Homemade Donuts: Crispy, Creamy & Easy to Make from Scratch

Crispy and Creamy Doughnuts

Donut enthusiasts will love how simple and rewarding this homemade donut recipe is, delivering that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside bite every time.

Why You’ll Love This Donut Recipe

Picture weekend mornings: the aroma of freshly fried dough, the lustrous glaze dripping off each pillowy ring. Our crispy and creamy doughnuts bring back childhood memories and cater to modern cravings alike. With minimal prep and a foolproof glaze, this is the donut experience you’ve been searching for.

Ingredients for Crispy and Creamy Doughnuts

• ¾ cup warm water (110°F)
• 2 (0.25-ounce) envelopes active dry yeast
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup whole milk, warmed slightly
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the glaze: 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Donut Instructions

1. Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water; let stand 5 minutes, until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, salt, warmed milk, eggs, and melted butter. Stir in the yeast mixture.
3. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
5. Punch down the dough and roll to ½-inch thickness. Cut into rings using a donut cutter or two round cutters (about 3-inch outer diameter, 1-inch inner diameter).
6. Transfer cut doughnuts to a parchment-lined tray, cover lightly, and let rest 30 minutes until puffed.
7. Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F. Fry doughnuts in batches, 1 minute per side, turning once, until golden brown.
8. Drain on paper towels. Meanwhile, whisk glaze ingredients until smooth.
9. Dip warm doughnuts in glaze, let excess drip off, then place on a rack to set.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Donuts

• Maintain oil temperature: Too cool and donuts absorb oil; too hot and they’ll brown too quickly.
• Don’t skip the rise: Proper proofing creates that signature fluffiness.
• Use fresh yeast: Always check your expiration date for best results.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 331 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fat: 13 g (Saturated Fat: 4 g)
• Cholesterol: 31 mg
• Sodium: 171 mg
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 20 g
• Protein: 5 g

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 m | Cook Time: 15 m | Total Time: 2 h 40 m

Servings: 18 | Category: Breakfast | Cuisine: American

Now go fry up a batch of delicious homemade donut.