Donuts Baked or Fried

Donuts are one of the most beloved treats around the world — soft, fluffy, and full of flavor. Whether you prefer classic glazed, sugar-coated, or filled varieties, donuts bring a sense of joy and indulgence with every bite.

This recipe allows you to make either baked or fried donuts, giving you flexibility depending on your preference for a lighter or more traditional version. The dough is tender, slightly sweet, and perfect for absorbing glazes or toppings, while the fried option gives that classic golden-brown crunch.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s versatile, comforting, and customizable. The dough is soft and fluffy, the flavor is balanced, and the toppings or glazes make every bite delightfully indulgent.

I also love that it allows you to bake for a lighter option or fry for the traditional experience, making it perfect for any mood or dietary preference. Homemade donuts have a freshness and warmth that store-bought versions simply can’t match.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Donuts are a must-try because they are universally loved and highly versatile. From classic glazed to chocolate-covered, cinnamon sugar, or filled donuts, there’s something for everyone.

Making them from scratch is both fun and rewarding, and the results are soft, fluffy, and indulgent. The aroma of fresh donuts baking or frying in your kitchen is irresistible, making this recipe a must for special breakfasts, brunches, or celebrations.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15–20 minutes (plus rising time for yeast-based dough)
• Cooking Time: 10–15 minutes (baked) or 2–3 minutes per batch (fried)
• Total Time: 40–60 minutes (depending on method)

Servings and Calories

• Servings: 12 donuts
• Calories: ~250–350 per donut (depends on toppings and cooking method)

Course: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert

Cuisine: American / Bakery-style

Ingredients

For Yeast-Based Donuts:

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• ¼ tsp salt
• Oil for frying (if frying)

Optional Toppings / Glazes:

• Granulated sugar or cinnamon sugar
• Chocolate glaze (melted chocolate + cream)
• Vanilla glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2–3 tbsp milk + ½ tsp vanilla)
• Sprinkles

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and egg. Mix well.
3. Add yeast mixture to the bowl.
4. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

1. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap.
2. Let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Donuts

1. Roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness on a floured surface.
2. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small) to cut out donut shapes.
3. Place donuts on a lightly floured tray and let them rise for 30 minutes.

Step 4A: Baking Method

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Remove and let cool slightly before glazing or topping.

Step 4B: Frying Method

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry donuts a few at a time for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
3. Drain on paper toels before glazing or topping.

Step 5: Glaze and Decorate

1. Dip cooled donuts into glaze or sprinkle with sugar.
2. Add chocolate drizzle, sprinkles, or cinnamon sugar as desired.

Save it

How to Serve

• Serve fresh and warm for the best flavor.
• Pair with coffee, tea, or milk.
• Great for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or party treats.

Recipe Tips

• Ensure milk is warm, not hot, to activate yeast without killing it.
• Don’t overwork dough; knead just until smooth.
• For even baking or frying, make donuts uniform in size.
• Let donuts cool slightly before glazing to prevent melting.
• For baked donuts, brush with melted butter before adding sugar for extra richness.

Variations

1. Glazed Donuts: Classic sugar or vanilla glaze.
2. Chocolate Donuts: Add cocoa powder to dough or dip in chocolate glaze.
3. Filled Donuts: Fill with jam, Nutella, or custard after baking or frying.
4. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Toss warm donuts in cinnamon sugar.
5. Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk and flax egg in place of egg.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in fridge up to 5 days (best warmed).
• Freezing: Freeze baked donuts individually in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls and whisk
• Rolling pin
• Donut cutter (or two round cutters)
• Baking sheet (for baked donuts)
• Deep fryer or heavy pot (for frying)
• Cooling rack

Conclusion

Donuts (Baked or Fried) are a timeless treat that can be customized, flavored, and decorated to your liking. Soft, fluffy, and indulgent, they are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Homemade donuts are fun to make, satisfying to eat, and always a crowd-pleaser, making this recipe a must-try for anyone who loves fresh, warm, and flavorful baked or fried goodies.

Donuts Baked or Fried

Donuts are one of the most beloved treats around the world — soft, fluffy, and full of flavor. Whether you prefer classic glazed, sugar-coated, or filled varieties, donuts bring a sense of joy and indulgence with every bite.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: American Course: Breakfast

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 40 mins Difficulty: Beginner

Ingredients

Servings

For Yeast-Based Donuts:

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• ¼ tsp salt
• Oil for frying (if frying)

Optional Toppings / Glazes:

• Granulated sugar or cinnamon sugar
• Chocolate glaze (melted chocolate + cream)
• Vanilla glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2–3 tbsp milk + ½ tsp vanilla)
• Sprinkles

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Dough : In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and egg. Mix well. Add yeast mixture to the bowl. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. Step 2: Let the Dough Rise : Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Step 3: Shape the Donuts : Roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small) to cut out donut shapes. Place donuts on a lightly floured tray and let them rise for 30 minutes.
4. Step 4A: Baking Method : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly before glazing or topping.
5. Step 4B: Frying Method : Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
6. Fry donuts a few at a time for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels before glazing or topping.
7. Step 5: Glaze and Decorate : Dip cooled donuts into glaze or sprinkle with sugar. Add chocolate drizzle, sprinkles, or cinnamon sugar as desired.

Keywords: Donuts (Baked or Fried)