Fluffy Biscuit Donuts Made Easy

Are you craving warm, fresh, homemade donuts but don’t have hours to spend on complicated baking? Look no further! This incredibly easy, semi-homemade Biscuit Donuts recipe transforms a simple can of refrigerator biscuits into a delightful batch of golden-brown treats in mere minutes. It’s a game-changer for quick breakfasts, spontaneous brunch gatherings, or satisfying that late-night sweet tooth with minimal effort and maximum reward.

There’s an undeniable magic in how effortlessly these fluffy, golden delights come together. The simplicity of using pre-made biscuit dough is truly amazing; who knew that humble refrigerator biscuits could be elevated into such a quintessential comfort food? Fair warning: this recipe is dangerously delicious and might just become a regular fixture in your kitchen. But with such ease and incredible flavor, it’s a risk worth taking!

Not only can you whip up classic donut shapes, but the center cut-outs make perfect, bite-sized donut holes that cook even faster and are incredibly fun to prepare and eat. This recipe is an absolute lifesaver when you have overnight guests, need a quick holiday breakfast, or simply want to treat your loved ones to something special without the fuss. Its versatility and impossible ease make it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Effortless Biscuit Donuts: Your Go-To Recipe for Homemade Bliss

Get ready to discover the ultimate shortcut to delicious homemade donuts! Our Biscuit Donuts recipe leverages the convenience of refrigerator biscuits to create a batch of fluffy, golden, and utterly irresistible donuts faster than you ever thought possible. Perfect for a quick breakfast, a weekend brunch, or a comforting treat any time, these donuts will amaze you with their simplicity and satisfy every craving.

Making homemade donuts usually conjures images of long proofing times, messy kneading, and intricate frying techniques. But what if we told you there’s a way to skip all that without sacrificing flavor or texture? Our semi-homemade Biscuit Donuts prove that gourmet taste can be achieved with minimal ingredients and effort, making fresh, warm donuts a reality even on the busiest mornings. You’ll be astonished by how easily you can transform a simple can of biscuits into a delightful dessert or breakfast item that rivals your favorite bakery.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its clever use of refrigerated biscuit dough. This pre-made wonder provides the ideal foundation for a tender, airy donut that fries up beautifully. The subtle tang of buttermilk biscuits or the rich flavor of butter biscuits only enhances the final product, offering a versatile base for an array of toppings. Whether dusted with classic cinnamon sugar, drizzled with a sweet glaze, or adorned with colorful sprinkles, these biscuit donuts are a canvas for your creativity.

Simple Ingredients for Epic Biscuit Donuts

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its minimal ingredient list. You likely have most of these on hand already!

• Refrigerator Biscuits: The star of our show! We highly recommend using flaky buttermilk biscuits or Grands-style biscuits for the best texture and rise, though regular or butter biscuits work beautifully too. The type of biscuit can subtly alter the flavor, so experiment to find your favorite.
• Oil for Frying: A neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point is crucial for deep frying. Vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or even sunflower oil are excellent choices that won’t impart unwanted flavors to your donuts.

Versatile Toppings to Customize Your Donuts

While the donuts are delicious plain, a variety of toppings can elevate them further. Here are some classic and creative ideas:

• Cinnamon Sugar: A timeless combination of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon creates a warm, aromatic coating.
• Brown Sugar Cinnamon: For a deeper, molasses-rich flavor, mix brown sugar with cinnamon.
• Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds elegant sweetness.
• Chocolate Glaze: Melted chocolate or a quick glaze made with cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and a touch of milk.
• Vanilla Glaze: Powdered sugar mixed with milk or water and a dash of vanilla extract.
• Maple Glaze: Powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk for a breakfast-inspired treat.
• Sprinkles: Add a fun, festive touch, especially if decorating with kids.

Essential Equipment Needed for Frying Success

Gathering your tools before you start will make the process even smoother:

• Donut Cutter: A shot glass, a water bottle lid, or a small round cookie cutter (around 1-inch diameter) is perfect for cutting out the centers of your biscuits to create the classic donut shape.
• Paper Towels: Essential for draining excess oil from your freshly fried donuts, keeping them light and non-greasy.
• Plate: For holding the drained and coated donuts.
• Wooden Skewers or a Spider Strainer: These tools are invaluable for safely submerging and removing hot donuts from the oil, preventing burns and ensuring even cooking.
• 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: A sturdy pan provides even heat distribution, which is key for perfectly fried donuts.
• Small Bowl: For mixing your cinnamon sugar or other toppings.
• Optional – Cooling Rack: Allows air to circulate around the donuts as they cool, preventing sogginess if not immediately coated.

