- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar cinnamon sugar, glaze, or chocolate coating
Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fill the Donut Pan:
If baking, lightly grease a mini donut pan. Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner cut off.
Pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake or Fry:
For baking: Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
For frying: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Cool and Add Toppings:
Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, dip the donuts in powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or glaze as desired.
Serve:
Enjoy your mini donuts fresh. They are best served warm and can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days.
These mini donuts are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether baked or fried, they are a delightful treat that can be customized with your favorite toppings.
-
Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
-
Consistent Size: For evenly sized donuts, use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off to fill the donut pan or for dropping the batter into the fryer.
-
Baking Tips: If you don’t have a mini donut pan, you can use a mini muffin pan to create donut holes. Adjust the baking time as needed.
-
Frying Tips: Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F or 175°C). If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly on the outside and remain raw inside. If it’s not hot enough, they will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
-
Glaze Option: For a simple glaze, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or water and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Dip the cooled donuts in the glaze and let them set on a wire rack.
-
Flavor Variations: You can add different flavors to the batter, such as a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced donut, or substitute the vanilla extract with almond or lemon extract for a unique twist.
-
Storage: Mini donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If they become a bit stale, you can refresh them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.
-
Healthier Option: Baking the donuts instead of frying reduces the fat content, making them a healthier option. You can also try using whole wheat flour or adding a bit of oat flour for added nutrition.
These notes should help you create perfect mini donuts every time, with plenty of room for customization and experimentation. Enjoy your baking!
Calories: 76kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g