If you’ve ever craved a fresh, warm donut but didn’t want to embark on a lengthy baking adventure, you’re in for a treat! These 15-Minute Homemade Donuts are incredibly simple to whip up, requiring minimal ingredients and time. Imagine sinking your teeth into a fluffy, sweet donut that you made right in your own kitchen in just a quarter of an hour. Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack, these donuts are sure to satisfy your cravings.
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What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe stands out for several reasons. First and foremost, it requires only 15 minutes from start to finish! Unlike traditional donut recipes that involve extensive proofing and waiting, this quick version uses baking powder as a leavening agent, allowing you to enjoy fluffy donuts in a fraction of the time. The combination of buttermilk and melted butter adds a rich flavor and moist texture, making these donuts a delicious treat. Plus, the frying method ensures they are golden and crispy on the outside while soft and tender on the inside.
Gather These Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups (176g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons (42g) melted butter
- 3 – 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/3 cup (66g) granulated sugar (for coating)
Equipment Breakdown
- Mixing Bowls: For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk: To blend the mixture smoothly.
- Doughnut Cutter: For shaping your donuts; a round cookie cutter works too!
- Frying Pan or Deep Pot: Essential for frying the donuts evenly.
- Slotted Spoon: To safely remove the donuts from the hot oil.
- Cooling Rack: To let the donuts cool and drain excess oil.
From Start to Finish: 15-Minute Homemade Donuts
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and equipment. This will make the process feel seamless and quick.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, granulated sugar, and melted butter until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
In a frying pan or deep pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. You’ll want enough oil to submerge the donuts—about 2 inches deep.
Step 6: Shape the Donuts
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cookie cutters to cut out the donuts. Make sure to save the scrap dough; you can re-roll it to make more donuts!
Step 7: Fry the Donuts
Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry until they are golden brown on one side, about 1-2 minutes, then flip and fry for another minute on the other side. Use the slotted spoon to transfer the donuts to a cooling rack.
Step 8: Coat in Sugar
While the donuts are still warm, toss them in the granulated sugar until fully coated. This step adds a delightful sweetness and crunch.
Quick Replacement Ideas
- For buttermilk, you can mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- If you don’t have granulated sugar, you can substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Use coconut oil or canola oil instead of vegetable oil for frying.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with an acid, like lemon juice.
Common Errors (and Fixes)
- Donuts Not Rising: Ensure your baking powder is fresh. If it’s old, it may not provide enough lift.
- Oil Temperature Too Low: If the donuts absorb too much oil and become greasy, your oil may not be hot enough. Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature, which should be around 350°F (175°C).
- Donuts Falling Apart: If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour while mixing until it reaches a manageable consistency.
- Donuts Overcooking: Keep an eye on the frying donuts; they cook quickly and can burn easily. Adjust your heat if necessary.
Prep Ahead & Store
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to fry, let the dough come to room temperature before cutting and frying. If you have leftover donuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to reheat them slightly before enjoying.
Quick Questions
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?
Yes! You can bake these donuts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until they are golden and cooked through. However, frying gives them a unique texture that baking cannot replicate.
How can I customize the flavor of these donuts?
Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm flavor. You can also mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the batter for added texture and taste.
What’s the best way to serve these donuts?
These donuts are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a drizzle of chocolate glaze, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a side of fruit preserves for dipping. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea!
Can I freeze homemade donuts?
While it’s not recommended to freeze the fried donuts, you can freeze the uncooked dough. Shape the donuts and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, fry them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the frying time.
See You at the Table
There’s something incredibly rewarding about making your own 15-Minute Homemade Donuts. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delightful treat that will impress family and friends alike. Whether served at a brunch, as an after-school snack, or for a cozy weekend breakfast, these donuts are sure to become a favorite in your household. So roll up your sleeves, heat up that oil, and get ready to indulge in the sweet, fluffy goodness of freshly made donuts!
15-Minute Homemade Donuts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by gathering all your ingredients and equipment. This will make the process feel seamless and quick.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, granulated sugar, and melted butter until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- In a frying pan or deep pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. You’ll want enough oil to submerge the donuts—about 2 inches deep.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cookie cutters to cut out the donuts. Make sure to save the scrap dough; you can re-roll it to make more donuts!
- Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry until they are golden brown on one side, about 1-2 minutes, then flip and fry for another minute on the other side. Use the slotted spoon to transfer the donuts to a cooling rack.
- While the donuts are still warm, toss them in the granulated sugar until fully coated. This step adds a delightful sweetness and crunch.
Notes
- For buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
- Brown sugar can be used instead of granulated sugar for a richer flavor.
- Coconut oil or canola oil can substitute vegetable oil for frying.
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