How to Make Homemade Biscuit Donuts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these biscuit donuts is surprisingly straightforward. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure your success:

1. Prepare the Dough: Carefully open your package of refrigerator biscuits. Gently separate each biscuit. On a lightly floured surface, you can slightly flatten them if you prefer a thinner donut, but it’s not strictly necessary. This also ensures they cook through evenly.

   Cut the Donut Holes: Using your chosen tool (a shot glass, water bottle lid, or small cookie cutter), press firmly into the center of each biscuit to create the signature donut hole. We found that a water bottle lid works perfectly for a good-sized hole, resulting in a donut that isn’t too small. Be sure to save these small cut-outs – they make delicious donut holes!

2. Heat the Oil: Pour about 2-3 inches of frying oil into your cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pot. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350-375°F (175-190°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of biscuit dough into it; it should sizzle immediately and turn golden brown within 30-60 seconds. Maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial for donuts that are golden on the outside and cooked through on the inside without being greasy or burnt.

   Fry the Donuts: Carefully place 2-3 donuts into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Flip them gently using wooden skewers or a spider strainer. Pay close attention to the oil temperature; it tends to get hotter the longer it’s on, so you might need to slightly reduce the heat after the first couple of batches to prevent them from browning too quickly while remaining raw inside.

3. Drain and Coat: Once golden brown and cooked through, remove the donuts from the oil using your skewers or strainer and immediately place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This step is important for a lighter, crispier donut.

   Add Toppings: While still warm, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the donuts. The warmth of the donuts helps the sugar mixture adhere better. If you find the coating isn’t sticking, a light brush of melted butter over the warm donuts before sprinkling can help. For an equally delicious alternative, dust them with powdered sugar or dip them in a simple glaze. Serve them hot for the best experience!

Don’t forget the donut holes! Fry the small biscuit cut-outs in the same hot oil, watching them closely as they cook much faster due to their smaller size. Once golden, drain and coat them with your favorite toppings for a delightful bonus treat.

Preparation and Storage Tips for Biscuit Donuts

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but knowing how to properly store and reheat them ensures you can savor them a little longer.

Make Ahead: While frying fresh is ideal, you can prepare the biscuit dough by cutting the donuts and donut holes the day before. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. This allows you to simply fry them fresh the next morning. However, we do not recommend frying them and then storing them for reheating, as the texture changes significantly.

Storage: Store any leftover fried and coated Biscuit Donuts at room temperature in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag. Since they don’t contain dairy (unless topped with a dairy-based glaze), refrigeration isn’t necessary and can actually make them stale faster. Enjoy them within two days for optimal freshness and texture.

Freezing/How to Freeze: Unbaked biscuit donut dough (the cut-out donuts and holes) freezes exceptionally well for up to three months when stored in an airtight, freezer-safe bag or container. If freezing baked leftovers, place a piece of parchment paper between each donut to prevent them from sticking together. Thaw unbaked dough in the refrigerator overnight before frying, and thaw baked donuts at room temperature.

How to Reheat: Reheat leftover Biscuit Donuts gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. You want them warm and soft, not overcooked or rubbery. If they were frozen, thaw them at room temperature first before microwaving.

Creative Recipe Variations and Dietary Considerations

This simple recipe is a fantastic starting point for endless customization.

