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If you’re craving a treat that’s irresistibly soft on the inside with a sweet, crunchy sugar coating on the outside, then this Sugar Donuts Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These fluffy, golden donuts have a tender crumb thanks to an overnight rise, and they’re perfectly pan-fried to give you that classic donut experience without needing a fancy donut maker. Trust me, once you try making these sugar-coated gems, you’ll want to whip up batch after batch to share (or keep all to yourself!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

The collage shows four steps of making dough rings on a white marbled surface. The first section shows a woman's hand rolling out light beige dough with a wooden rolling pin, flattening it evenly. The second section shows a woman's hand holding a round scalloped cutter, stamping out circle shapes from the dough sheet. The third section focuses on a metal piping tip pushing out a smaller round shape inside a larger dough circle, creating a ring shape with a hole in the center. The last section shows multiple raw dough rings placed neatly on a baking sheet lined with white parchment paper, each ring evenly spaced and light beige in color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Donuts might sound fancy, but the ingredients here are simple, honest, and all-stars in their own right. Each helps build that perfect texture and dreamy flavor you expect in a great sugar donut—with the softness from the milk and eggs, the strength from the bread flour, and velvety richness from the butter.

Whole milk (110 g, lukewarm): Feeds the yeast and keeps the dough tender.
Granulated sugar (50 g): Adds subtle sweetness and helps the yeast bloom beautifully.
Fresh yeast (12.5 g): Responsible for the perfect rise; you can use instant yeast (5 g) as a substitute.
Egg yolk (1, room temperature): Gives a rich, silky texture and helps with browning.
Egg (1, room temperature): Binds the dough and contributes to softness.
Bread flour (250 g): High protein content creates that chewy, elastic donut crumb. All-purpose flour works in a pinch.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Unsalted butter (30 g, soft): Adds moisture and a luscious richness to every bite.
Vegetable or canola oil (1.5 liters): For frying—neutral oil ensures your donuts fry evenly without off-flavors.
Granulated sugar (100 g): For rolling your hot donuts in a sparkly, sweet coating.

How to Make Sugar Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Start by mixing the granulated sugar with lukewarm milk and then sprinkle the fresh yeast on top. The kitchen should be warm and cozy because in about 10 minutes you’ll see the yeast foam up, which means it’s ready to work its magic on your dough.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, pour the bubbly yeast mixture into your stand mixer bowl fitted with a kneading hook. Add in the egg and egg yolk, and mix just until combined – the eggs bring that richness and help your donuts get that tender crumb.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the bread flour and salt while the mixer runs on low speed. Let the dough come together—it will be shaggy and sticky at this point, but that’s exactly what you want before adding butter.

Step 4: Add Butter and Knead

Now the fun part: cutting the softened butter into chunks and adding it piece by piece while the mixer kneads on medium-high. Keep kneading for about 10 minutes until the dough transforms into a glossy, elastic ball that no longer sticks to your fingers. This step builds the gluten and creates that bounce you’ll love in each bite.

Step 5: First Rise

Tuck your dough into a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a tea towel, and let it rise. Ideally, place it in the fridge overnight for a slow, meaningful ferment or let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours if you’re short on time. This rest is crucial for developing flavor and that soft interior.

Step 6: Shape Your Donuts

Once risen, gently deflate the dough and knead it lightly for a few seconds. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch or 0.6 cm thick. Use a 3-inch (8 cm) cookie cutter to cut out your donut circles, then carefully cut out the centers with a smaller tool — I love using the back end of a piping nozzle. If you have a donut cutter, that’s perfect too! Place the shapes on baking paper-lined trays, and re-roll scraps to get every last donut.

Step 7: Second Proofing

Let your donuts proof at room temperature once again for about 1-2 hours until beautifully puffed. Choose a warm spot but steer clear of direct sunlight to avoid drying the dough. This second rise guarantees a light, airy donut.

Step 8: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat your oil in a heavy-bottomed pan to around 180°C (356°F). A kitchen thermometer really helps here to keep the temperature steady. Fry 3-4 donuts at a time, ensuring they have plenty of room to float without crowding. Fry each side for approximately 2 minutes until they’re gorgeously golden brown.

Step 9: Sugar Coat and Serve

Drain the fried donuts on a wire rack lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil. While they’re still hot and irresistibly fresh, toss them into the granulated sugar. That sugary crunch on the outside against the pillowy softness inside will have you hooked from the very first bite.

How to Serve Sugar Donuts Recipe

There is a close-up of a stack of three round doughnuts covered in sugar crystals on a dark slate square, with the top doughnut showing a bite taken out to reveal a soft, light inside. To the side, a white bowl holds more sugar-coated doughnuts, and several more are scattered lightly blurred on a white marbled surface in the background. The doughnuts have a golden brown color with a rough sugar texture evenly coating their outside, and the overall scene is bright and clean. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The beauty of this Sugar Donuts Recipe is how versatile it is with toppings. While classic granulated sugar is perfection, you can jazz them up with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. For a fun twist, dipping one side in melted chocolate before sugar coating adds a bit of indulgence.

Side Dishes

These donuts shine as a simple, sweet morning treat or an afternoon snack. Pair them with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea to balance the sweetness. A side of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can also make your donut moment feel extra special without overshadowing the star flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive breakfast or party dessert, stack your sugar donuts in a towering pyramid or place them in a rustic basket lined with colorful napkins. You could also thread them onto skewers with fruit chunks for a playful donut kabob that’s sure to surprise and delight guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any donuts left (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for 1-2 days and maintain their soft texture, though they’re best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze cooled donuts by individually wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When frozen properly, they will keep for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy your Sugar Donuts Recipe anytime without starting from scratch.

Reheating

To bring your frozen or day-old donuts back to life, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5-7 minutes or pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds. For that fresh-off-the-fryer experience, toss them again in granulated sugar while still warm.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of fresh yeast in this Sugar Donuts Recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute 12.5 g of fresh yeast with 5 g (about 1.5 teaspoons) of instant yeast. Just mix it directly with the flour and reduce your proofing time slightly, since instant yeast activates faster.

Why is it important to let the dough rise overnight?

The long, slow rise in the refrigerator allows the dough to develop deeper flavor and improves texture, resulting in donuts that are soft and wonderfully tender. If pressed for time, a 1-2 hour rise at room temperature will still work.

What’s the best oil for frying donuts?

Vegetable or canola oil is ideal because it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, which lets the sweetness of your donuts shine through without imparting any off-tastes.

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

This recipe is designed for frying to get that classic crispy, golden exterior. Baking can work but expect a different texture—less crisp and a bit cakier. If you want to bake, try shaping the dough like rolls and brushing with melted butter before baking.

How do I get the sugar coating to stick perfectly?

Roll your donuts in granulated sugar immediately after frying while they’re still hot and slightly oily—that helps the sugar adhere beautifully, creating that classic, crackly sugar crust you crave.

Final Thoughts

This Sugar Donuts Recipe is a heartfelt invitation to enjoy the simple joy of homemade treats. From the first step of nurturing your yeast to frying your golden beauties and rolling them in sugar, each moment feels like a warm hug in donut form. I can’t wait for you to dive in and experience just how rewarding it is to make your own fresh, dreamy donuts that disappear almost as quickly as you make them. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to some magic today!

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