Quick & Simple Donut Recipe

If you’ve ever craved donuts but didn’t want to wrestle with yeast or fire up a deep fryer, this quick and simple donut recipe is going to be your new best friend. I’ve always loved the idea of homemade donuts — they’re warm, comforting, and endlessly customizable — but the thought of yeast rising or a vat of hot oil made me hesitate. These donuts, however, are different. They’re soft, tender, and come together with just a handful of everyday ingredients, cooked simply in a pan with a little oil.

What I really love about this recipe is how approachable it is. You don’t need fancy tools or hours of waiting. Plus, you can personalize your donuts with anything from cinnamon sugar to a chocolate drizzle or even sprinkles if you’re feeling festive. They’re perfect for a weekend breakfast, a quick afternoon snack, or a sweet treat whenever the craving hits.

I first tried making these on a lazy Sunday when I wanted something cozy but quick, and honestly, they were a total game-changer. The Greek yogurt keeps the donuts moist and gives a subtle tang that balances the sweetness beautifully. Plus, cooking them in a pan instead of deep frying means you use way less oil but still get that golden, slightly crisp outside and soft inside.

Let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before diving in, here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to whip these up:

• 1 cup (125g) self-rising flour (or make your own with all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt)

• ½ cup (120ml) Greek yogurt (plain yogurt works too)

• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, but I like the subtle sweetness)

• 1-2 tablespoons oil (for cooking — coconut oil, vegetable oil, or butter all work well)

For toppings, the options are endless — I’ll share some of my favorites later on, but think cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar glaze, melted chocolate, or even sprinkles.

Steps to Get You Started

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Start by combining your dry ingredients and yogurt in a bowl. If you’re using self-rising flour, just toss it in with the sugar (if you want some sweetness). Then add the Greek yogurt. Mix everything together until you have a soft dough. It should be easy to handle but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, a little extra flour can help.

Step 2: Shape Your Donuts

Next, roll the dough into 6 to 8 small balls. Don’t worry about being perfect — homemade means a little rustic charm. Flatten each ball slightly into a disk shape. Then, using a bottle cap or any small round object, punch out the center of each disk to create that classic donut shape.

At this point, your donuts are ready for the pan.

Step 3: Heat the Pan and Cook

Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of your chosen oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot but not smoking, carefully place your donuts in the pan. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown color — crispy on the outside, tender inside.

Now that you’ve got those lovely golden donut rings cooked up, it’s time to take them to the next level with some fun and delicious toppings. This is where you can really get creative and tailor your donuts to exactly how you like them — whether you’re after something classic like cinnamon sugar or a more indulgent chocolate drizzle.

Plus, I’ll share a few handy tips to make sure your donuts come out perfectly every time, from cooking tricks to how to store any leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have some).

Steps to Finish Your Donuts

Step 4: Add Your Favorite Toppings

Right after your donuts come off the pan, they’re still warm and perfectly primed to soak up or hold on to your toppings. Here are some of my favorite ways to dress them up:

• Cinnamon Sugar: Mix ¼ cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Toss the warm donuts in this mixture until coated. It’s simple, classic, and always a crowd-pleaser.

• Powdered Sugar Glaze: Whisk ½ cup powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle this over your donuts with a spoon or dip the tops in the glaze for a sweet, shiny finish.

• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate chips with a bit of coconut oil (just a tablespoon to thin it out). Use a fork or spoon to drizzle the chocolate over the donuts. You can also sprinkle crushed nuts or shredded coconut on top while the chocolate is still wet for some extra texture and flavor.

• Other Toppings: Sprinkles, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar all work beautifully.

The key is to apply these toppings while the donuts are still warm so they stick nicely and soak up the flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these donuts fresh and warm for the best texture — that soft, tender bite paired with the warm, sweet coating is what makes these so irresistible. They’re perfect with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a cold glass of milk.

If you want to keep them for a bit, store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature, but honestly, they’re best eaten the same day.

Helpful Tips and Variations

• Flour Options: Using self-rising flour really simplifies things since it already contains baking powder and salt. But if you only have all-purpose flour, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt.

• Yogurt Choices: Greek yogurt is ideal here because it adds moisture and a slight tang, but plain yogurt works just fine too. Avoid flavored yogurts to keep the donut’s taste balanced.

• Oil for Cooking: I prefer coconut oil for the subtle flavor it adds, but vegetable oil or even butter can work. Just be sure to keep the heat at medium — too hot and the donuts will brown too quickly without cooking through.

