A warm hello and a quick note about this sweet treat
This recipe is for "Ready for a Sweet Break?" — a simple fried donut you can glaze any way you like. It uses common pantry ingredients and takes a short time to make. If you like easy sweet snacks, this is a great pick. For other simple treats you can make with few ingredients, see this collection: easy three-ingredient recipes.
Why this recipe is a good idea
- Quick to mix and fry.
- Flexible glazes: dark chocolate, white chocolate, or caramel.
- Great for mornings, parties, or a snack when you want something sweet and home-made.
- Uses basic ingredients you likely already have.
How to make "Ready for a Sweet Break?"
Follow the simple steps below. Work safely when frying — keep children away from hot oil and use a thermometer if you can.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Oil for frying
- Glazes: dark chocolate, white chocolate, caramel
Simple Directions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, combine the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a donut cutter, cut shapes out of the dough and carefully place them in the hot oil.
- Fry the donuts until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Dip in your choice of glaze and let set before serving. Enjoy!
How to serve "Ready for a Sweet Break?"
Serve these donuts warm. Place them on a platter with separate bowls of glazes and toppings (sprinkles, chopped nuts, or sea salt). They work well for casual breakfasts or a sweet snack at a family gathering.
How to store these donuts
- Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
- Refrigerator: Store for 2-3 days; bring to room temperature or warm briefly before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat in a low oven or toaster oven.
Small tips for better results
- Don’t overmix the batter — a few small lumps are okay.
- Keep oil at a steady 375°F (190°C) for even frying. Too cool = greasy donuts; too hot = burned outside, raw inside.
- Fry a test donut first to check oil temperature and cooking time.
- Dry on paper towels and cool slightly before glazing so the glaze sets cleanly.
Easy variations you can try
- Baked version: Pipe dough into a donut pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes.
- Add-ins: Fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips or mashed banana for a flavor change.
- Toppings: Toss glazed donuts with crushed nuts, coconut, or colored sprinkles.
Nutrition notes
Exact nutrition depends on glaze and frying oil. As a rough guide, one fried and glazed donut may range from 200–350 calories. If you need precise values, calculate using the exact ingredients and portions you use.
Family-friendly serving ideas
Make a small donut bar for kids: set out glazes, sprinkles, and chopped fruit so everyone can decorate their own. For other snack ideas kids enjoy, try these healthy snack ideas for kids.
What pairs well with these donuts
These donuts go great with coffee, milk, or tea. For a special pairing, serve alongside a simple cake or another sweet treat for a dessert spread — see a rich option here: Black Forest cake recipe.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I skip frying and bake these instead?
A: Yes. Use a donut pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes. The texture will be different but still tasty.
Q: How do I know when the oil is the right temperature?
A: Use a thermometer set to 375°F (190°C). If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough in the oil — it should sizzle and float up quickly without browning in seconds.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: You can mix the dough and refrigerate it for a few hours. Let it warm slightly before cutting shapes and frying.
Q: What glaze works best?
A: Any of the suggested glazes work. Dark chocolate gives a rich taste, white chocolate is sweet and mild, and caramel is buttery and deep.
Conclusion
If you want a sweet, easy snack that everyone can enjoy, these fried donuts are a great choice. For ready-made snack ideas to pair with a donut break, check out the Sargento Sweet Balanced Breaks® Natural Cheddar Cheese, Milk Chocolate Chunks & More. For a warm, soothing drink to go with your sweet break, try this Sweet Break organic herbal tea. If you want a different snack mix option to serve with guests, consider the Sargento Sweet Balanced Breaks® Colby Cheese & Dark Chocolate Mix.
Fried Donuts
Ingredients
Donut Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- none Oil for frying
Glaze Options
- none dark chocolate for glazing
- none white chocolate for glazing
- none caramel for glazing
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, combine the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Frying
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a donut cutter, cut shapes out of the dough and carefully place them in the hot oil.
- Fry the donuts until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Dip in your choice of glaze and let set before serving.
