There’s something undeniably nostalgic about biting into a freshly fried mini donut, its crisp golden shell giving way to a soft, fluffy interior. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, a mid-day snack, or a dessert, mini donuts have a universal appeal that brings smiles to all ages. This particular recipe is special because it features ricotta cheese, a secret ingredient that adds a delightful moistness and richness to every bite. If you’ve never made donuts at home before, this recipe is the perfect place to start. It requires minimal effort, no fancy equipment, and delivers bakery-style results in no time.
PrintMini Donuts Recipe – A Perfect Treat for Beginners
Craving donuts but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? These Mini Donuts are the answer! 🍩✨ Light, fluffy, and totally customizable, this recipe is beginner-friendly and perfect for any occasion. Whether you love a classic sugar coating or a drizzle of frosting, these donuts are sure to be a hit! Ready to enjoy homemade donut goodness in minutes? 😋🍩 #MiniDonutPerfection #BakingForBeginners #QuickDonuts #SweetAndFluffy #EasyDonutRecipe #HomemadeGoodness #DonutAddict #SimpleDesserts #MiniTreats #DonutLove
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 mini donuts 1x
Ingredients
Donut Ingredients
- 32 oz ricotta cheese (full-fat): Adds moisture and a slight richness to the donuts. Substitute with cottage cheese (blended until smooth) or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- 1 egg: Helps bind the ingredients together. A flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) can be used as an alternative.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the donuts just enough without making them overly sugary. Swap with coconut sugar for a deeper caramel-like flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and enhances the overall taste.
- 3 tsp baking powder: Ensures the donuts rise properly, making them light and airy.
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (350 grams): Provides structure. If using whole wheat flour, mix it with all-purpose flour in a 1:1 ratio to maintain softness.
Additional Ingredients
- Neutral oil for frying: Use vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil. Avoid olive oil as it has a strong flavor.
- ½ cup Nutella (optional): For drizzling over the donuts. Melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or powdered sugar can be used instead.
Instructions
1. Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and baking powder. Stir everything together using a wooden spoon or spatula until the mixture is well blended.
- Gradually add the flour and mix until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but still manageable. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a little more flour.
2. Roll Out the Dough
- Lightly flour a clean work surface and transfer the dough onto it. Sprinkle more flour over the top to prevent sticking.
- Using a rolling pin, gently roll out the dough to about 1-inch thickness. If you don’t have a rolling pin, pat the dough down evenly with your hands.
3. Cut the Donuts
- Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter (or a drinking glass) to cut out circles from the dough. For the center hole, use a small round cutter or the end of a piping tip.
- Gather the leftover dough scraps, re-roll, and cut again until all the dough is used.
4. Heat the Oil for Frying
- Pour about 1 inch of neutral oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep pan. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). Use a frying thermometer to check the temperature. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough into the oil—it should sizzle immediately but not burn.
5. Fry the Mini Donuts
- Carefully drop a few donuts into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to flip them and ensure even cooking. Once done, transfer to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Add the Finishing Touches
- If using Nutella, warm it slightly to make it easier to drizzle. Spoon it into a ziplock bag, snip off the corner, and drizzle over the donuts.
- Alternatively, dust the donuts with powdered sugar, roll them in cinnamon sugar, or dip them in melted chocolate.
Notes
- How to Know When the Oil is Ready: If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. If it’s too cold, they’ll absorb too much oil and turn greasy. A frying thermometer ensures accuracy.
- Avoid Overmixing the Dough: Overworking the dough can make the donuts tough instead of soft and fluffy. Mix just until combined.
- Keeping Donuts Crispy: Let the donuts cool on a wire rack rather than stacking them on a plate to prevent sogginess.
- If the Dough is Too Sticky: Add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
One of the biggest advantages of making homemade mini donuts is that you get full control over the ingredients, ensuring a fresher, healthier, and more customizable treat. Store-bought donuts often contain preservatives, excess sugar, and artificial flavorings, but this recipe uses simple, high-quality ingredients to create a superior version. Plus, because they’re mini, you can enjoy more than one without guilt! The frying process might seem intimidating to beginners, but with the right tips and a little patience, you’ll master it in no time. Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe and learn how to make perfect mini donuts from scratch.
