Whether you’re planning a sweet treat for brunch, a party, or just a cozy afternoon snack, mini doughnuts are an irresistible choice. These little bites of joy are soft, fluffy, and customizable with endless toppings. Plus, they’re easy to make at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Bite-Sized: Mini doughnuts are fun to eat and great for sharing.
- Versatile: Customize them with your favorite glazes, sprinkles, or even powdered sugar.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry staples.
Ingredients
For the Doughnuts
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for classic doughnut flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Sprinkles
- Cinnamon sugar
- Chocolate glaze (melted chocolate with a splash of cream)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Doughnut Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick and smooth.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for frying.
Step 3: Fry the Doughnuts
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or resealable plastic bag with a small corner snipped off. Pipe small rounds or rings into the hot oil. Alternatively, you can drop spoonfuls of batter for doughnut holes.
- Fry the doughnuts in batches, turning occasionally, for 1–2 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried doughnuts to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
Step 5: Glaze and Decorate
- Dip each doughnut into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off.
- Place the glazed doughnuts on a wire rack. While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle with your favorite toppings like sprinkles or cinnamon sugar.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overheat the Oil: Too hot, and the doughnuts will burn on the outside while staying raw inside.
- Keep the Doughnuts Small: Mini doughnuts cook quickly and evenly.
- Use a Thermometer: Maintaining the oil temperature is key for perfectly fried doughnuts.
- Cool Slightly Before Glazing: Let the doughnuts cool for 1–2 minutes before dipping them in glaze to avoid it melting off.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a comforting treat.
- Serve at brunch alongside fresh fruit and savory dishes.
- Pack them up as a fun snack for a picnic or party.
Variations
Baked Mini Doughnuts
- Use a mini doughnut pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. They’ll be slightly healthier and just as delicious.
Chocolate Mini Doughnuts
- Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist.
Spiced Doughnuts
- Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Store: Keep leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to refresh their softness.
- Freeze: You can freeze unglazed doughnuts for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to fry the doughnuts immediately after making the batter for optimal texture, but you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before frying.
2. What if I don’t have a piping bag?
Use a resealable plastic bag with a small corner snipped off or a spoon to shape the doughnuts.
3. Are these doughnuts the same as yeast doughnuts?
No, these are quick doughnuts made with baking powder and baking soda instead of yeast. They’re faster to prepare and slightly denser.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Homemade Mini Doughnuts are a fun and delicious way to bring joy to your kitchen. With their golden exterior, soft interior, and endless topping possibilities, they’re sure to become a favorite treat for any occasion. Try them today and share the sweetness with family and friends!
Enjoy your mini doughnut adventure!
