Making donuts with canned biscuit dough is a quick and fun way to enjoy fresh donuts at home. You only need a few basic ingredients and simple steps to turn store-bought biscuit dough into delicious, homemade donuts. Learn how to make donuts with biscuits in this complete article.
To make donuts with biscuits, flatten each biscuit and cut out a hole in the center. Heat oil to 350°F, fry biscuits and holes until golden brown, flipping to cook evenly. Drain on paper towels. For a sweet touch, roll in cinnamon sugar or dip in a glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
Follow this guide to learn exactly how to make these treats. Also, get tips for getting them perfect every time!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Prepare Biscuits: Flatten each biscuit slightly, then use a small cutter to create a hole in the center.
- Fry The Donuts: Heat oil in a pan, then fry biscuits until golden brown, flipping once for even cooking.
- Add Toppings: Coat warm donuts with sugar, cinnamon, or glaze. Do it for a sweet and delicious finish.
Ingredients For Biscuit Donuts
Homemade donuts don’t have to be complicated! By using canned biscuit dough, you can make light and fluffy donuts quickly, with minimal ingredients and tools. This recipe provides easy instructions for transforming biscuits into tasty donuts with a sweet sugar coating or glaze. Let’s get started with what you’ll need.
- 1 can of biscuit dough
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Step-By-Step Guide To Make Biscuit Donuts
Making biscuit donuts is fun and simple! With just a can of biscuit dough and a few basic ingredients, you can create delicious homemade donuts in no time. Follow these step-by-step instructions to turn plain biscuits into golden-brown treats, coated with sugar or drizzled in sweet glaze.
Step 1: Prepare The Biscuits
To start making your biscuit donuts, you first need to prepare the biscuit dough. In this step, you’ll separate each biscuit from the can, flatten them slightly, and cut out a small hole in the center. Save the cut-out pieces as they’ll make tasty donut holes to fry along with the donuts!
Separate Biscuits From The Can
To begin, gently open the can of biscuits, following any instructions on the package. Carefully pull each biscuit apart from the others, as they can sometimes stick together. Place each biscuit on a clean surface like a cutting board or countertop. Make sure they aren’t touching, so they’re easy to work with for the next steps. This setup will make it simple to shape and prepare your donuts.
Flatten Each Biscuit Slightly
Take each biscuit and press it down gently with your hand or the back of a spoon. Flattening them slightly will help to create the right shape for your donuts. You don’t need to make them too thin, just enough so they’re wider and a bit flatter. This step helps them cook evenly and gives them a classic donut shape when fried. Repeat this for each biscuit, and they’ll be ready for the next step.
Use A Cutter To Create Donut Holes
Take a small round cutter or the cap of a bottle, and press it gently into the center of each flattened biscuit to cut out a small circle. This will leave you with a ring-shaped donut and a small piece from the middle. Keep these centerpieces—you can fry them to make mini donut holes! Repeat this step for each biscuit, and you’ll have all your donuts and donut holes ready for frying.
Reserve Donut Holes For Frying
After cutting out the centers of each biscuit, keep those small pieces—these are your donut holes! Place them on a clean surface or plate and set them aside for now. You’ll fry these along with the larger donuts, and they’ll cook up into tasty, bite-sized treats. Donut holes are just as delicious as the main donuts, so don’t forget to save them for frying!
Step 2: Heat The Oil
In this step, you’ll get the oil ready for frying your donuts. Heating the oil to the right temperature is important so that the donuts cook evenly and turn golden brown. Use a deep pan and add enough oil for frying. When the oil is hot enough, your donuts will cook perfectly crispy on the outside!
Pour Oil Into A Frying Pan
Start by pouring vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or pot. The oil must be deep enough for the donuts to float when you start frying them, so add enough to cover about one to two inches of the pan. This depth helps cook the donuts evenly. Make sure the pan is sturdy and placed safely on the stove, as you’ll need hot oil for frying in the next steps.
Heat Oil
With the oil in the pan, turn on the stove to medium heat. Let the oil gradually heat up until it reaches the right temperature for frying. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s hot but not smoking. When you have a thermometer, aim for about 350°F. Heating the oil to the correct temperature is important so that the donuts cook evenly and become golden brown. Be careful, as hot oil can splash!
Test Oil Temperature With A Thermometer
To make sure the oil is hot enough, use a cooking thermometer if you have one. Place the thermometer in the oil carefully and wait until it reads around 350°F. This is the ideal temperature for frying donuts, as it helps them cook perfectly—crispy on the outside and soft inside. When the oil is too cool, the donuts can get soggy; and too hot, and they could burn. This step makes frying easier and safer!
