If you love the idea of fresh, warm donuts but want a quick and easy way to make them at home, you’re in the right place! Making donuts out of biscuits is a fun, simple hack that turns ordinary canned biscuits into delicious, fluffy donuts in just minutes. Whether you’re craving a sweet breakfast treat or a cozy snack, this method is perfect for anyone who wants homemade donuts without the fuss of complicated dough recipes.
Why Use Biscuits for Donuts?
Using canned biscuits for donuts is a game-changer. The biscuit dough is already soft, fluffy, and perfectly portioned, which means you skip the time-consuming steps of mixing, kneading, and proofing traditional donut dough. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and requires only a few ingredients you probably already have at home. The result? Golden, tender donuts that are crispy on the outside and soft inside—ready to be dipped, glazed, or dusted with your favorite toppings.
What You’ll Need
– 1 can of canned biscuits (like Pillsbury biscuits)
– Vegetable oil for frying (about ½ inch deep in a skillet)
– Cinnamon and sugar mixture (3 tablespoons sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon)
– Optional: melted butter for dipping
– Optional glaze: powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk
– A small round cutter or something similar to cut holes (a jar lid works great!)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Donuts Out of Biscuits
1. Prepare Your Biscuit Dough
Open your can of biscuits and separate them gently. Using a small round cutter or jar lid, cut out a hole in the center of each biscuit to create the classic donut shape. Don’t throw away the little holes—you’ll fry those too for tasty donut holes!
2. Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a skillet to about ½ inch depth. Heat over medium to medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. You want the oil hot enough to sizzle and brown the dough quickly without soaking up too much oil, which keeps your donuts light and not greasy.
3. Fry the Donuts
Carefully place 2-3 donuts into the hot oil at a time. Fry each side for about 1 minute or until golden brown. Turn them gently with tongs or a slotted spoon to cook evenly. Don’t forget to fry the donut holes as well—they cook even faster!
4. Drain and Cool
Once golden and cooked through, transfer the donuts and holes to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Let them cool for a few minutes so they’re safe to handle and ready for topping.
5. Add Your Favorite Toppings
Here’s where the fun begins! You can keep it simple or get creative:
– Cinnamon Sugar: Dip each donut in melted butter, then coat generously with cinnamon sugar. This classic combo is sweet, crunchy, and utterly delicious.
– Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk and a little vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Dip your donuts and add sprinkles if you like.
– Chocolate or Other Toppings: Try dipping in melted chocolate or adding frosting for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for Perfect Biscuit Donuts
– Test the oil temperature by frying a donut hole first. It should turn golden quickly without burning.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan to keep the oil temperature steady.
– Use fresh biscuits for best results—frozen dough can work but may take longer to cook.
– Experiment with toppings to find your favorite flavor combo.
– Get the kids involved! Cutting and dipping are fun activities for little helpers.
Variations and Serving Ideas
– Air Fryer Donuts: If you want a lighter version, you can air fry your biscuit donuts instead of frying. Just cut the holes, spray with a little oil, and air fry at 350°F for about 12-14 minutes until golden.
– Savory Twist: Skip the sugar and try topping your donuts with garlic butter or cheese for a savory snack.
– Donut Sandwiches: Use your biscuit donuts as buns for breakfast sandwiches with eggs and bacon.
Making donuts out of biscuits is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy homemade donuts without the hassle. Whether fried or air-fried, topped with cinnamon sugar or glaze, these donuts are sure to become a family favorite. So grab that can of biscuits, heat up the oil, and indulge in warm, fluffy donuts any time you want!
Enjoy your homemade biscuit donuts—they’re the perfect treat for any day!