13 Donut Recipes So Easy You’ll Never Buy Store-Bought Again
There’s something irresistible about a warm, golden donut fresh from your own kitchen – crispy on the outside, fluffy within, and glazed to perfection.
Forget the grocery store dozen that goes stale overnight. These easy, foolproof recipes turn anyone into a donut pro in no time.
You’ll mix, fry, or bake your way to treats that taste like they came straight from a bakery window.
So pull out your mixing bowl, dust off that rolling pin, and get ready to create donut magic right at home.
1. Classic Glazed Donuts
Nothing beats the melt-in-your-mouth magic of a freshly glazed donut. The secret is letting your dough rise properly – patience pays off big time here.
Once fried to golden perfection, dip them in a simple powdered sugar glaze while they’re still warm. The glaze sets into that iconic shiny coating that’ll make you wonder why you ever settled for less.
2. Chocolate Frosted Donuts
Rich, decadent chocolate frosting transforms a simple donut into pure bliss. Use real cocoa powder and a splash of vanilla for that bakery-quality taste.
The trick is getting your frosting consistency just right – not too thick, not too runny. Add rainbow sprinkles while the frosting’s still wet, and you’ve got an Instagram-worthy treat that tastes even better than it looks.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Warm donuts rolled in cinnamon sugar are basically edible hugs. Mix your cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl before the donuts cool down too much.
While they’re still hot from frying, toss them generously in that sweet, spicy coating. Every bite delivers that perfect crunch followed by soft, pillowy donut heaven that’ll transport you straight to the county fair.
4. Jelly-Filled Donuts
Biting into a jelly donut and getting that sweet fruity surprise is pure joy. Use a piping bag with a long tip to inject your favorite jam deep into the center.
Raspberry or strawberry work great, but feel adventurous with blueberry or apricot.
Dust the outside with powdered sugar, and you’ve got a classic treat that beats any bakery version – plus, you control how much jelly goes in!
5. Boston Cream Donuts
Ever wondered why Boston cream is so beloved? It’s that dreamy combo of vanilla custard and chocolate ganache that makes it irresistible.
Make a simple pastry cream for the filling – it’s easier than you think. Split your donuts, pipe in that luscious custard, then top with silky chocolate ganache.
These fancy-looking beauties will make you feel like a professional baker.
6. Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts
That signature crackly exterior is what makes old-fashioned donuts so darn charming. Sour cream in the batter creates an incredibly tender crumb and subtle tang.
These beauties fry up with those gorgeous craggy edges that catch extra glaze in all the right places.
They’re not fancy, but they’re authentic comfort food that grandma would definitely approve of – simple perfection in donut form.
7. Apple Cider Donuts
Fall in a donut – that’s what apple cider donuts taste like. Boil down apple cider to concentrate those flavors before adding it to your batter.
The result? Moist, spiced donuts bursting with real apple flavor that’ll make your kitchen smell like an orchard.
Roll them in cinnamon sugar while warm, grab a mug of coffee, and pretend you’re at a charming autumn farm stand.
8. Maple Bacon Donuts
Sweet meets savory in this flavor explosion that sounds weird but tastes phenomenal. Crispy bacon crumbles scattered over maple glaze create the ultimate sweet-and-salty combo.
Use real maple syrup in your glaze – none of that fake stuff. Cook your bacon extra crispy so it stays crunchy on top.
One bite and you’ll understand why this trendy flavor became a modern classic practically overnight.
9. Strawberry Frosted Donuts
Pretty in pink and bursting with berry flavor, these donuts bring serious happiness. Real strawberry puree in the frosting makes all the difference – no artificial flavoring needed here.
The natural fruit gives you that gorgeous pink color and authentic taste. Top with rainbow sprinkles for extra fun, and watch these disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”
10. Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts
Bright, zesty, and totally refreshing – these aren’t your typical heavy donuts. Fresh lemon zest in the batter and glaze delivers that punchy citrus kick.
Poppy seeds add delightful texture and that classic speckled look. These make fantastic breakfast treats because they’re not overly sweet, just perfectly balanced with tangy brightness.
11. Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Yes, pumpkin spice belongs in donut form, and it’s glorious. Real pumpkin puree keeps these incredibly moist while cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring warmth.
Top with cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence, or keep it simple with a cinnamon sugar coating. These capture everything cozy about autumn in one perfect bite.
Your house will smell absolutely amazing while they bake – consider that free aromatherapy.
12. Blueberry Cake Donuts
Packed with juicy blueberries, these donuts taste like summer mornings. Toss your berries in flour before folding them into the batter – this prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
Each bite delivers bursts of fruity goodness throughout. A simple vanilla glaze lets the blueberry flavor shine without competing.
Fresh or frozen berries work great, so you can make these year-round whenever the craving strikes hard.
13. Red Velvet Donuts
Cake meets donut in this show-stopping crimson creation. That distinctive red velvet flavor – subtle cocoa with a hint of tang – translates beautifully to donut form.
Cream cheese frosting is non-negotiable here; it’s the classic pairing for good reason. These look fancy enough for special occasions but are surprisingly simple to make.
The dramatic color alone will have everyone asking for your secret recipe immediately.
