Here’s a Perfect Mini Doughnuts recipe — soft, fluffy inside with a delicate golden crust. These can be baked or fried, and are ideal for glazing, dusting with cinnamon sugar, or decorating however you like.
🍩 Perfect Mini Doughnuts (Fried or Baked)
Yields: About 24 mini doughnuts
Prep Time: 20 mins
Rise Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 2–3 mins per batch (fried) or 10–12 mins (baked)
🌟 Ingredients
For the dough:
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1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
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1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
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2 tbsp sugar
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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1 egg
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract
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1/4 tsp salt
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
For frying (if frying):
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Neutral oil (canola or vegetable), for deep frying
For coating:
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Cinnamon sugar (1/2 cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon), or
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Powdered sugar, or
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Glaze (see below)
🥣 Instructions
1. Activate Yeast
In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp of the sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Make Dough
In a large bowl, whisk the egg, remaining sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Add the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead & Rise
Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled.
4. Shape Doughnuts
Roll out dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut with a mini doughnut cutter (or use a small round cutter + piping tip for the hole). Place on parchment-lined tray. Cover lightly and let rest 10–15 minutes.
🍳 To Fry:
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry doughnuts in batches, 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Coat in sugar or glaze while warm.
🔥 To Bake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Brush with melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
🍯 Optional Glaze
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp milk
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1/2 tsp vanilla
Whisk until smooth. Dip warm doughnuts and let set on a rack.
