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Classic Old-Fashioned Donuts with Crispy Golden Edges – A Timeless Treat Made Simple

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 2/3 cups (335 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 3/4 tsp fine salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp (25 g) light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk, cold
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) sour cream, cold
  • 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Neutral oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut)
  • 1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tbsp milk (or buttermilk for tang)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg until well combined.
  • Whisk the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, buttermilk, sour cream, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Bring the dough together: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula just until no dry spots remain. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
  • Chill the dough: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 45–60 minutes. This firms it up and helps with shaping and frying.
  • Prepare your station: Lightly flour a work surface and a rolling pin. Line a sheet pan with parchment and dust lightly with flour. Have a donut cutter (or two round cutters, 3-inch and 1-inch) ready.
  • Roll and cut: Turn the dough onto the floured surface. Gently pat or roll to about 1/2 inch thick. Cut donuts and holes, collecting scraps to re-roll once. Transfer cut donuts to the floured parchment and refrigerate 15 minutes.
  • Heat the oil: In a heavy pot or Dutch oven, add 2 inches of oil. Heat to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to monitor. Keep a wire rack set over a sheet pan nearby.
  • Fry in batches: Carefully add 2–3 donuts at a time. Fry 60–90 seconds per side, turning once, until deep golden with craggy edges. Donut holes will take 45–60 seconds total. Adjust heat to keep oil near 350°F.
  • Drain and cool: Transfer fried donuts to the rack. Let cool 5 minutes before glazing, so the glaze sets but still absorbs into the cracks.
  • Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable. Add more milk a teaspoon at a time if needed.
  • Glaze and set: Dip each donut top-side down, let excess drip, then return to the rack. For a thicker finish, double-dip after the first coat sets 2–3 minutes.
  • Serve: Enjoy warm for maximum crunch. The edges stay crisp for a few hours, then soften slightly but remain delicious.