Perfectly Fluffy Homemade Donuts: An Easy & Irresistible Recipe

Nothing beats the taste of fresh, homemade donuts—golden, fluffy, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar. This easy donut recipe requires minimal effort and delivers bakery-style results right in your kitchen! Whether you’re craving a classic fried treat or looking for a cozy weekend baking project, this is the best homemade donut recipe you’ll ever try. 🍩✨

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Soft & Fluffy Texture – Light, airy, and melts in your mouth.
✅ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
✅ Fried to Perfection – Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
✅ Customizable – Roll them in cinnamon sugar or glaze them for extra sweetness!

Perfectly Fluffy Homemade Donuts

Dorey Duncan Scott

Make light, fluffy, and perfectly golden homemade donuts with this easy recipe! With a soft dough, a hint of cinnamon, and a crispy fried finish, these donuts are an absolute treat. Whether rolled in cinnamon sugar or glazed with frosting, they’re perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 minutes mins

Raise Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 56 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 donuts

Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Stand mixer or hand mixer (optional but helpful)
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling Pin (if needed for shaping)
• Dough scraper or knife (for dividing dough)
• Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel (for covering dough)
• parchment paper (to prevent sticking)
• Donut cutter or round cookie cutter (if shaping traditional donuts)
• Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
• Cooking thermometer (to maintain oil at 350°F / 175°C)
• Slotted spoon or tongs (for flipping and removing donuts)
• Paper towels (for draining excess oil)
• Mixing bowl (for cinnamon sugar coating)
• Pastry brush (if applying glaze)

Ingredients

  

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✅ For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2-1/4 tsp baker’s yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• 5 tbsp sugar divided
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp butter softened

✅ For Frying:

• Oil (vegetable, canola, or sunflower)

✅ For Coating:

• 3 tbsp sugar
• ½ tbsp cinnamon powder

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Instructions

 

1️⃣ Activate the Yeast:

• In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in a little lukewarm water.
• Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

2️⃣ Prepare the Dough:

• In a mixing bowl (or using a stand mixer/bread machine), combine the flour, activated yeast, warm milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, and the egg.
• Mix well, then add salt.
• Knead for about 3 minutes until smooth.

3️⃣ Incorporate the Butter:

• Add softened butter and continue kneading until the dough is soft, elastic, and slightly shiny.

4️⃣ First Rise:

• Shape the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

5️⃣ Shape the Donuts:

• Once risen, divide the dough into equal pieces and shape into balls or braids.

6️⃣ Second Rise:

• Place shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Cover lightly and let rise for at least 30 minutes until puffy.

7️⃣ Fry the Donuts:

• Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
• Fry donuts in batches, cooking each side for about 3 minutes, until golden brown.
• Drain on paper towels.

8️⃣ Coat & Serve:

• Mix 3 tablespoons sugar with ½ tablespoon cinnamon powder.
• Roll warm donuts in the cinnamon sugar, or glaze with your favorite frosting.

Notes

Make light, fluffy, and perfectly golden homemade donuts with this easy recipe! With a soft dough, a hint of cinnamon, and a crispy fried finish, these donuts are an absolute treat. Whether rolled in cinnamon sugar or glazed with frosting, they’re perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Rise Time: 1 hr 30 mins | Cook Time: 6 mins | Total Time: ~2 hrs
Servings: 10-12 donuts

Key Ingredients: Flour, yeast, milk, butter, egg, sugar, salt, oil for frying, and cinnamon sugar for coating.

How to Make: Activate yeast, knead dough, let rise, shape into donuts, let rise again, fry until golden, and coat with cinnamon sugar or glaze.

These donuts are soft inside, crispy outside, and absolutely irresistible! Try them today!

#VoguegenicsEats #HomemadeDonuts #FluffyDonuts #EasyRecipes #BakingLove

Nutrition

Serving: 1donutCalories: 220kcal

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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Donuts

• Perfect Yeast Activation: Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Oil: Fry a few donuts at a time to maintain the right temperature.
• Want to Bake Instead? Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes instead of frying.

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Estimated Cost

This is a budget-friendly donut recipe, costing approximately $3.00 – $5.50 total ($0.30 – $0.55 per donut). Much cheaper than store-bought donuts!

Storage & Reheating

• Best Fresh: Donuts taste best when eaten immediately.
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.

Print & Save This Recipe! 📌

Save this homemade donut recipe for your next baking session and let us know how it turns out! Don’t forget to tag #VoguegenicsEats when you share your delicious creations. 😍

#VoguegenicsEats #HomemadeDonuts #FluffyDonuts #EasyRecipes #BakingLove #FriedDonuts #BreakfastGoals #FoodieFavorites

Dorey Duncan Scott Senior Litigation Paralegal

Hi! I’m Dorey Duncan Scott, a mother of three, wife and fashion entrepreneur. I started my career in fashion back in the early 90’s when I did print, still and runway modeling. I studied Fashion Merchandising, Music Business and Marketing, while also obtaining certificates in such industry-necessary areas such as make-up, styling and runway choreography. In addition, I had work as a spokesmodel for several brands, appearing in print and in person. As a former model, turned senior litigation paralegal, artist manager and on-air personality with a passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development, I bring a unique combination of style, strategic thinking, and legal expertise to my work. My years navigating the legal world have sharpened my attention to detail, while my experience and passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development drives my desire to help others feel empowered and help them in their journey toward self-empowerment. My experience in the fashion world has taught me the power of confidence. 

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