Soft & Fluffy Mini Donuts – Baked or Fried
These mini donuts are light, fluffy, and absolutely delicious! Whether you prefer them baked or fried, they are quick to make and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Coat them in cinnamon sugar, dip them in chocolate glaze, or top them with sprinkles for extra fun. Enjoy fresh, homemade mini donuts with this easy recipe!
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Mini donut pan (for baked version) or deep fryer (for fried version)
- Piping bag or ziplock bag (for batter)
- Cooling rack
- Small saucepan (for glaze, optional)
- Slotted spoon (for frying)
Ingredients
- For the Mini Donuts:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg optional, for classic donut flavor
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Coating Options:
- Cinnamon Sugar: ½ cup granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Chocolate Glaze: ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips + 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Powdered Sugar: ½ cup confectioners' sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking. Grease a mini donut pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
- Step 2: Bake or Fry the Donuts
- For Baked Mini Donuts:
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or ziplock bag and pipe into the mini donut molds, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- For Fried Mini Donuts:
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
- Using a small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter into the oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Step 3: Add Toppings
- While still warm, coat in cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or dip in chocolate glaze.
- Let glazed donuts set for 10 minutes, then enjoy!
Notes
For extra fluffiness, do not overmix the batter.
No donut pan? Use a muffin tin and bake for a few extra minutes.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
Frying tip: Keep oil temperature steady to avoid greasy donuts.
No donut pan? Use a muffin tin and bake for a few extra minutes.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
Frying tip: Keep oil temperature steady to avoid greasy donuts.