Name: Perfect Sugar Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup whole milk (warm); 2½ tsp dry active yeast; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 large egg; 2 large egg yolks; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Corn oil

Jump to Recipe

Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of fresh, pillowy-soft donuts coated in a shimmering blanket of sugar. That’s the magic behind Perfect Sugar Donuts: a classic treat that brings pure comfort and joy with every bite. Whether you’re recreating nostalgic memories or just craving something sweet and homemade, these donuts deliver a golden, fluffy texture and a sweetness that’s never overpowering. Believe me, once you master these, they’ll become your go-to recipe for family gatherings or impromptu celebrations—because there’s just nothing quite like Perfect Sugar Donuts made from scratch.

Perfect Sugar Donuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These homemade donuts require nothing fancy—just a handful of humble, flavorful ingredients. Each one is essential and plays a special role in the dough’s texture, taste, and irresistible golden color. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Whole milk (1 cup, warm): The warmth activates the yeast and adds richness to the dough.
Dry active yeast (2½ tsp): This is the magic ingredient for that airy rise and classic donut fluffiness.
Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons for yeast; 1/2 cup for dough; plus 1 cup for coating): Sweetens the dough, feeds the yeast, and creates the signature sugary exterior.
All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups): The backbone of the donut, providing the perfect tender crumb.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all that sweetness, bringing out the flavors of every ingredient.
Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, room temperature): Adds richness and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Egg (1 large) and egg yolks (2 large): Binds the dough and enriches it for a super soft, yellow-tinged interior.
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): A splash of pure flavor that elevates the whole donut experience.
Corn oil (for frying): The go-to for a light, crisp shell without overwhelming the donut’s flavor.

How to Make Perfect Sugar Donuts

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start things off right by waking up your yeast. In a large measuring cup, combine one cup of warm (around 108 degrees Fahrenheit) whole milk, 2½ teaspoons of dry active yeast, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Whisk it together and set it aside for about 5–10 minutes. You’re looking for a rich, frothy top—a clear sign your yeast is alive and ready to give those Perfect Sugar Donuts their signature airy texture.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Now it gets exciting! In your stand mixer, add 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3 tablespoons room-temperature unsalted butter, 1 large egg, 2 large egg yolks, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and your frothy yeast mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, start mixing on low speed. Once the flour is mostly incorporated, kick it up to high and let it knead for about 10–15 minutes. Don’t rush—this is what creates a supple, slightly sticky dough that’s perfect for light, chewy donuts.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Scoop your dough out and place it into a large, lightly greased bowl (a teaspoon or two of olive oil does wonders here). Cover tightly with plastic wrap and set in a warm spot for 1–2 hours. Patience pays off—the longer your dough rises, the fluffier your Perfect Sugar Donuts will be. You want it to double, even triple in size for best results.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Donuts

Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release excess air and transfer it onto a floured surface. With a rolling pin, gently roll the dough out to about half an inch thick. Use a 3-inch biscuit cutter or an upside-down glass to cut out circles. Gather scraps, re-roll, and cut until no dough is left. You should get roughly 16 donuts. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then cover with a towel or plastic wrap for a final 30-minute rise.

Step 5: Fry and Sugar the Donuts

Heat about 2 inches of corn oil in a sturdy, heavy-bottomed pot to 340 degrees Fahrenheit—you want a gentle sizzle, not a fast burn. Fry each donut, a few at a time, for about 2 minutes per side until they’re deep golden and puffed. Transfer to a paper towel-lined sheet to drain any excess oil. As soon as they’re warm but not piping hot, roll those beauties in a big bowl of granulated sugar so they’re completely coated. Your Perfect Sugar Donuts are ready for their grand debut!

How to Serve Perfect Sugar Donuts

Garnishes

While the sparkle of fresh sugar is classic, a little creativity goes a long way. Try dusting your donuts with a mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon, or add a hint of grated lemon or orange zest for an unexpected zing. If you’re feeling decadent, a drizzle of warm chocolate or a light vanilla glaze turns Perfect Sugar Donuts into an instant bakery showstopper.

Side Dishes

Pair your donuts with a steaming mug of coffee, rich hot chocolate, or a homemade chai latte for the ultimate dunking moment. These fluffy wonders also complement a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re building an all-out brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile your warm Perfect Sugar Donuts on a vintage cake stand for an irresistible centerpiece, or thread them onto skewers for a fun, grab-and-go treat at parties. For a sweet gift, bundle them in pretty bakery boxes lined with parchment and tie with a ribbon—they’re just as delightful to give as to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any leftover Perfect Sugar Donuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best eaten within a day but will stay soft for about two days. Humidity is the enemy, so avoid refrigerating, as this can dry them out.

Freezing

To freeze, skip the sugar coating and let the freshly fried donuts cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw and warm gently before tossing in sugar.

Reheating

Bring leftover donuts back to life by warming them in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for 5–7 minutes, or microwave for 10–12 seconds until just warm. If they’ve lost their sugar sparkle, simply toss them again in a fresh bowl of granulated sugar before serving.

FAQs

Do I need a stand mixer to make these donuts?

A stand mixer makes kneading easy and efficient, but you can absolutely make Perfect Sugar Donuts by hand. It’ll take some elbow grease—knead for about 15–20 minutes until the dough is soft, smooth, and a bit tacky.

Can I let the dough rise overnight?

Yes! Place the covered bowl of dough in the refrigerator overnight for a slow, cold rise. The next day, allow it to come to room temperature before continuing with rolling and cutting.

Why are my donuts oily or greasy?

If your oil isn’t hot enough, the donuts can absorb too much oil. Use a thermometer to keep the oil at 340 degrees Fahrenheit. Overcrowding the pot can also drop the temperature, so fry in small batches.

Can I use another type of oil for frying?

Corn oil gives you great flavor and a light crust, but you can use canola or vegetable oil with equally delicious results. Just avoid strongly flavored oils like olive or peanut, which can overpower the Perfect Sugar Donuts’ delicate taste.

What’s the best way to make mini donuts?

Simply use a small cookie cutter (about 1.5 inches wide) to punch out smaller rounds. Keep an eye on frying time—mini donuts will cook faster, usually in about a minute per side.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Perfect Sugar Donuts have a way of making any day extra special. With their fluffy centers and sweet, sparkling finish, they invite everyone to slow down, savor, and maybe sneak back for seconds. Give this recipe a try—you’ll see why they’re a perennial favorite in kitchens everywhere!

Perfect Sugar Donuts Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 15 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 3 hours
Yield: 16 donuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful taste of freshly fried sugar donuts with this easy-to-follow recipe. These donuts are light, fluffy, and coated in a generous layer of sugar for the perfect sweet treat.

Instructions

Let the yeast mixture froth up – In a large measuring cup, combine warm milk, dry active yeast, and granulated sugar. Whisk and let it froth for 5-10 minutes.
Add all dough ingredients into your stand mixer – Mix dough ingredients until a sticky consistency is achieved.
Let the dough rise – Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours.
Roll, cut, and rise the dough again – Roll out dough, cut into circles, and let them rise for 30 minutes.
Fry the donuts and cover in sugar – Fry donuts until golden brown, then coat with granulated sugar.

Notes

For best results, ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying.
You can customize the sugar coating with cinnamon or other spices for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American