Why This Mini Donut Recipe is Perfect for Beginners
- Easy to Make: No need for a mixer or complicated techniques—just mix, roll, cut, and fry.
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples like flour, sugar, baking powder, and eggs.
- Quick to Prepare: From start to finish, you’ll have fresh donuts in under an hour.
- No Special Equipment Needed: A rolling pin, cookie cutter, and a heavy-bottomed pot are all you need.
- Fun to Customize: Enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with Nutella.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Donut Ingredients
- 32 oz ricotta cheese (full-fat): Adds moisture and a slight richness to the donuts. Substitute with cottage cheese (blended until smooth) or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- 1 egg: Helps bind the ingredients together. A flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) can be used as an alternative.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the donuts just enough without making them overly sugary. Swap with coconut sugar for a deeper caramel-like flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and enhances the overall taste.
- 3 tsp baking powder: Ensures the donuts rise properly, making them light and airy.
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (350 grams): Provides structure. If using whole wheat flour, mix it with all-purpose flour in a 1:1 ratio to maintain softness.
Additional Ingredients
- Neutral oil for frying: Use vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil. Avoid olive oil as it has a strong flavor.
- ½ cup Nutella (optional): For drizzling over the donuts. Melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or powdered sugar can be used instead.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and baking powder. Stir everything together using a wooden spoon or spatula until the mixture is well blended.
- Gradually add the flour and mix until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but still manageable. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a little more flour.
2. Roll Out the Dough
- Lightly flour a clean work surface and transfer the dough onto it. Sprinkle more flour over the top to prevent sticking.
- Using a rolling pin, gently roll out the dough to about 1-inch thickness. If you don’t have a rolling pin, pat the dough down evenly with your hands.
3. Cut the Donuts
- Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter (or a drinking glass) to cut out circles from the dough. For the center hole, use a small round cutter or the end of a piping tip.
- Gather the leftover dough scraps, re-roll, and cut again until all the dough is used.
4. Heat the Oil for Frying
- Pour about 1 inch of neutral oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep pan. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). Use a frying thermometer to check the temperature. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough into the oil—it should sizzle immediately but not burn.
5. Fry the Mini Donuts
- Carefully drop a few donuts into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to flip them and ensure even cooking. Once done, transfer to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Add the Finishing Touches
- If using Nutella, warm it slightly to make it easier to drizzle. Spoon it into a ziplock bag, snip off the corner, and drizzle over the donuts.
- Alternatively, dust the donuts with powdered sugar, roll them in cinnamon sugar, or dip them in melted chocolate.
Beginner Tips and Troubleshooting
- How to Know When the Oil is Ready: If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. If it’s too cold, they’ll absorb too much oil and turn greasy. A frying thermometer ensures accuracy.
- Avoid Overmixing the Dough: Overworking the dough can make the donuts tough instead of soft and fluffy. Mix just until combined.
- Keeping Donuts Crispy: Let the donuts cool on a wire rack rather than stacking them on a plate to prevent sogginess.
- If the Dough is Too Sticky: Add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable.
Serving Suggestions
Mini donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be served in different ways to enhance the experience:
- With Coffee or Tea: A perfect morning treat alongside a warm drink.
- Dipped in Chocolate Sauce: Serve with melted chocolate, caramel, or a fruit glaze for extra indulgence.
- Topped with Nuts or Sprinkles: For a festive touch, add crushed nuts, sprinkles, or coconut flakes.
- Served with Ice Cream: A warm donut paired with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream makes for an irresistible dessert.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep in a cool, dry place.
- Refrigerator: If storing longer, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze the fried (but uncoated) donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a ziplock bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Making homemade mini donuts is a rewarding and fun experience, especially for beginners. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and endless topping possibilities, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves baking. The addition of ricotta cheese ensures a soft, moist texture, while frying gives them that classic donut crispiness. Whether you enjoy them plain, dusted with sugar, or drizzled with Nutella, these mini donuts are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. If you try this recipe, share your experience in the comments—what toppings did you use? Did you find the frying process easy? Let’s bake and enjoy these delicious treats together.