18 Delicious Donut Recipes Perfect for Breakfast

Posted on March 22, 2025

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Starting your day off right with a sweet and satisfying treat? Look no further! Donuts are the perfect breakfast indulgence, and when made from scratch, they can be incredibly delicious. In this article, we’ll share 18 mouthwatering donut recipes to add some excitement to your morning routine. From classic glazed and chocolate frosted to creative flavors like blueberry with lemon glaze and maple bacon, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a fun breakfast treat to impress your family and friends, these donut recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. So go ahead, get your bake on, and start your day off right with one of these scrumptious donuts!

Classic Glazed Donuts

Classic Glazed Donuts
Classic Glazed Donuts Recipe

Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these soft, fluffy donuts smothered in a sticky and sweet glaze.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
– Glaze ingredients below

Glaze:

– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons whole milk
– 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, melted butter, and salt; mix until smooth.
4. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down dough and turn onto a floured surface.
6. Cut into desired shapes and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. While donuts are still warm, glaze with powdered sugar mixture.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Chocolate Frosted Donuts

Chocolate Frosted Donuts
Treat your taste buds to a sweet indulgence with these scrumptious chocolate frosted donuts.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
4. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Fry donuts in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Let cool before glazing with melted chocolate chips.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve warm.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these soft and fluffy donuts coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or as a dessert, these donuts are sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg
– Cinnamon sugar mixture (see below)

Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, melted butter, and egg; mix until smooth.
4. Cover the dough and let it rise for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough and use a donut pan to shape the donuts.
6. Fry the donuts for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. While still warm, toss donuts in cinnamon sugar mixture.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Blueberry Donuts with Lemon Glaze

Blueberry Donuts with Lemon Glaze
These bite-sized blueberry donuts are infused with the sweetness of fresh blueberries and topped with a tangy lemon glaze. A perfect treat for any occasion!

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– Lemon glaze (see below)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Fold in blueberries.
6. Pipe or spoon donuts onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Lemon Glaze:

– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Whisk together until smooth and drizzle over cooled donuts.

Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Get ready to sink your teeth into these soft, fluffy, and utterly delicious pumpkin spice donuts! This recipe is perfect for fall or any time of the year when you crave a warm and cozy treat.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pumpkin spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger) to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Add pumpkin spice to taste and mix until combined.
4. Using a piping bag or a spoon, drop the dough into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd.
5. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Remove from oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes per batch

Matcha Green Tea Donuts

Matcha Green Tea Donuts
Discover the unique flavor of Japan’s famous green tea matcha in these soft and fluffy donuts, perfect for a sweet treat.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon matcha powder (Japanese green tea)
– 2 large eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and matcha powder until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Using a piping bag or a spoon, drop small balls of dough into the hot oil, about 6-8 donuts at a time.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per batch

Enjoy your delicious Matcha Green Tea Donuts!

Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting

Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting
Experience the rich flavor of red velvet cake in a soft and fluffy donut form, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. These treats are perfect for any occasion or as a sweet surprise.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons red food coloring
– Cream cheese frosting (recipe below)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, salt, melted butter, eggs, and red food coloring. Mix until smooth.
4. Cover the mixture and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Fry donuts in batches for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Drain excess oil on paper towels.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Powdered sugar to taste

Mix all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness to your liking.

Apple Cider Donuts

Apple Cider Donuts
These soft and fluffy donuts are infused with the warm, comforting flavors of apple cider and topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for a cozy autumn morning or a special treat any time of year.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup apple cider
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Apple cider glaze (see below)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, milk, apple cider, yeast, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, egg, and whisk until smooth.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the mixture rise for 1 hour.
5. Once risen, heat the oil to 375°F.
6. Using a piping bag or spoon, drop the dough into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd.
7. Cook donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
8. Remove from oil and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
9. Drizzle with apple cider glaze (1:1 ratio of powdered sugar to apple cider).

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Jelly-Filled Donuts

Jelly-Filled Donuts
Bring a burst of flavor to your day with these soft, fluffy donuts filled with a surprise burst of jelly. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or as a sweet treat any time.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Jelly filling of your choice (raspberry, strawberry, or grape work well)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, melted butter, and salt. Mix until smooth.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until elastic.
5. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about an hour.
6. Punch down the dough and cut into desired shapes.
7. Fry donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
8. Allow to cool before filling with jelly using a piping bag or a sharp knife.

Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes from start to finish.

