If you’re craving fresh, fluffy donuts but don’t want to fuss with complicated dough, making homemade donuts with biscuits is your perfect shortcut. Using canned biscuit dough, you can whip up delightful donuts in under 20 minutes that taste like they came from a bakery. Let’s dive into how to make these easy and tasty treats step-by-step!
Why Use Biscuits for Donuts?
Canned biscuits are a game-changer for quick donuts. They come pre-made, so you skip the mixing, kneading, and rising time that traditional donut dough requires. The biscuit dough fries up light, fluffy, and golden brown, making it an ideal base for donuts. Plus, it’s fun and easy for the whole family to get involved in the kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (usually 8 biscuits)
– Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep in your pan)
– Cinnamon sugar mixture (3 tablespoons sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon) or
– Simple glaze (powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk)
Equipment
– Large skillet or deep frying pan
– Cookie cutter or something round (like a jar lid or apple corer) to cut donut holes
– Paper towels for draining
– Mixing bowls for toppings
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Donuts with Biscuits
1. Prepare Your Biscuit Dough
Open your can of refrigerated biscuits and separate each biscuit. Using a small round cookie cutter or an apple corer, cut a hole in the center of each biscuit to create the classic donut shape. Don’t toss the holes—they fry up into delicious mini donut holes!
2. Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into your skillet to about half an inch to two inches deep, depending on your pan size. Heat the oil over medium to medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, until it’s hot enough to sizzle when you drop in a piece of dough. The ideal temperature is around 350°F (175°C).
3. Fry the Donuts
Carefully place 2-3 donuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry each side for about 1 minute until golden brown. It’s important to keep the frying time consistent so the donuts cook through without becoming greasy or doughy inside.
Don’t forget to fry the donut holes too—they only take about a minute and are perfect for snacking!
4. Drain and Cool
Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool just enough so they’re warm but not too hot to handle.
5. Add Your Favorite Toppings
– Cinnamon Sugar: For a classic taste, dip each donut in melted butter, then coat it generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
– Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip the donuts in the glaze and let them set for a few minutes. You can even add sprinkles for a festive touch!
Feel free to get creative with chocolate glaze, powdered sugar dusting, or even a drizzle of honey.
Tips for Perfect Biscuit Donuts
– Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer if you have one. Too cool and the donuts absorb oil; too hot and they burn quickly.
– Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady.
– Serve Fresh: These donuts taste best the day you make them—crispy outside and fluffy inside.
– Kid-Friendly: Kids love helping cut holes and dipping donuts in sugar or glaze.
Variations to Try
– Filled Donuts: After frying, inject your favorite jam or custard inside.
– Savory Twist: Skip the sugar and top with cinnamon and sugar substitutes or even cheese for a snack.
– Baked Option: For a lighter version, bake the biscuit donuts at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until golden, then glaze.
Why This Recipe Works
Using canned biscuits cuts down preparation time dramatically, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute dessert cravings. The frying method gives you that authentic donut texture without the hassle of yeast dough. Plus, it’s a fun kitchen activity that yields delicious results every time.
Enjoy these homemade biscuit donuts with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for a comforting treat that’s sure to bring smiles around the table.
Homemade donuts with biscuits are quick, easy, and irresistibly tasty—give this recipe a try and watch them disappear fast!