly Bite-Sized: Great for sharing or enjoying as a small indulgence.

Perfect for Any Occasion

From brunches to birthday parties, or simply as a cozy afternoon snack, Mini Donuts are a timeless treat. Their small size makes them fun for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll only need 7 basic ingredients for this recipe, which you may already have:

• All-purpose flour: I prefer unbleached flour, but bleached works fine too.
• Baking powder: It helps the donuts puff up, so don’t skip it.
• Salt: Use standard table salt.
• Buttermilk: No substitutes are recommended, as the milk and vinegar substitute isn’t thick enough.
• Granulated sugar: Used in both the donut dough and for rolling.
• Melted butter: Adds delicious flavor to the donuts. Use real butter.
• Vegetable oil: Needed for frying.

Topping Ideas

You can finish them as you like. I prefer the sugar coating, but you can also cover them with:

• chocolate icing
• vanilla donut glaze
• cinnamon sugar or pumpkin spice sugar
• powdered sugar

Does it Make a Difference What Oil I Fry the Donuts in?

• It’s important to use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point for frying. Vegetable oil is recommended for making these fried donuts.

Tips for the Best Homemade Donuts

• Use a deep-fry thermometer to check the oil temperature for proper cooking.
• Fry donut holes in batches to maintain oil temperature; overcrowding cools the oil and affects frying.
• Roll these homemade donut holes in sugar for the best flavor.
• Enjoy fried donuts the same day for optimal texture; they can dry out if kept longer.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Side of Chocolate Sauce: Perfect for dipping.

• With Cinnamon Sugar: Swap plain sugar for a mix of cinnamon and sugar for extra flavor.

• With Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside strawberries or berries for a lighter pairing.

• With Coffee or Hot Chocolate: A cozy drink makes the donuts even better.

A Must Try

Picture biting into a warm, soft donut, the sweet granulated sugar coating melting slightly on your tongue. These Mini Donuts Coated with Granulated Sugar are simple, nostalgic, and oh-so-delicious—a treat you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Be sure to check out these other delicious recipes!

• Brioche Donuts
• Chocolate donuts
• Apple Cider Donuts

Homemade Donuts

Mini Donuts are light, fluffy, and perfectly bite-sized treats rolled in sweet sugar for a classic finish. These golden little donuts are simple yet irresistible, making them perfect for snacking, parties, or a fun homemade dessert.

Prep: 13 minutes
Cook: 2 minutes
Ready in: 15 minutes
Servings: 35 donuts

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups (176grams) all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
• 1/4 cup (50grams) granulated sugar
• 3 Tbsp (42grams) melted butter
• 3 – 4 cups vegetable oil, for frying

For Coating

• 1/3 cup (66grams) granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Heat about 1/2-inch of oil in a large saute pan or pot over medium heat until it reaches 355 degrees F (watch it closely as it heats). Meanwhile, prepare the donut dough.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and melted butter. Pour the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture and use a fork to gently stir until just combined (avoid overworking the dough).

4. Roll the dough into balls about 1/2 tablespoon in size. Once the oil is hot enough, fry about half of the dough balls at a time.

5. Fry until the bottom is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown as well.

6. Carefully remove the donuts using a spider strainer or metal tongs and drain them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet.

7. Place 1/3 cup of sugar in a dish and roll the donuts in the sugar to coat. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Notes:

• Tip: In drier climates, you may need to add a little extra buttermilk (about 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon total) to help the dough come together.
• Variations: Consider coating the fried donuts in cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or a vanilla glaze for different flavors.
• Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches and maintains 355 degrees F for proper frying.
• Important: Fry the donut holes in batches to maintain the oil temperature; overcrowding lowers the temperature and affects frying quality.
• These donuts are best enjoyed within a few hours of frying for optimal freshness.

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