Maple Bacon Donuts

Maple Bacon Donuts
These sweet and savory donuts are infused with the rich flavors of maple syrup and crispy bacon, making them a unique and delicious treat.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, melted butter, egg, and maple syrup; mix until smooth.
4. Fold in crumbled bacon.
5. Using a piping bag or a spoon, drop the dough into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Remove donuts from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired) and serve warm.

Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes total

Banana Bread Donuts

Banana Bread Donuts
Transform your favorite banana bread into a sweet and fluffy donut treat! These moist and delicious treats are perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Ingredients:

– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add mashed bananas, milk, eggs, and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
4. Pipe the dough into donut shapes using a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner cut off.
5. Fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Let cool on paper towels before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).

Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes per batch

Strawberry Frosted Donuts

Strawberry Frosted Donuts
Transform your donut game with this sweet and refreshing treat! These strawberry frosted donuts are perfect for a spring or summer morning, topped with a tangy strawberry glaze.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Strawberry glaze (see below)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, egg, and melted butter; mix until smooth.
4. Pipe or spoon the dough into donut shapes.
5. Fry for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Let cool before glazing.

Strawberry Glaze:

– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons strawberry puree or jam
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream

Mix all ingredients until smooth, adjusting consistency as needed. Drizzle over cooled donuts and dust with confectioners’ sugar.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (frying time) + additional time for glaze preparation.

Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts

Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts
Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts Recipe

Brighten up your day with these refreshing Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts! Moist and flavorful, these treats are perfect for a breakfast or snack on-the-go.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup poppy seeds
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, melted butter, egg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Fold in poppy seeds.
5. Pipe dough into donut shapes using a piping bag or a spoon.
6. Fry donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain excess oil on paper towels. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes

Caramel Glazed Donuts

Caramel Glazed Donuts
Sweet and sticky, these Caramel Glazed Donuts are a treat you won’t want to miss! With a fluffy interior and a crunchy caramel coating, they’re perfect for snacking or sharing.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg
– Caramel glaze (recipe below)

Caramel Glaze:

– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, melted butter, and egg; mix until smooth.
4. Pipe dough into donut shapes and fry for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Remove from oil and let cool on paper towels.
6. To make caramel glaze, combine heavy cream, sugar, and butter in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and caramel-like (about 10 minutes).
7. Dip cooled donuts into caramel glaze and serve immediately.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Chocolate Sprinkle Donuts

Chocolate Sprinkle Donuts
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these decadent chocolate sprinkle donuts! Made with rich, dark chocolate and topped with colorful sprinkles, these treats are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Sprinkles for topping (color of your choice)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a donut pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and yeast.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and oil. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Allow donuts to cool before dipping in melted chocolate and topping with sprinkles.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Vanilla Bean Donuts

Vanilla Bean Donuts
These soft and fluffy donuts are infused with the sweet and creamy flavor of vanilla beans, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp active dry yeast
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup vanilla bean paste (or 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, milk, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add eggs, vegetable oil, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
4. Stir in vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste (or scrape seeds from the vanilla bean).
5. Pipe dough into rings using a piping bag or a spoon.
6. Fry donuts for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain excess oil on paper towels. Dust with confectioners’ sugar.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Raspberry Glazed Donuts

Raspberry Glazed Donuts
Sweet Raspberry Glazed Donuts Recipe

These soft and fluffy donuts are elevated by a sweet and tangy raspberry glaze, perfect for a delightful breakfast or snack.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Raspberry glaze (recipe below)

Raspberry Glaze:

– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons raspberry jam
– 2 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
7. Allow the donuts to cool before glazing with the raspberry mixture.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (including rising time)

Chai Spiced Donuts

Chai Spiced Donuts
Elevate your donut game with these aromatic treats infused with the comforting flavors of chai spices. Perfect for a cozy morning or afternoon pick-me-up, these soft and fluffy donuts are sure to please.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, milk, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves.
3. Add melted butter and mix until a smooth batter forms.
4. Pipe the dough into rings and fry for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Drain on paper towels and dust with confectioners’ sugar while still warm.

Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes, including frying time.

Summary

Get your day started with a sweet and satisfying breakfast treat. This collection of 18 delicious donut recipes offers something for everyone, from classic glazed to creative twists like maple bacon and chai spiced. Indulge in flavors like blueberry with lemon glaze, pumpkin spice, and strawberry frosted. Or, try your hand at making donuts that are a little more adventurous, such as matcha green tea or red velvet with cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re in the mood for something simple and sweet or bold and decadent, there’s a donut recipe here to satisfy your cravings.

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