• Air Fryer Option: For a lighter, oil-free alternative, try our air fryer donuts recipe! Air frying biscuit donuts eliminates the need for deep frying oil entirely.
• Biscuit Substitutions: The type of refrigerator biscuit significantly impacts the final taste. Buttermilk biscuits offer a classic flavor, while butter biscuits add a rich, decadent note. Layered biscuits can create a flakier texture. We typically use Pillsbury Grands biscuits, but any similar brand will work.
• Glaze Galore: Beyond cinnamon sugar, consider a quick chocolate glaze (melted chocolate chips with a tiny bit of coconut oil or butter), a simple vanilla glaze (powdered sugar, milk, vanilla), or even a maple glaze. Store-bought frosting and an assortment of sprinkles are also a fun and easy way to decorate!
• Spice it Up: Elevate your cinnamon sugar with other warm spices. A pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice blend can transform your donuts into a seasonal delight.
• Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to your glazes or sugar mixture for a bright, refreshing flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: This recipe is naturally vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for almost any diet.
• Vegan Option: Good news for vegans! Several Pillsbury Grands biscuit varieties are vegan-safe. For a comprehensive list, check out I Am Going Vegan’s guide to vegan biscuit brands to select the right product.
• Gluten-Free: To make gluten-free Biscuit Donuts, simply use a gluten-free canned biscuit variety. Please note that Pillsbury does not currently make gluten-free canned biscuits, so you’ll need to seek out other brands.
• Smaller or Larger Servings: Our recipe uses one package of refrigerator biscuits to yield approximately eight standard donuts plus donut holes. Easily scale the recipe up or down by adjusting the number of biscuit packages you use.
• Sugar-Free: The base recipe has minimal sugar (mostly from the biscuits themselves). To make the finished product sugar-free, use a sugar-free alternative for your coatings and glazes.

Expert Tips for the Best Biscuit Donuts Every Time

Achieve donut perfection with these helpful tips:

• Safe Handling of Hot Donuts: A wooden skewer or a spider strainer is ideal for safely removing hot donuts from the oil. They will be extremely hot, so handle with care.
• Kid-Friendly Coating Method: If kids are helping, place the warm donuts (and donut holes) in a paper bag with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Shake gently to coat, protecting little hands from the heat.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: This is arguably the most crucial tip! The oil temperature will naturally increase as you fry. Start around 350-375°F (175-190°C) and be prepared to lower the heat as you continue frying. Too hot, and they’ll burn outside and be raw inside; too cool, and they’ll soak up too much oil and become greasy.
• Creative Glazing: A simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar, a touch of milk, and vanilla extract) or an easy icing can be a fantastic alternative to cinnamon sugar. Get creative with food coloring and sprinkles for a fun decorating activity, especially for parties or holidays.
• Don’t Forget the Donut Holes: The small middles are often the best part! They cook quickly and are perfect for a taste test. Just be mindful not to overcook them.

What to Serve with Your Delightful Biscuit Donuts

These one-ingredient Biscuit Donuts are incredibly versatile and can be served with a wide array of breakfast, brunch, or dessert pairings.

Hearty Sides & Savory Companions:

• 2 Ingredient Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups
• 3 Ingredient Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
• Sausage Breakfast Biscuit Cups
• Bacon Gravy
• Easy Homemade Banana Bread
• Semi-Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Complementary Main Dishes:

• Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
• Eggs in a Basket
• Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole
• CrockPot Breakfast Casserole
• Sausage Biscuit & Gravy Casserole
• CrockPot Ham & Cheese Grits
• CrockPot Carrot Cake Oatmeal
• CrockPot Egg McMuffin

Perfect Beverage Pairings:

• Coffee Coolatta
• CopyCat Chick fil A Frosted Coffee
• CrockPot Caramel Latte
• CrockPot Pumpkin Spice Latte
• CrockPot Mexican Hot Chocolate
• CopyCat Starbucks Frappuccino
• Eggnog Coffee

When to Indulge in Biscuit Donuts

These versatile treats are perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Breakfast: A quick and delightful start to your day.
• Brunch: An impressive yet easy addition to any brunch spread.
• Coffee or Tea Snack: The perfect accompaniment to your favorite hot beverage.
• Late-night Craving: When only a warm, sweet treat will do.
• Holiday Mornings: A festive and simple option for special occasions.

More Easy Brunch Recipes to Explore

If you loved the simplicity of these Biscuit Donuts, you’ll adore these other easy brunch recipes:

• Homemade Banana Bread
• Ham and Cheese Grits
• Semi-homemade Cinnamon Rolls
• Pulled Pork Breakfast Hash
• Monkey Bread Bites

We sincerely hope you love these Biscuit Donuts as much as we do! They are a fantastic way to make any part of your day—be it breakfast, brunch, or a late-night treat—just a little sweeter and a lot more fun. Don’t be shy; give them a try!

Looking for more culinary inspiration? Dive into our extensive collection of copycat recipes, delicious dessert recipes, and incredibly convenient CrockPot Recipes.

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Originally posted on September 12, 2012. Updated September 2020.