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Classic Home-Style Donuts with Pantry Ingredients - Simple, Cozy, and Comforting

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 3/4 cups (330 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (classic donut flavor; optional but recommended)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) plain yogurt or sour cream
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled (or neutral oil)
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Neutral oil for frying (canola, vegetable, or peanut oil)
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Small pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
  • Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, yogurt (or sour cream), melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Bring the dough together: Pour wet into dry and stir with a spatula until no dry streaks remain. The dough will be soft, slightly tacky, and easy to handle with floured hands.
  • Rest the dough: Cover and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. This helps the flour hydrate and makes rolling easier.
  • Prepare your surface: Lightly flour your counter and rolling pin. Turn out the dough and gently pat or roll to about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick.
  • Cut the donuts: Use a 3-inch cutter for the rings and a small cutter (or bottle cap) for the holes. Gather scraps, re-roll once, and cut again.
  • Heat the oil: Pour 2 inches of oil into a heavy pot and heat to 350–360°F (175–182°C). Use a thermometer for steady results.
  • Fry in batches: Carefully lower 2–3 donuts into the oil. Fry 45–60 seconds per side, turning once, until deep golden. Donut holes cook faster—about 30–45 seconds total.
  • Drain: Transfer to a wire rack set over a sheet pan. Let excess oil drip off.
  • Finish with your choice: While warm, toss in cinnamon sugar or dip in glaze. For glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth, then dip tops and let set on the rack.
  • Serve: Enjoy warm within the hour for the softest texture.