• Donut Shape: Don’t stress too much about the size or how perfect the holes are. These donuts are meant to be fun and homemade, so a little rustic charm goes a long way.

• Make Them Vegan: To make these donuts vegan, try substituting the yogurt for a plant-based alternative like coconut or almond yogurt, and cook with a vegan-friendly oil.

By now, you’ve got those soft, tender donuts cooked and topped just the way you like. Before we wrap up, I want to answer some of the common questions I hear about this recipe. Hopefully, this will clear up any lingering doubts and help you feel confident the next time you make these easy donuts at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these donuts without Greek yogurt?
Yes! Plain yogurt is a great substitute if you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand. Just be sure it’s not flavored or sweetened, as that will affect the donut’s taste. The yogurt adds moisture and tenderness, so skipping it isn’t recommended unless you want a completely different texture.

2. How do I store leftover donuts?
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. For longer storage, you can freeze them by wrapping each donut individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. To reheat, thaw and warm in a toaster oven or microwave briefly.

3. Can I bake these donuts instead of cooking in a pan?
This recipe is designed for pan-frying to get that golden crust with minimal oil. Baking will yield a different texture, more like a soft biscuit. If you want to bake them, try placing the donut rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, but keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.

4. What if I don’t have a bottle cap for the donut hole?
No worries! You can use the lid of a small jar, a piping tip, or even the end of a small round cookie cutter. If none of those are available, you can skip punching out the hole altogether — they’ll still taste delicious as donut-shaped discs.

5. Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
This recipe relies on self-rising flour, which usually contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free self-rising flour blends available in stores. Be aware that texture and rise may vary slightly, so you might need to tweak the liquid or cooking time.

6. Can I add flavors to the dough itself?
Absolutely! Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon into the dough mix can add an extra layer of flavor. Just don’t add too much liquid, as the dough needs to stay firm enough to shape.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade donuts doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating, and this recipe proves just that. With just a few simple ingredients, a bit of mixing and pan-cooking, you can have fresh, warm donuts ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re making them for a quick breakfast treat or a fun snack, these donuts offer that wonderful homemade comfort without the fuss of traditional yeast-based recipes or deep frying.

Don’t forget to experiment with toppings! Cinnamon sugar is my go-to for that perfect sweet and spicy finish, but a chocolate drizzle or even some sprinkles can totally transform these donuts into a party-worthy snack. The best part? You get to enjoy the process and the delicious results without breaking a sweat.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it goes! Share your favorite toppings or any variations you come up with in the comments. Homemade donuts really bring a little joy to any day, and I hope this quick and simple recipe helps make that happen for you.

Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!

Quick & Simple Donut Recipe

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These quick and simple donuts are soft, tender, and perfect when you want a homemade treat without the fuss of yeast or deep frying. Made with just a few basic ingredients and cooked in a pan with a little oil, they’re easy to whip up any time. You can customize the toppings with cinnamon sugar, glaze, chocolate drizzle, or your favorite decorations for a fun and delicious snack.

• Author: Mark's Recipe

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients:
1 cup (125g) self-rising flour (or make your own by combining 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt)

½ cup (120ml) Greek yogurt (plain yogurt can be used as a substitute)

2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for sweetness)

To Cook:
1–2 tablespoons oil (for cooking – coconut oil, vegetable oil, or butter)

Topping Ideas:
Cinnamon sugar (mix ¼ cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon)

Powdered sugar glaze (½ cup powdered sugar mixed with 1 to 2 tablespoons milk)

Chocolate drizzle (melted chocolate chips mixed with a bit of coconut oil)

Sprinkles, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut

Instructions

In a bowl, mix the flour, yogurt, and sugar (if using) until a soft dough forms.
Roll the dough into 6 to 8 balls and flatten each slightly.
Use a bottle cap or similar small round object to punch out the centers, creating donut rings.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
Cook the donuts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown.
While still warm, toss the donuts in cinnamon sugar or drizzle with your choice of glaze or chocolate.
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, as they are soft and tender when warm. Using self-rising flour simplifies the recipe, but if you prefer, you can make your own with all-purpose flour and baking powder. Greek yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang, which balances the sweetness nicely. The pan-frying method requires just a small amount of oil and is a great alternative to deep frying. Experiment with different toppings to customize your donuts for any occasion.