Homemade Doughnuts Recipe (2024)

This Homemade Doughnuts Recipe from scratch is a real treat! These warm, soft, melt in your mouth doughnuts are perfect for celebrating birthdays, holidays or making any ordinary day a special one!

Homemade Old Fashioned Doughnuts

Nothing is quite as good on a cold winter morning than to wake up to the smell of frying homemade doughnuts. Before we moved away, I got to spend a weekend with my sister who makes the best Homemade Doughnuts recipe. I asked her to show me how to make it before we left. Even though I can’t enjoy doughnuts because of my gluten issues, I still wanted to be able to make this recipe for my hubby and family for a special treat.

–Looking for a healthier version that can be made gluten-free? Try this Yellow Squash Chocolate Doughnut Recipe.

Homemade Doughnuts Recipe

Thanks to my sister’s mother in law for sharing this recipe.

What You Need:

• 2 tablespoon Yeast
• 1 1/2 cup lukewarm Milk (scalded then cooled, you can use powdered milk)
• 1/2 cup Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 Eggs
• 1/3 cup Shortening
• 5 cups Flour

How to Make Donuts:

Dissolve yeast in 1/4 c warm water in a small bowl.

Add milk, 1/2 c sugar, salt, eggs, shortening and 2 c. of the flour. Beat on low-speed, scraping the bowl constantly for about 30 seconds.

Beat on medium speed, scraping the bowl occasionally for 2 minutes. Stir in remaining flour until smooth.

Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles, approximately 50 – 60 minutes.The dough is ready when indentation remains when touched. (You can mix this all together in a stand mixer if you prefer)

Turn the dough onto a generously floured surface; roll around lightly to coat with flour. Gently roll the dough 1/2 inch thick with a well-floured rolling pin. Cut with a floured doughnut cutter. Cover and let the doughnuts rise again until double, 30-40 minutes.

Heat oil (2-3 inches) in a deep fryer or Dutch Oven to 350 degrees. Slide the doughnuts into the hot oil with a wide spatula. Turn the doughnuts as they rise to surface. Fry until golden brown, about 1 minute on each side.

Remove them carefully from the oil (do not prick surfaces) and drain.Serve sugared or spread with cream or chocolate glaze while they are still warm.

— Looking for a different flavor? Try this Strawberry Frosting on your doughnuts!

Don’t forget to fry up any leftover pieces!

Print this Homemade Donuts Recipe to add to your Recipe Binder below:

If you like this recipe, here are a few more special breakfast ideas you might enjoy:

Homemade Bread Machine Bagels

Homemade Chocolate Chip Bagel Recipe

Amish Cinnamon Rolls or Caramel Rolls Recipe

Simple Gluten Free Pancakes Recipe

Homemade Pancake and Waffle Mix

Find more Breakfast Recipes on Little House Living.

Do you have a special Homemade Doughnuts recipe that you make?
What kind of treat do you like to make for your family every so once in a while?

This Homemade Doughnuts Recipe was originally published on Little House Living in December 2013. It has been updated as of December 2019.