Delicious homemade donuts are a true indulgence that brings the joy of fresh baking right into the kitchen. Soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, they offer a comforting treat that rivals any bakery version. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, homemade donuts have a charm that makes them hard to resist.
The magic of homemade donuts lies in their texture. When prepared correctly, they are light and airy on the inside with a delicate golden exterior. This contrast creates a satisfying bite that feels both rich and balanced. The dough is typically made from simple ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, milk, and yeast or baking powder, yet the result feels anything but basic.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of making donuts at home is the freedom to customize them. They can be fried for a classic taste or baked for a lighter option, depending on preference. Once cooked, they can be coated in sugar, dipped in glaze, or topped with chocolate, sprinkles, or nuts. Fillings like homemade strawberry jam, custard, or cream can also be added, creating endless variations to suit different tastes.
Homemade donuts also bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia. The process of preparing the dough, shaping each piece, and watching them transform as they cook creates a rewarding experience. The aroma alone can fill a home with a welcoming and comforting atmosphere.
They are also perfect for sharing. Fresh donuts are often best enjoyed soon after they are made, making them ideal for family gatherings, celebrations, or simply treating friends. Their versatility allows them to fit both casual and festive moments.
With their soft texture, customizable flavors, and comforting appeal, delicious homemade donuts continue to be a favorite treat that combines creativity, tradition, and pure enjoyment in every bite.
This recipe will guide you through making fluffy and delicious homemade donuts from scratch. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat throughout the day.
Ingredients
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast about one packet
- 1 cup warm milk about 110°F
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus more for rolling
- vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup powdered sugar for glazing
- 2 tablespoons milk for glazing
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for glazing
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Add sugar, melted butter, egg, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into donut shapes with a cutter.
- Cover the cut donuts and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry the donuts until golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth. Dip warm donuts into the glaze and let it set.
Nutrition
I had a hard time with the dough. It was too sticky for me. 😕
They were alright but kind of a mess to make. The dough was sticky and I ended up with flour all over the kitchen. I give it a 3.
I feel you! My kitchen looked like a flour bomb went off too. Wasn’t sure if I was baking or doing a science experiment! 🤷♂️
Delicious with chocolate glaze too! Just poured some chocolate on top. Yum! 🍩
Homemade doughnuts? More like homemade mess! My kitchen is a disaster. 🙈
Maybe you should’ve used a bigger bowl? 😂 Just saying, it’s not that hard to keep it clean.
I know the feeling! I made them once and my kitchen looked like a tornado hit. But the donuts were worth it! 🍩
Super easy recipe, but I think I burnt mine a bit. Next time I’ll watch them more closely.
Is this supposed to be for a deep fryer? Can I bake them instead?
I didn’t have milk, so I used water and the yeast didn’t foam. Donut disaster! 😂
I’m not a baker, but these were surprisingly easy. Will make again! 👍
These donuts are the best! I couldn’t stop eating them! 😋
These donuts are amazing! So fluffy and delicious! I’ll never buy store donuts again. 🍩
Really? I tried making these and they came out kinda flat. Maybe I messed up the yeast part. 🤔
I totally agree! These donuts are way better than any store-bought ones. They’re like pillows of sweetness! 🥰
Yum! 😍 I added chocolate chips to the dough and they turned out so good! My kids devoured them!
Chocolate chips? What a great idea! I gotta try that too! 😋
I’m skeptical about “just combined” flour step. Donut dough usually needs more structure. Could be fine, but I’d add flour a bit more slowly.
Tried it, but my dough didn’t rise. I think my yeast was old or something. Sad face. Going to try again one day.
Don’t worry, it happens! Just make sure your yeast is fresh next time. It’ll be perfect! 😊
Maybe the temp of the milk was off? Bad yeast can ruin it! Worth a shot to try again!
YUM! A friend and I made these for a party and they were gone in seconds! I was the hero of the night! ❤️
That sounds awesome! I need to try this recipe for my next get-together. Thanks for sharing! 😊
I don’t know, homemade donuts? Seems a bit much for me. Can’t you just buy them from the store?
I don’t know why everyone loves these. Mine came out flat and greasy. Maybe I did something wrong? 1 star for effort.
So good! But I might try baked donuts next time. Easier, right? 🍩
Donuts! 🥳
These donuts are amazing! I tried them for breakfast and my kids couldn’t get enough. Definitely a 5-star recipe!
Is it really that easy to make donuts at home? I always thought they were too complicated. Might give it a shot but skeptical!
PERFECT! I love that they taste homemade. Thank you for sharing this recipe! 🥰
Quick question: do you really heat the oil to 375 or 395? My note card says 390 but I followed you and it seemed fine. 😬
Awesome recipe! I love homemade stuff. These donuts taste heavenly. Gonna try with sprinkles next time!