Ensure Oil Is At The Right Level For Frying
Check that the oil level in the pan is just right for frying. It must be deep enough so that when you place the donuts in, they float on top rather than touching the bottom. This helps them cook evenly on all sides. When the oil is too shallow, the donuts cannot cook properly. Yet, when it’s too deep, they could sink or be harder to manage. Aim for about one to two inches of oil depth for best results.
Step 3: Fry The Donuts And Holes
Now it’s time to fry your donuts and holes! Frying gives them a crispy, golden outside, and a soft inside. You’ll carefully place the donuts in the hot oil, let them cook, and then flip them to cook both sides. Fry the donut holes separately, too—they make perfect bite-sized treats! Let’s learn more about it.
Fry Donuts Until Golden Brown
Gently place each donut into the hot oil using tongs or a slotted spoon to avoid splashes. Let them sit in the oil without moving them around. Watch as the bottom turns a nice golden brown, which usually takes about a minute or two. This color tells you that the donut is cooking perfectly. Avoid crowding the pan—frying a few at a time helps each one cook evenly and keeps the oil temperature steady.
Flip To Cook Evenly On Both Sides
Once the bottom of each donut is golden brown, use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully flip it over. This lets the other side cook evenly and turn golden brown as well. Be gentle while flipping to prevent oil splashes or breaking the donuts. Watch closely, as this side will usually cook a bit faster. Once both sides are golden and crispy, they’re ready to be removed from the oil.
Fry Donut Holes Separately
Place the small donut holes gently into the hot oil, a few at a time, so they don’t crowd the pan. Since they’re smaller, they cook much faster than the larger donuts, usually taking only about 30 seconds to a minute per side. Watch them closely and flip each one when the bottom turns golden brown. Once both sides are golden, remove them from the oil. These bite-sized treats are delicious and perfect for snacking!
Remove And Drain On A Paper Towel
After the donuts and donut holes turn a golden brown color, use tongs or a slotted spoon to lift them out of the hot oil carefully. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels. The paper towels help soak up any extra oil, making the donuts less greasy and giving them a nice texture. Let them sit for a few minutes on the paper towels, so they cool slightly and are ready for coating or glazing.
Step 4: Coat Or Glaze The Donuts
Now that your donuts are fried and golden, it’s time to add some sweetness! You can roll them in a tasty cinnamon-sugar mix or dip them in a smooth glaze. Coating or glazing while they’re still warm helps the flavors stick. This final step makes your donuts delicious and ready to enjoy!
Mix Cinnamon And Sugar For Coating
In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and a bit of cinnamon. Stir them together until the cinnamon is evenly mixed with the sugar. This creates a sweet and slightly spicy coating for your donuts. When the donuts are warm, rolling them in this mix will make the sugar stick to the surface, adding a delicious flavor and crunchy texture. This classic coating is perfect if you like your donuts simple and sweet!
Dip Warm Donuts In Sugar Mixture
While your donuts are still warm, take each one and gently roll it in the bowl with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The warmth helps the sugar stick nicely to the donut’s surface, creating a sweet and flavorful coating. Make sure to cover both sides and the edges so that each bite has that delicious, sugary taste. Once coated, place the donuts on a plate, and they’re ready for eating or for adding a glaze if you’d like more sweetness!
Prepare Glaze With Powdered Sugar And Milk
In a separate bowl, add powdered sugar and a small amount of milk. Stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and pourable, adding a little more milk if it’s too thick. For extra flavor, mix in a bit of vanilla extract. This glaze will be sweet and creamy, perfect for dipping or drizzling over your donuts. The vanilla gives a nice hint of flavor, making the donuts even more delicious!
Dip Or Drizzle Donuts With Glaze
While the donuts are still warm, dip each one into the glaze, making sure the top is coated with a sweet layer. When you prefer, you can also use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over the donuts for a lighter coating. The glaze will stick better while the donuts are warm, giving them a delicious, sugary finish. Let the glaze set for a few minutes, and your donuts are ready to enjoy!
Tips For Perfect Biscuit Donuts
To make your biscuit donuts turn out perfectly, there are a few helpful tips to keep in mind. These tips will help you get the best texture, flavor, and appearance for each donut. Follow these suggestions to avoid common mistakes and make sure your donuts are golden, crispy, and delicious every time!
Don’t Overcrowd The Frying Pan
When frying, only place a few donuts in the pan at a time. Each donut needs enough space to float and cook evenly. When you put too many in at once, it lowers the oil temperature, making the donuts cook unevenly and absorb too much oil. This can lead to soggy donuts instead of crispy ones. By giving each donut enough room, they’ll cook faster and come out golden and perfect!
Maintain Consistent Oil Temperature
To make sure your donuts turn out crispy and golden, keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F. Use a thermometer when you have one to check the heat. When the oil gets too hot, the donuts can burn on the outside before cooking through. When it’s too cool, the donuts can soak up too much oil and become greasy. A consistent temperature helps them cook evenly, with the perfect texture and flavor every time.
