Name: 15 Minute Donuts from Scratch
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 18 donuts
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup whole milk; 2 tablespoons butter (melted and cooled); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 quarts vegetable oil; Powdered sugar for dusting

This15 Minute Donuts from Scratchrecipe is a great way to have fresh donuts on the table without spending hours prepping. Easy & delicious!

These quick donuts are not only easy to make but also a blast to decorate. Toss them in cinnamon sugar or top with your favorite glaze for a fresh, warm treat that’s sure to delight everyone. Perfect for a sweet snack or a family baking session, these donuts offer instant gratification and customizable fun!

The donut holes take less time, but the glazed donuts are SO worth the effort. But here are my three tried and true donut recipes that deliver bakery-quality taste at home are:Beth’s Famous Glazed Yeast Donuts,Simple Pumpkin Donut Holes, andHomemade glazed donuts. The donut holes take less time, but the glazed donuts are SO worth the effort.

I’d take a donut over a chocolate bar any day. I don’t have access to fresh donuts where I live, so I’ve gotten pretty great at making my own.Easy glazed donutsare my favorite yeast donut recipe, but it’s one that I save to make when friends are over.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation and cooking time fits easily into busy schedules.
Simple and engaging activity for family members of all ages.
Recipe can be adapted with various toppings or flavors to suit different tastes.
Homemade donuts are cheaper than store-bought options.

Recipe Ingredients

Measured out ingredients for making 15 minute donuts.

Flour
Sugar
Eggs
Nutmeg
Whole milk
Butter
Vanilla extract
Vegetable oil (2 quarts)
Powdered sugar for dusting

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How To Make 15 Minute Donuts

Combining eggs and other ingredients in a glass bowl .

In process picture of combining ingredients for donuts.

Step #1.In a medium bowl add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.

Step #2.In a separate bowl add the sugar, eggs, and nutmeg together and whisk to combine. Add the milk, butter, and vanilla extract and whisk to combine.

Step #3.Slowly add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until well combined, but don’t over mix.

Step #4.Heat oil in a dutch oven to 350 degrees, fry batter-formed ping pong ball-sized dough until crispy and brown, about 3-6 minutes, then drain on paper towels, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm.

Recipe FAQs

What else can I put on donut holes?

This recipe uses powdered sugar because it is an easy and sweet coating that also looks pretty. You can also use granulated sugar and add in cinnamon for some tasty cinnamon sugar donuts!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and keep it refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling and cutting.

Are there any variations I can try with this recipe?

You can add flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, or nutmeg to the dough. For a different coating, try cinnamon sugar or a chocolate glaze.

How do I store donuts?

Allow the donuts to cool before storing them. You can wrap them in foil or plastic and store them in the fridge for about a week, or you can store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.

Expert Tips

Ensure your dough is smooth andevenly mixed. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much and lead to tough donut holes, while undermixing might cause them to fall apart during frying.
Maintaining the right oil temperature(350°F to 375°F) is crucial. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the donut holes will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, they’ll brown too quickly on the outside before cooking through inside. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to keep track.
When shaping your donut holes,aim for consistent size to ensure they cook evenly.A small ice cream scoop or two spoons can help you form perfect rounds.
Don’t overcrowd the frying pan or pot, as this can cause the oil temperature to drop and result in unevenly cooked donuts. Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady.
Use a slotted spoon or a spider to gently turn the donut holes in the oil. This ensures they brown evenly on all sides. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes per batch.