If you’ve ever craved fresh, fluffy donuts but felt intimidated by complicated recipes, you’re in for a treat! Making donuts from canned biscuits is one of the easiest and quickest ways to satisfy that sweet tooth at home. No fancy ingredients or hours of waiting for dough to rise—just simple steps and delicious results. Let’s dive into how you can turn ordinary biscuits into irresistible homemade donuts.
Why Use Biscuits for Donuts?
Using refrigerated biscuit dough is a game-changer. These biscuits are already perfectly soft and flaky, which means your donuts will come out light and tender without any fuss. Plus, it’s a great shortcut when you want fresh donuts fast, whether for breakfast, a snack, or a fun family treat.
What You’ll Need
– 1 can of refrigerated biscuit dough (usually 8 biscuits)
– Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep in a pan)
– Cinnamon and sugar for coating, or glaze ingredients if you prefer
– A small round cutter or something similar to cut the donut holes (a jar lid or apple corer works great)
Step-by-Step: Making Donuts from Biscuits
1. Prepare Your Doughnuts
Start by separating the biscuits from the can. Using your cutter, punch a hole in the center of each biscuit to create the classic donut shape. Don’t toss those holes—they fry up into delicious mini donut bites!
2. Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan to about 2 inches deep. Heat over medium to medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until the oil is hot enough to sizzle the dough immediately when dropped in. This helps the donuts cook quickly without soaking up too much oil, keeping them light and not greasy.
3. Fry the Donuts
Carefully drop the donut shapes into the hot oil. Fry them in small batches—2 or 3 at a time works well. Cook each side for about 1 minute until golden brown. Be patient; the donuts need this time to cook through, even if they look dark quickly.
Don’t forget to fry the donut holes too! They cook faster, so keep an eye on them.
4. Drain and Cool
Once fried, transfer the donuts and holes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool just a bit so the coating or glaze will stick better.
5. Add Your Favorite Toppings
Here’s where you can get creative:
– Cinnamon Sugar: Dip the warm donuts in melted butter, then roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a classic, sweet coating.
– Simple Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a little vanilla extract and hot water or milk until smooth. Dip the donuts in the glaze and add sprinkles if you like.
– Chocolate or Other Toppings: Melted chocolate or frosting can be drizzled or dipped on top for extra indulgence.
Tips for Perfect Biscuit Donuts
– Use a small round cutter for the holes to get that authentic donut look.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; this keeps the oil temperature steady.
– Test your oil heat by frying a donut hole first. It should turn golden in about a minute per side.
– If you want a healthier twist, try air frying the biscuit donuts instead of frying in oil.
Variations to Try
– Glazed Donuts: After frying, dunk the donuts in a sweet glaze made from powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk for a shiny, crackly finish.
– Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Skip the glaze and coat your donuts in cinnamon sugar for a warm, cozy flavor.
– Chocolate Dipped: Dip your donuts in melted chocolate and let them set for a rich treat.
– Savory Twist: For a unique spin, skip the sugar and top with a sprinkle of cheese or herbs after frying.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic lies in the biscuit dough’s texture—it’s already soft and fluffy, so frying it quickly creates a light, airy donut without the need for yeast or long rising times. This method is perfect for busy mornings or last-minute cravings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your biscuit donuts warm with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Kids love helping with the cutting and coating, making this a fun family activity.
Making donuts from biscuits is a quick and satisfying way to enjoy homemade treats without the hassle. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up fresh, fluffy donuts that everyone will love. So grab that can of biscuits, heat up the oil, and get ready to indulge in some easy, delicious homemade donuts today!