Thanks for sharing this recipe! I can’t wait to make these for my kids. They love donuts! 😍
This is a great recipe! My kids loved helping out, and they turned out perfect. Thanks!
Too much sugar for my taste. I used half and they still turned out good!
Donuts r delicious but frying is messy! My kitchen looked like a disaster zone 😂
Haha, I feel ya! But totally worth it for those yummy donuts! 🍩
Yeah, but isn’t it unhealthy to fry stuff? Maybe bake them next time? Just a thought.
I don’t really get why you need yeast. Can’t you just use cake mix or something? Anyway, they turned out okay.
I don’t have a donut cutter so I used the rim of a glass. They looked kinda like mini bagels but still got devoured.
Mini bagels totally counts 😄 Those look like they’d still taste amazing, especially if they got devoured!
My donuts were burnt on the outside and raw inside. I followed the recipe and still messed up. Frustrating!
Yall really think making donuts is easy? I burned mine like, twice. Don’t give up, I guess.
Wow, burning donuts? That’s tough. Are you sure you’re following the recipe? Maybe try lowering the heat a bit?
Don’t be too hard on yourself! Baking is all about practice, and everyone burns a few at first. Just keep trying!
Used almond milk instead of regular and they turned out great! Who knew donuts could be so versatile? 4 stars!
I made donuts before and they always came out dense. I’m hopeful this dough knead + second rise will fix it. Also 2.5 tsp yeast for one packet feels right.
Whoa, this made me think of my childhood! We used to make donuts all the time in school. Can’t believe I found this recipe! Good times. 5 stars!
This recipe is a winner! I can’t wait to try it with my kids. Donuts are the best! 🎉
Wait, donuts are made with yeast? I thought you just mix flour and sugar. 🤔 Someone please explain.
These donuts are amazing! I made them for weekend brunch and everyone loved them. Will definitely make again.
So glad you enjoyed the donuts! They are definitely a hit at any gathering. 💕
I dunno, I tried this recipe and they didn’t turn out as nice. Maybe I messed something up?
I followed the recipe, but they didn’t rise much. What did I do wrong? 🤔
The dough was really sticky and I ended up using way more flour than the recipe said. Not sure what went wrong?
Took me forever to rise… Is that normal? But they tasted fine, so I guess it was worth it.
I was skeptical about making donuts at home, but these weren’t too hard! Just let the dough rise properly. Yum!
Honestly, they were kind of flat. Not sure if I did something wrong. Maybe more flour next time?
Sorry, but I’ve eaten better store ones. Just not wow for me.
I don’t think these are better than store-bought. Just sayin’. Kind of a hassle too.
I get what you’re saying, but homemade just tastes fresher! And the glaze is sooo good! 🍩
These donuts are absolutely amazing! So fluffy and sweet. I can’t stop eating them!
They look good, but is it really that easy? I always mess up dough. Any tips?
I totally agree! These are the best! I made them for my kids, and they devoured them in minutes!
The instructions are clear, but who has time for all that rising? I just want donuts now!
I had trouble with the dough, it wouldn’t rise. Maybe my yeast was old? 🤷♀️
Old yeast? I dunno, I thought all you gotta do is mix it with milk and it just works. But what do I know 😂
Yeah, if your yeast is old, it can totally mess up the dough. Maybe try getting some fresh yeast next time? Keep at it! 🍩
Meh, I’m not really into baking. Should’ve just bought them from a shop. Too much work!
These donuts are super yummy! Just made them and can’t stop eating! 🍩❤️
These turned out amazing! Best donuts I’ve ever made. Didn’t last long in my house!
These are the best! Used chocolate glaze instead and they were amazing!!
I think donuts are made with less flour. This seems too complicated. Can I just buy them? 😂
Donuts are so good, but agree, this seems like a lot of work! Maybe I’ll just grab some from the store. 😂
Way too much effort for donuts, but I’m impressed. If you don’t have a thermometer, good luck—oil temp matters a lot.
Totally agree—without a thermometer it’s basically a gamble. I tried once and they came out dark on the outside but raw-ish inside. Never again 😅
Thermometer is real life, yeah. But if you don’t have one you can still eyeball it—like when a tiny bit of batter sizzles immediately. I dunno if that’s “right” but it works for me.
I tried these, but they came out super oily. Not sure what I did wrong.
My kids loved helping me make these! So much fun. Definitely a repeat! 👏
WOW. Just wow! These are the best donuts ever made in my whole life! ❤️
OMG, yes! They really are the best! Made them for my kids and they loved them! ❤️🍩
I tried these and I don’t know what you did differently, but mine turned out terrible. 😞
375°F is hard to keep stable on my stove. I think I went a little too hot because they browned fast but weren’t fully fluffy inside. Flavor is still good!
