These Homemade Mini Donuts are a fun and delicious treat, perfect for any occasion. Made with an overnight brioche dough, they are deep-fried to golden perfection and coated in cinnamon sugar. The dough is easy to work with, and the mini size makes them perfect for sharing. Whether you’re making them for a party or just to enjoy at home, these mini donuts will give you that fresh-from-the-bakery experience!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Donut Dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
• 250g whole milk, lukewarm
• 50g sugar
• 565g all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 2 large eggs (about 100g), room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• 100g unsalted butter, room temperature
• Neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or extra light olive oil) for frying

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 200g granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cinnamon

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, mix the yeast, warm milk, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Let sit for 10-15 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, salt, and remaining sugar. Add the eggs, vanilla, and yeast mixture. Mix on low speed for 2-3 minutes until combined. Increase to medium speed and mix for another 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth.
3. Incorporate the Butter: Reduce speed to low and add the butter in small pieces, waiting for each piece to fully incorporate before adding the next. Once all butter is added, increase to medium speed and mix for another 5 minutes.
4. First Rise: Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
5. Roll and Cut: Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 1 ¾ inches in diameter) to cut out the donuts. Use a smaller cutter (or a metal straw) to create the center hole.
6. Second Rise: Place the cut-out donuts on parchment paper, cover lightly with plastic wrap, and let rise for 45-50 minutes until puffy.
7. Fry the Donuts: Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (180°C). Fry the donuts in batches for 3-4 minutes, flipping every 30 seconds until golden brown.
8. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: While still warm, toss the donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Mini donuts are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container and reheated briefly before serving.

Nutrients

• Serving Size: 1 mini donut
• Calories: Varies depending on size and frying oil absorption
• Carbohydrates: Rich in complex carbs from flour
• Protein: Moderate from eggs and milk
• Fat: Contains healthy fats from butter and frying oil
• Sugar: Coated in cinnamon sugar for a sweet finish

The Magic of Brioche Dough

The key to these delicious mini donuts is the rich, buttery brioche dough. Brioche is a type of bread known for its soft, tender texture and slightly sweet flavor, thanks to the generous amount of butter and eggs incorporated into the dough. Unlike standard yeast dough, which can be a bit dense, brioche dough is light, airy, and perfect for deep frying, resulting in a donut that is both crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Allowing the dough to rise overnight in the refrigerator is a crucial step in developing its flavor and texture. The slow fermentation process gives the dough time to develop a deeper, more complex flavor profile, making these mini donuts stand out from the crowd of ordinary donut recipes. The overnight rise also makes the dough easier to work with, resulting in a smoother and more pliable consistency when it’s ready for rolling and cutting.

Frying to Perfection: The Key to Crispy, Golden Donuts

Frying is what gives these mini donuts their irresistible crispy outer layer, while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. The key to frying donuts is ensuring the oil is at the correct temperature—around 350°F (180°C)—for the perfect fry. Too hot, and the donuts will burn on the outside while remaining raw inside. Too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil, leaving them greasy and heavy.

Frying the donuts in small batches ensures that they cook evenly and remain golden brown. As they fry, they puff up beautifully, creating that signature donut texture that we all know and love. Flipping the donuts every 30 seconds helps them fry evenly on both sides, resulting in a perfectly crispy exterior and light, airy interior.

The Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the donuts themselves are delicious on their own, the addition of a cinnamon sugar coating takes them to another level. The warm, fragrant spice of cinnamon combined with the sweetness of granulated sugar creates a simple yet indulgent finish for the mini donuts. Tossing the freshly fried donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they’re still warm ensures that the sugar adheres perfectly, coating each bite with a burst of sweetness and spice.

The cinnamon sugar coating is easy to prepare and gives the donuts an extra pop of flavor without being overwhelming. It complements the subtle richness of the brioche dough and provides a perfect balance to the slight savory notes from the butter and eggs in the dough. This simple coating elevates the mini donuts into a decadent treat that’s sure to become a favorite for everyone who tries them.

The Fun of Mini Donuts: Perfect for Sharing and Customization

One of the greatest things about homemade mini donuts is how easy they are to customize and share. The small size makes them perfect for bite-sized indulgence, allowing you to enjoy a few different flavors without feeling overly full. Whether you’re serving them at a party, packing them for a picnic, or offering them as a special dessert at family gatherings, these mini donuts are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Additionally, the mini size makes them fun to make and decorate. While the classic cinnamon sugar coating is a crowd favorite, you can easily customize these donuts with various toppings, such as chocolate glaze, sprinkles, powdered sugar, or even fruit jam. You could also dip them in flavored icings, or even experiment with savory options like adding herbs or cheese to the dough for a savory twist.

Meal Prep and Convenience: Make-Ahead and Freeze for Later

One of the best things about these homemade mini donuts is that they can be made ahead of time, making them a perfect option for meal prep or when you’re entertaining guests. Once the dough is prepared and has risen overnight, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, giving you plenty of time to assemble the donuts whenever you’re ready to fry them.

You can also freeze the donuts after frying and coating them in cinnamon sugar. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just reheat the donuts in the oven for a few minutes or microwave them for a quick, warm treat. This makes them a great option for quick breakfasts or snacks when you’re craving something sweet, without having to go through the process of making them from scratch every time.

The Versatility of Mini Donuts

While the classic cinnamon sugar coating is a perfect choice, mini donuts can be made to suit any occasion or flavor preference. You can experiment with different coatings or fillings to create unique flavor combinations. For instance, you could create a chocolate-glazed mini donut with a sprinkle of sea salt, or try adding a fruit preserve to the center of the donut before frying for a jelly-filled surprise.

These mini donuts are also versatile when it comes to the type of flour or fat you use. If you prefer a healthier version, you can try substituting some of the ingredients, such as using whole wheat flour or a healthier oil, like avocado oil, to replace the butter. The dough can be adjusted to suit your dietary preferences, all while still maintaining that delightful flavor and texture.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re making these mini donuts for a special event, a casual family breakfast, or simply to enjoy on a lazy weekend, they are guaranteed to be a hit. Their small size makes them easy to serve and share, while the rich, buttery dough and sweet coating make them an irresistible treat for guests of all ages. They’re perfect for holiday celebrations, birthday parties, or as a special dessert for a brunch or dinner gathering.

The warm, comforting flavors of homemade mini donuts evoke memories of the bakery or a special treat from childhood, making them the perfect nostalgic snack. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the fryer or slightly cooled, these mini donuts offer a delicious, homemade experience that you can enjoy any time.

Conclusion

Homemade Mini Donuts are a fun, delicious, and versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with an overnight brioche dough, they are deep-fried to golden perfection and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. The soft, buttery dough, warm spices, and sugary coating make these mini donuts a satisfying and indulgent dessert or snack.

What makes these mini donuts even better is their versatility—whether you’re sticking with the classic cinnamon sugar coating or experimenting with different fillings and toppings, there’s a flavor combination for everyone. The ability to prepare the dough ahead of time and even freeze the donuts for later makes them a convenient and easy option for busy days or entertaining.

If you’re looking for a treat that combines fun, flavor, and the joy of homemade baking, these mini donuts are a must-try. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a sweet weekend treat, they’re sure to impress and satisfy every time.