Simple Sugar Donuts (Sweet, Fluffy, and Irresistible)

Introduction

Simple Sugar Donuts are the perfect treat when you’re craving something sweet, fluffy, and comforting. These donuts are easy to make and require minimal ingredients, yet they come out soft on the inside with a sweet sugar coating on the outside. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, dessert, or just as a fun snack, these donuts are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. I love making these on lazy mornings or for weekend brunches, as they only take about 20 minutes from start to finish. The best part? They’re fried until golden and crispy on the outside, while still light and soft on the inside. Plus, they’re rolled in a simple cinnamon sugar mix, adding just the right amount of sweetness.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly simple and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or ingredients. The result is a classic, fluffy donut that you can easily customize by adding extra flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a glaze if you like. These donuts are fun to make and share, and they’re the perfect balance of crispy, soft, and sweet. Whether you make them for a special occasion or just as a treat to enjoy with your family, you’ll love how quickly they come together and how delicious they are!

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Flour is the base of the donut dough, giving it structure and tenderness.

Baking powder
Baking powder helps the donuts rise and become light and fluffy.

Granulated sugar
Sugar sweetens both the dough and the sugar coating.

Salt
A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.

Milk
Milk adds moisture to the dough, making it soft and tender.

Egg
An egg helps bind the dough together and adds richness.

Butter
Butter adds a slight richness and flavor to the donuts.

Vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances the flavor and adds a nice, sweet aroma.

Vegetable oil (for frying)
Oil is used to fry the donuts, making them golden and crispy.

Granulated sugar (for coating)
This is used to roll the donuts after frying, giving them their classic sweet finish.

Optional: Cinnamon
If you like cinnamon, you can mix a little with the sugar for a classic cinnamon sugar coating.

Directions

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add the milk, egg, and melted butter, then stir everything together until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky, but not too wet.
2. Roll out the dough: Lightly flour a clean surface, then roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thick. Using a donut cutter or two round cutters (one larger for the outer ring and one smaller for the hole), cut out the donuts. If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can also shape them into round balls or use a glass to make circular shapes.
3. Fry the donuts: In a large pot, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, frying a few at a time, so as not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each donut for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Use tongs to flip the donuts and remove them from the oil once they’re done.
4. Coat the donuts: While the donuts are still warm, roll them in a bowl of granulated sugar (and cinnamon, if using). Coat them completely to give them that delicious sugary finish.
5. Serve and enjoy: Allow the donuts to cool slightly before serving, or enjoy them warm. These are best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8-10 donuts, depending on the size. Preparation time is around 10 minutes, and cooking time is about 10-15 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds if you want to enjoy them warm again.

Variations and Customizations

These donuts are super versatile! You can:

• Add cinnamon: Mix cinnamon into the sugar for a cinnamon-sugar donut.
• Glaze them: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for extra sweetness.
• Add sprinkles: After glazing, sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top for a fun, festive look.
• Stuff them: You can stuff the donuts with chocolate or fruit jam before frying for a filled donut.

You can also try using different flavorings in the dough, such as almond extract or orange zest for a unique twist.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

These donuts are a treat, so they’re best enjoyed in moderation. While they do provide a small amount of protein and carbs, they are higher in sugar and fat. To make them slightly lighter, you can bake them instead of frying them (though they won’t have the same crispy texture).

Expert Tips & Customizations

Oil temperature
Make sure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F). If it’s too hot, the donuts will burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil.

Avoid overcrowding
Fry a few donuts at a time to ensure they cook evenly and don’t stick together.

Coat them while warm
The sugar coating sticks better when the donuts are still warm from the fryer.

FAQs

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, though they won’t be as crispy.

Can I freeze these donuts?

Yes, you can freeze the uncoated donuts before frying. Fry them when you’re ready, or you can fry them first and then freeze for later.

What if I don’t have a donut cutter?

You can use a drinking glass to cut out the outer shape and a smaller bottle cap or cookie cutter to create the hole.

Can I use other types of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you can try whole wheat flour for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Can I use a different coating?

Yes! You can experiment with powdered sugar or even a simple chocolate glaze.

Conclusion

Simple Sugar Donuts are an easy-to-make, deliciously sweet treat that will brighten up your day. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something sweet, these donuts are the perfect go-to recipe. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can enjoy fresh, warm donuts right at home!

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