Not gonna lie, 1 cup powdered sugar for glaze seems a little low for how much surface area donuts have… but maybe it’s just right. I’ll probably add a splash more milk if it’s too thick.
Bro, donuts from scratch? Sounds like a lotta work. Can’t I just buy them?
Yea, but homemade is healthier, right? Store-bought got lots of preservatives and not so fresh.
I get you, but making them from scratch is way more fun! Plus, you can customize the flavors! 🍩
These came out fluffy and seriously better than store-bought. I let the dough rise a bit longer since my kitchen was cool, and that helped.
The ingredient list is a mess… “2 and 1/4 teaspoons” is weird wording. I’m assuming that’s 2 1/4 tsp yeast, not “2 and 1/4” like… math? 😅 Still, recipe seems solid.
The glaze is perfect. I added a pinch of salt just because I always do and it made it taste more ‘real’… if that makes sense 😅
That totally makes sense 😄 A tiny pinch of salt can really bring out the sweetness in glazes. I’m stealing that idea!
I did the same thing but I added *way* more salt once and it was like… savory donuts? 😂 Now I’m convinced your method is the sweet spot.
Not gonna lie, I got nervous at the yeast step. My milk was maybe too hot and the foam didn’t look amazing. Still ended up delicious, just denser.
Okay wow. I didn’t have vanilla so I used almond extract and it still tasted amazing. Will make again. Yummy!!
I’m skeptical about the milk temp—mine was closer to 120°F and the yeast didn’t foam at first. After I adjusted and warmed it slightly, it worked.
375°F is a little specific—what if my thermometer is off? I guess I can test with one donut hole first. Fingers crossed.
These look legit. The rise times and 375°F frying temp are exactly what I needed—going to try this weekend!
Yes! 375°F is the sweet spot. I did these once and they were fluffy instead of greasy—hope yours turn out as good!
Nice—foamy yeast is the real test, right? If it doesn’t foam, I usually restart with fresh yeast.
The glaze is ridiculously easy. I added a pinch of salt to it (just for balance) and that helped. Next time I’ll double the vanilla.
I followed the recipe pretty closely, but my dough was a little sticky even after adding “remaining flour.” Still tasty though—just needed a bit more flour on the board.
Great recipe, but 1/2 inch thick felt a little too thick for my cutter—ended up with tougher centers. Next time I’ll go closer to 3/8.
Totally agree—mine were a bit bready with thicker centers too. I usually aim for closer to 3/8” as well, and they come out way more tender.
Not gonna lie, my donuts turned pale. Maybe my oil wasn’t really 375? I didn’t have a thermometer, just vibes lol.
Yeah, pale donuts is super often temp-related. If the oil runs low (or you’re testing “vibes” 😅), they’ll soak oil and stay light instead of getting that deep golden color.
Kneading 10 minutes was soothing. Dough was smooth and elastic like the recipe said. Would make again for sure.
So glad it worked for you! Kneading really does make a huge difference with donuts—smooth dough = better rise. Did you do a second rise after cutting, too?
These came out way better than store-bought! The dough was actually super smooth after kneading. Glaze set perfectly and tasted like a donut shop.
Yes!! I love when the dough is actually smooth after kneading—that’s the best sign. Mine always comes out fluffy too when I don’t over-flour it. 🍩
Huh, I tried something like this and my glaze never “sets” right—more like a sweet syrup. Do you dip them straight out of the fryer or wait a minute first? Also 375°F is key right?
Nice directions, especially the rise times. I used almond milk once for the glaze (oops) and it was fine, but not as good as regular milk.
Thanks! I love that you caught the rise timing—makes a big difference. Also good to know almond milk still works, even if it’s a little less creamy. I’ll stick to regular milk for the glaze next time too 😄
Meh. Tasted okay but mine were oily and glaze slid right off. Maybe I fried too long or didn’t drain enough.
My dough was sticky after adding flour gradually, but kneading helped. Glaze came out smooth and tasty—definitely better than store-bought.
Same here! My dough got sticky at first too, but after kneading it turned smooth and elastic. The glaze was super silky—way better than the stuff in the box. 😋
Took me longer than an hour to double. I had to wait like 2 hours. Still delicious though, so I guess it’s flexible.
My dough was super sticky even after adding extra flour for rolling. Probably overproofed or I measured flour wrong. Flavor was still good!
My donuts deflated a bit after the second rise… I’m not sure if I punched down too long or if my kitchen was cold. They tasted great anyway.
Ugh that’s frustrating 😩 But honestly a slight deflate after the second rise is super common—usually it’s yeast timing or the environment. If the kitchen was cool, it can rise slower then collapse a bit. Next time, try a warmer spot (even the oven light on) and don’t over-handle after cutting.
Cold kitchens can definitely do that. Also did you punch down right before rolling? If you worked the dough a lot or let it sit too long, you lose some of the lift. Still—love that they tasted great anyway!