Name: Quick & Simple Donut Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-486497H28M8S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup whole milk; 1 large egg; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Oil, for frying; Optional: powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, chocolate glaze, vanilla glaze

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

This Quick & Simple Donut Recipe is perfect for satisfying my donut cravings without needing to wait hours for dough to rise. These soft, fluffy donuts are fried to golden perfection and can be glazed, sugared, or frosted any way I like. With just a handful of ingredients and no yeast required, they’re ready in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love that I can make these donuts from scratch in under 30 minutes. There’s no yeast and no complicated steps—just mix, roll, cut, and fry. They come out light and tender, with a slightly crisp exterior that’s perfect for holding onto glaze or sugar. It’s my go-to when I want homemade donuts fast without sacrificing flavor or texture.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Granulated sugar
Salt
Whole milk
Egg
Unsalted butter, melted
Vanilla extract
Oil, for frying

Optional Toppings:

Powdered sugar
Cinnamon sugar
Chocolate glaze
Classic vanilla glaze

directions

I heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, I whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
In another bowl, I whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
I combine the wet and dry ingredients to form a soft dough—it should be slightly sticky but workable.
I lightly flour my surface, roll the dough out to about ½ inch thick, and cut out donut shapes using a cutter (or a glass and bottle cap).
I carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, frying for about 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
I transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Once cool enough to handle, I dip or roll the donuts in glaze, sugar, or cinnamon sugar.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10–12 medium-sized donuts. It takes around 10 minutes to prepare the dough, 10 minutes to cook, and a few more minutes to coat them—so I can have fresh donuts ready in just 25–30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add a bit of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor. I’ve also made mini donuts or donut holes using the same dough. For toppings, I like to experiment with maple glaze, crushed cookies, or a drizzle of caramel. I’ve even stuffed a few with jam or Nutella for a fun surprise.

storage/reheating

These donuts are best eaten fresh, but I store any extras in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, I pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to restore a bit of warmth and softness. I don’t recommend freezing them, as the texture changes after thawing.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?

This specific dough is designed for frying, but I’ve baked them at 375°F for 8–10 minutes for a lighter version. They won’t be quite as golden or crisp, but still tasty.

Do I need a deep fryer?

No, I just use a deep pot with a few inches of oil and a thermometer to keep the temperature steady.

What oil is best for frying donuts?

I use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil or canola oil. It keeps the flavor clean and fries evenly.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

This dough is best made fresh, but I’ve prepped it and let it rest in the fridge for up to 1 hour before frying with good results.

Why are my donuts greasy?

The oil might be too cool. I keep it between 350°F and 375°F—if it drops too low, the donuts absorb too much oil instead of frying quickly.

Conclusion

These Quick & Simple Donuts give me everything I love about homemade pastries without the wait. Soft, golden, and endlessly customizable, they’re a fast fix for when I need a sweet, fried treat. Whether I glaze them, sugar them, or eat them plain, they always hit the spot.

Quick & Simple Donut Recipe