Mini donuts are fun, easy and great for parties, holidays, or any occasion. Made from scratch, these baked donuts are sure to impress your friends and family.
If you love donuts, this cute mini donut recipe is for you. Even though they are homemade, they are simple to make and can be prepared in about 20 minutes.
Why you should try this recipe
Fun - These donuts are so cute and fun. You can decorate them with your favorite color icing and sprinkles. They would be perfect to add to a party dessert table because they are small and a great one-two bite treat.
Easy - They are made with just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Versatile - Change the flavors and colors to fit your occasion. Scroll below for some different variations.
Ingredients needed for mini donuts recipe
- Flour - All purpose flour is used for this recipe.
- Sugar - Granulated sugar adds a little sweetness.
- Baking soda - This helps the donuts rise. It's usually best to use fresh baking soda.
- Nutmeg - This can be left out but it gives the donuts a nice, warm flavor.
- Salt - Balances the sweetness.
- Butter - Unsalted, sweet cream butter is used. Make sure to let it cool for 1-2 minutes after melting it.
- Egg - One large egg.
- Sour cream - Adds moisture and flavor to the donuts. You can substitute with Greek yogurt if you prefer.
- Vanilla extract - Used for the donuts and the glaze.
- Powdered sugar - Powdered sugar, sometimes called confectioners sugar, is used to make the glaze.
- Milk - You can use whole milk, 2 percent milk, or heavy cream.
- Food coloring - Optional if you would like to add color to your glaze.
- Sprinkles - Choose your favorite sprinkles or leave them off if you like them plain.
- Mini donut pan - You will need a mini donut pan. You can also use a mini muffin pan if you don't have a donut pan.
How to make mini donuts
Step one: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a mini donut pan with non-stick cooking spray or coat the cavities with vegetable shortening.
Whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.
Step two: Stir in egg, sour cream, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir just until combined. Don't over mix of the donuts will turn out tough.
Step three: Carefully pour donut batter in a piping bag, pastry bag, or Ziploc bag. Cut the tip and pipe the batter in the mini donut pan. Fill each cut out ¾ full. (If you overfill they will look more like muffins.)
Step four: Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing and placing on a cooling rack.
Step five: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. (If you want to add food coloring, stir in now.)
Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze and then place back on cooling rack. Top with sprinkles.
Recipe tips
- Don't forget to grease your pan. This helps the donuts come out of the pan easily.
- It's important not to overfill the donut pan cavities. If you do, they will look more like muffins.
- Use a toothpick or a knife to help remove the baked donuts from the pan.
Can you use a mini donut maker?
Yes, you can use this batter in a mini donut maker. Put the batter into the donut maker and cook 3-5 minutes.
How to store
Store: You can store leftover donuts in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
Freeze: These baked donuts can be frozen. Let them cook after they have baked and then store in a freezer safe bag. It's best not to put the glaze on before freezing. Add the glaze once they have thawed and are ready to serve. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Variations
Try changing up the flavors of these little donuts for something different.
Spices - Try adding cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or apple pie spice for a fall flavored treat.
Extracts - Add a ½ teaspoon of almond or butter extract to the mixture. You could even add in a few drops of lemon extract for a bright flavor.
Icing - Use eggnog instead of milk for a fun holiday flavor. You can also try mixing in almond extract to the icing for that wedding cake flavor. If you are a chocolate lover, try dipping them in a chocolate ganache. Leave off the icing all together and instead, brush them with melted butter and dip in a cinnamon, sugar mixture.
More easy recipes
📖 Recipe
Mini Donuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- sprinkles
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a mini donut pan with non-stick cooking spray or vegetable shortening.
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.
- Stir in egg, sour cream, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir just until combined.
- Carefully pour donut batter in a piping bag or Ziploc bag. Cut the tip and pipe the batter in the mini donut pan. Fill each cut out ¾ full. (If you overfill they will look more like muffins.)
- Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing and placing on a cooling rack.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. (If you want to add food coloring, stir in now.)
- Dip donuts into the glaze and then place back on cooling rack. Top with sprinkles.
Notes
- You can use this batter in a mini donut maker machine. Add the batter to the mini donut maker and cook 3-5 minutes.
Barbara Schult
So simple and delicious ! I’ve made this recipe three times since I found it. So good and quick. Comes together easily. Tastes like childhood. A keeper for sure !