Sink your teeth into fresh, pillowy soft Donettes made right in your own kitchen—trust me, nothing beats the sweet aroma that fills the air as these mini donuts fry up golden and warm. The perfect marriage of a crisp exterior and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior, each bite is dusted with powdered sugar for that childhood nostalgia you can’t resist. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or just because, these Donettes bring pure joy to any day, and you’ll find yourself wishing you made a double batch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Donettes lies in their simplicity: every ingredient works double duty, building layers of flavor and that signature texture. Here’s what you’ll need, plus some tasty tips on getting each element just right.

All-purpose flour: This classic pantry staple provides the perfect fluffy structure for the Donettes.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness, of course, but also promises a lovely golden crust.
Baking powder: The secret to a light, airy rise that makes each mini donut irresistible.
Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the other flavors, keeping things from getting too sweet.
Ground nutmeg: This warm spice makes Donettes unmistakably “bakery,” with an inviting aroma.
Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture—make sure it’s at room temperature for a tender crumb.
Large eggs: Eggs bind everything together and add to that dreamy softness inside.
Unsalted butter (melted): For flavor and extra tenderness, melted butter is a must.
Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a sweet, fragrant note that shines through.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Go for something neutral; this ensures the Donettes get that beautiful crisp without any off flavors.
Powdered sugar (for coating): Don’t skip the finishing touch! It gives each Donette that classic, irresistible look and bite.

How to Make Donettes

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg in a large bowl. This helps everything blend evenly and ensures the nutmeg is perfectly scattered throughout for those cozy, aromatic bites in every Donette.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until you have a velvety, smooth mixture. This liquid gold is what keeps the Donettes tender and flavorful—don’t you just love when recipes come together simply?

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently stir them together. Aim for just-combined; overmixing will make your Donettes tough rather than soft and delicate. It’s okay if you see a lump or two—think of them as tasty surprises!

Step 4: Get Ready to Fry

Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is the sweet spot for Donettes: hot enough for a golden crust, but not so hot that they brown too quickly. Line a plate with paper towels to catch any excess oil after frying.

Step 5: Fry Up Those Donettes

Using a small cookie scoop or two spoons, carefully drop about a tablespoon of batter into the hot oil. Work in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan, giving each Donette plenty of room to puff up and brown evenly. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side until beautifully golden, then use a slotted spoon to transfer them to your prepared plate.

Step 6: Sugar Shower

While your Donettes are still warm (and smelling absolutely divine!), roll them in powdered sugar. The heat helps the sugar stick, creating that classic, sweetly snowy look everyone loves.

How to Serve Donettes

Garnishes

While a generous coating of powdered sugar is classic, you can really let your imagination run wild here. Try rolling some Donettes in cinnamon sugar for a toasty twist, or drizzle with a touch of chocolate or maple glaze. For extra fun, sprinkle on a handful of festive sprinkles while the glaze is still wet—especially if you’re serving these at a party!

Side Dishes

Donettes are a treat on their own, but they play so well with fruity sides—think a bowl of fresh berries, fruit salad, or even a tangy citrus compote. If you’re whipping up a brunch spread, serve them alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a big mug of coffee or hot chocolate to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, stack your Donettes high on a tiered cake stand or fill miniature paper bakery bags for easy grab-and-go. If it’s a special occasion, thread them onto skewers or display them on a “Donette” tower for a centerpiece that’s impossible to resist (and entirely edible!).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you (miraculously!) have any leftover Donettes, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and prevents the powdered sugar from getting sticky.

Freezing

Donettes freeze beautifully! Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—just wait to coat them with powdered sugar until after you reheat, so it doesn’t melt away.

Reheating

To refresh Donettes, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until warm. After reheating, roll them again in powdered sugar for that bakery-fresh finish! The outside gets perfectly crisp again, while the inside stays wonderfully soft.

FAQs

Can I bake Donettes instead of frying them?

Absolutely! While frying gives Donettes their iconic crisp exterior, you can bake them in a mini donut pan at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden. They’ll be a bit cakier but still delicious—just give them the same powdered sugar treatment after baking.

What’s the best oil for frying Donettes?

Stick with a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying. These oils have high smoke points and won’t overpower the delicate flavor of the Donettes.

How do I make sure my Donettes are cooked through?

The trick is to keep your oil temperature steady at 350°F (175°C). Donettes should be golden outside and cooked in the center. If you’re unsure, break one open—it should be firm and fluffy, not wet or doughy.

Can I flavor the sugar coating?

Definitely! Swap the powdered sugar for cinnamon sugar, or mix a little cocoa powder or espresso powder into the sugar for a twist. You could even dip them in a quick vanilla or chocolate glaze if you’re feeling decadent.

Are Donettes kid-friendly to make?

Yes, little hands will love rolling warm Donettes in sugar or adding sprinkles! Just keep kids at a safe distance during the frying step, as hot oil isn’t for small sous-chefs.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried homemade Donettes, now’s the time—there’s something magical about creating your own bite-sized treats from scratch. Whether you’re making memories with family or treating yourself to an extra-special morning, these little delights always spark joy in the kitchen. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become your new go-to for sweet celebrations big and small!

Donettes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 20–24 mini donettes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight your taste buds with these homemade mini donettes that are fried to perfection and coated in a sweet powdered sugar. These bite-sized treats are perfect for breakfast or dessert and are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup whole milk
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Vegetable oil for frying
1 cup powdered sugar for coating

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Instructions

Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine and Fry: Gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Heat oil in a skillet, drop batter into the oil, and fry until golden.
Coat with Sugar: Roll the warm donettes in powdered sugar until well coated.
Serve: Enjoy your freshly made donettes!