Flip Donuts Gently For Even Cooking
When one side of the donut is golden, use gentle tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully flip it over. Avoid using too much force, as this can break the donut or cause hot oil to splash. Flipping gently helps the donut cook evenly on both sides and keeps the shape nice and round. By being careful, you’ll ensure each donut is perfectly cooked without any mess or accidents!
Coat Or Glaze While Donuts Are Warm
For the best results, coat or glaze your donuts while they’re still warm. The warmth helps the sugar or glaze stick to the surface, giving each donut a delicious, even layer of sweetness. When the donuts cool down too much, the glaze can slide off, or the sugar cannot stick as well. By working with warm donuts, you’ll get a perfect finish that stays on, making each bite extra tasty!
Store In Airtight Containers For Freshness
After your donuts have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. This type of container prevents air from getting in, which helps the donuts stay soft and tasty for longer. When you leave them out, they can become stale and lose their flavor. By storing them properly, your donuts will remain delicious, so you can enjoy them later without any loss in taste or texture!
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When making biscuit donuts, a few common mistakes can affect how they turn out. Knowing what to avoid will help you get perfect donuts every time—crispy on the outside and soft inside. Here are some simple tips to prevent these mistakes and make sure your donuts taste great! Let’s get into the details.
Frying At Too High Or Low Temperature
When frying donuts, it’s important to keep the oil at 350°F. When the oil is too hot, the donuts will cook too fast on the outside and could burn before the inside is done. When the oil is too cool, the donuts will absorb too much oil, making them greasy instead of crispy. Use a thermometer when possible to check the temperature, and adjust the heat as needed to keep it steady for the best results.
Overcrowding Leads To Uneven Cooking
When you put too many donuts in the pan at once, they don’t have enough space to cook properly. The crowded donuts can bump into each other, and the oil temperature drops, which makes them cook unevenly. Some donuts can end up overcooked, while others stay undercooked or too oily. To get the best results, fry only a few donuts at a time. This way, each one has enough room and the right heat to turn golden and crispy.
Skipping The Donut Hole Frying Step
Don’t throw away the centers you cut out from the biscuits! These small pieces can be fried to make tasty donut holes. Fry them separately, as they cook faster than the larger donuts. Just drop them in the hot oil for a minute or so, turning them until golden brown. They’re easy to make and perfect for snacking. Plus, you’ll get more treats from the same batch, so nothing goes to waste!
Not Draining Excess Oil Properly
After frying, place the donuts on a paper towel to drain off any extra oil. This step helps remove the oily layer, keeping the donuts light and crispy rather than greasy. When you skip this step, the donuts can feel heavy and too oily to enjoy. Just set each donut on a paper towel for a minute or two—it quickly absorbs the excess oil and leaves the donuts perfectly delicious and ready for coating or glazing.
Not Glazing Donuts Immediately
To make sure the glaze or sugar coating sticks well, apply it while the donuts are still warm. When the donuts are warm, the glaze spreads smoothly and clings to the surface, creating a sweet, even layer. When you wait too long, the donuts cool down, and the toppings won’t stick as easily, leaving you with a patchy coating. Glazing right away gives the donuts a delicious finish, making every bite flavorful and sweet!
FAQs
1. Can I Use An Air Fryer To Make Biscuit Donuts?
Yes. You can use an air fryer to make biscuit donuts! Prepare the biscuits by cutting out a hole in the center. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 350°F for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden. When done, coat them in cinnamon sugar or glaze for a tasty treat.
2. What Toppings Work Well With Biscuit Donuts?
Toppings that work well with biscuit donuts include cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, and vanilla glaze. You can also add chocolate glaze, caramel drizzle, or sprinkles for extra fun. For a fruity taste, add jam or fresh berries. These toppings make biscuit donuts even sweeter and more delicious!
3. Can I Use Homemade Biscuit Dough Instead Of Canned?
Yes. You can use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned for donuts! Prepare the dough, roll it out, and cut donut shapes with a hole in the center. Fry in oil at 350°F until golden brown. Then, add your favorite coating or glaze. Homemade dough makes delicious, fresh donuts that are so enjoyable!
Conclusion
Making donuts with canned biscuits is a fun, simple way to enjoy fresh, homemade donuts anytime. You don’t need fancy ingredients or equipment—just some biscuit dough, oil, and a few tasty toppings like sugar or glaze.
Carefully follow the steps. For example, heat the oil to the right temperature and avoid too many donuts in the pan at once. Thus, you’ll create golden-brown donuts that are crispy outside and soft inside. These donuts taste best when they’re warm and freshly coated, but you can also store extras in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Whether coated in cinnamon sugar or drizzled with glaze, these biscuit donuts are sure to be a hit. Enjoy your homemade treat and have fun experimenting with different toppings to make each batch special!
