The Sweet Joy of Homemade Donuts: A Treat Worth Making from Scratch
There’s something almost magical about homemade donuts. The smell of warm dough, the golden glow as they rise in the oil, and that first bite — soft, sweet, and perfectly fresh. While grabbing a box from your local bakery is tempting, making donuts at home is an experience that’s just as rewarding as it is delicious.
Why Make Donuts at Home?
Homemade donuts aren’t just about taste — they’re about the joy of creating something from scratch. You control every ingredient, every flavor, and every topping. Plus, it’s a fun project for families, friends, or a cozy weekend morning by yourself.
One of my favorite Halloween traditions was going to the neighbors for homemade donuts and hot chocolate. They would dress like witches, have a bonfire and the perfect Halloween treat. We still try to swing by if we can make it.
Store-bought donuts may be convenient, but fresh-from-the-fryer ones are unbeatable. Warm, pillowy, and customizable — they remind you that some of the best things in life take just a little extra love (and maybe a sprinkle of sugar).
Yeast vs. Cake Donuts: Know Your Dough
Before diving in, it helps to know the two main types of donuts:
• Yeast Donuts: Light, airy, and fluffy — these rise thanks to yeast. Think classic glazed or filled donuts.
• Cake Donuts: Denser and tender, made with baking powder instead of yeast. These are great for dipping in coffee or adding fun flavors like pumpkin spice or chocolate.
Both are easy to make at home; it just depends on your mood and how much time you’ve got.
Ingredients
- Donuts
- 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 2 packages active dry yeast (or 4 1/2 teaspoons)
- 1 1/2 cups warm milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 7 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Glaze
- 8 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place potatoes in a large saucepan and fill with water until potatoes are covered by an inch. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid; cool to 110°-115°. Discard remaining cooking liquid. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher.
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in reserved cooking liquid. Add the mashed potatoes, milk, 1/2 cup of canola oil, sugar, eggs, and salt. Mix in flour to form a soft dough- you may not need the last half cup. Place in a greased bowl using cooking spray or oil, turning once to grease the top of the dough.
- Cover dough with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch dough down; let rise again until doubled, about 20 minutes. Using floured hands spread out dough on a floured surface into a round of dough that's about 10 inches in diameter, and 1 1/2 - 2 inches thick.* Cut with a floured 3 1/2 inch donut cutter.
- In a dutch oven, or deep fryer, heat the remaining canola oil to 350° F. Fry donuts, a few at a time, until dark golden brown, about 4 minutes per batch, rotating the donuts half way through. Do not allow the heat to exceed 350° F, the outside will cook too fast and leave the inside doughy.
- For glaze, in a large bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, water and vanilla until smooth. Dip warm donuts in glaze. Cool on wire racks.
Fun Variations to Try
• Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Skip the glaze and roll the warm donuts in cinnamon sugar instead.
• Filled Donuts: Pipe in jam, Nutella, or custard for a sweet surprise.
• Maple Bacon Donuts: Drizzle maple glaze and top with crispy bacon pieces.
• Baked Donuts: Want something lighter? Bake cake-style donuts in a donut pan — no oil required!
Tips for Perfect Donuts
• Temperature matters: If your oil is too hot, donuts brown too fast and stay raw inside. Too cool, and they’ll soak up oil.
• Don’t overcrowd: Fry just a few at a time so they cook evenly.
• Eat fresh: Homemade donuts are best enjoyed the day they’re made — ideally, still a little warm.
The Sweet Takeaway
Homemade donuts are more than just a dessert — they’re a little act of joy. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a lazy Sunday morning, they bring comfort, creativity, and connection to your kitchen.
So roll up your sleeves, heat up that oil, and treat yourself. After all, life’s too short to skip the sprinkles.
