Table of Contents
Introduction
Author Notes
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm donut straight from the fryer. Whether it’s the soft, pillowy texture or that subtle hint of sweetness, plain donuts hold a special place in our hearts. They’re simple and versatile and pair perfectly with your morning coffee. And here’s the best part—making them at home is easier than you think.
Key Takeaways
This blog is your ultimate guide to whipping up classic homemade plain donuts. You don’t need fancy equipment or hours of prep time—just a love for baking and a willingness to get your hands a little floury. We’re breaking down everything you need to know so you can turn your kitchen into your very own donut shop. We’ve covered everything from the ingredients and preparation steps to creative variations and serving suggestions!
By the end of this post, you will have mastered the art of crafting plain donuts at home, using this simple recipe as your guide.
Plain Donuts Recipe Details
Ingredients with Amounts
To create these plain donuts, you’ll need the following:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2.5 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup (100g) granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 0.75 cup (180ml) milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for frying)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frying:
- 4 cups vegetable oil (or enough to fill your fryer/pot 2–3 inches deep)
Optional Topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Preparation Steps
Making these plain donuts is an enjoyable and rewarding process. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, ensuring your donuts fry evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. This ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the eggs, then mix in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth.
Step 4: Create the Dough
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. The aim is to create a soft dough that is slightly sticky. Avoid overmixing, as it can make your donuts dense.
Step 5: Roll and Shape
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough to about ½-inch thick. Use a round cutter (around 3 inches in diameter) to cut out the donuts and a smaller cutter (like a bottle cap) to create the center holes. Re-roll the remaining dough and repeat until all is used.
Step 6: Fry the Donuts
Carefully place a few donuts at a time into the heated oil. Fry for 1–2 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown. Avoid overcrowding to maintain the oil temperature.
Step 7: Drain and Cool
Carefully remove the fried donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any remaining oil. Allow them to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar or serving as-is.
And there you have it! Golden, homemade donuts are ready to enjoy.
Preparation & Cooking Times, Servings, and Yield
| Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins |
| Servings: 12 plain donuts |
Cooking Tips
Cook’s Notes
Here are a few helpful tips for success when making Plain Donuts:
- Keep your oil temperature steady by frying in small batches. If the oil temperature is too high, the donuts may brown too fast on the outside but stay uncooked on the inside.
- Use a thermometer designed for deep frying—it’s key to perfect donuts.
- For non-fried options, using a greased donut pan, you can bake these donuts in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Variations/Substitutions
The beauty of plain donuts is how customizable they are. Here are some ideas to switch things up:
- Glazed Donuts: Dip your cooled donuts in a glaze of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts: Toss warm donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a classic touch.
- Healthier Swaps: Substitute white flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. For a dairy-free option, use almond or oat milk and swap butter with coconut oil.
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Rolling pin
- Round cutters (large and small)
- Heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Cooking thermometer
Nutrition & Serving
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| 210 | 9g | 28g | 4g |
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
| 140mg | 45mg | ||
| Sodium | Cholesterol |
Serving Suggestions
Plain donuts are incredibly versatile! Try one of these pairings:
- Classic Breakfast: Serve your donut warm with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.
- Dessert Delight: Add a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream to your donut for an indulgent treat.
- Gourmet Touch: Drizzle honey, melted chocolate, or caramel sauce over your donut for extra flair.
Final Thoughts
Personal Touch
I remember baking plain donuts with my grandmother in her cozy kitchen on Sunday mornings. The smell of flour and sugar would fill the air as we worked together, her hands skillfully guiding mine through the process. She always said donuts were magical because they had the power to cheer anyone up, no matter the situation. Once golden and fresh out of the oven, we’d sprinkle them with sugar and sit with a cup of tea to enjoy our creations. Baking them fresh at home always brings back those cherished moments, reminding me of her warm smile and gentle laughter. I hope this simple donut recipe brings you the same joy and helps create special memories with your loved ones!
Conclusion
There’s no greater satisfaction than the sweet aroma of homemade plain donuts filling your kitchen, bringing warmth and delight with every batch. Whether you’re an experienced baker perfecting your craft or a beginner trying your hand at a simple plain donuts recipe for the first time, this step-by-step guide guarantees your success. From mixing the perfect dough to frying it to golden perfection, we’ll walk you through each stage easily. Plain donuts, classic donuts are as heartwarming as they are delicious, making them a timeless treat perfect for any occasion. Want to elevate your donuts? Try glazing them with your favorite toppings or adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a fun twist.
Looking for more inspiration? Subscribe to our collection of mouth-watering recipes, tips, and ideas to sweeten your kitchen adventures and take your baking to the next level!
FAQ
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the dough a day in advance. Let the dough rest until it reaches room temperature before frying.
Do I need a donut cutter?
While a donut cutter is convenient, you can also shape your donuts using round cookie cutters or even the rim of a glass. Just make sure to have a smaller cutter for the center hole.
Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes, you can freeze the dough and cooked donuts for up to 2 months. Allow them to thaw in the fridge before reheating in the oven or microwave.
How do I store leftover donuts?
Store unglazed donuts in a sealed container at room temperature for up to two days. Glazed donuts can be kept in the fridge for 1-2 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven for a few minutes or microwave for a few seconds.
Can I use alternative toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and experiment with different toppings, such as sprinkles, crushed nuts, or even savory options like bacon bits. The possibilities are endless!
Keep them in a sealed container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze the donuts and reheat them in an oven before eating them.
Enjoy your culinary adventure, and remember to share your creations with us in the comments!