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Easy Homemade Old Fashioned Donuts Recipe - 2 Thumbnail

Glazed Old Fashioned Donuts

These Glazed Old Fashioned Donuts are a classic bakery-style treat made easily at home. Soft, cakey, and perfectly crisp around the edges, these Homemade Old Fashioned Donuts feature a rich buttermilk flavor that gives them their signature taste. The dough fries up beautifully with those iconic cracked edges, creating the perfect texture for soaking up a smooth vanilla glaze. Whether you’re learning How To Make Old Fashioned Donuts for the first time or searching for the ultimate Old Fashioned Donut Recipe, this version delivers delicious results every time. Serve them warm for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack. One bite of these golden donuts and you’ll see why they’re a timeless favorite.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • For the Donut Dough
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup soft shortening
  • 1½ cups buttermilk
  • 7 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • For the Glaze
  • 4 tablespoons butter melted
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 –6 tablespoons half-and-half or cream

Method
 

Step 1: Mix the Donut Dough

Start by cracking the eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisking them until smooth. Add the sugar and softened shortening, mixing until everything is well combined. Pour in the buttermilk and stir until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Incorporate the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mix until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two portions. Lightly flour your work surface and gently roll each portion to about ⅓-inch thickness. Let the rolled dough rest for about 20 minutes. This step helps create those beautiful classic cracks when the donuts fry.

    Step 2: Heat the Oil

    Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy pot with tall sides. Heat the oil until it reaches 370–380°F (188–193°C). Maintaining the right temperature ensures the donuts cook evenly and stay light instead of greasy.

      Step 3: Cut the Donuts

      Use a donut cutter to shape the dough. If you don’t have one, use a large round cutter for the donut and a smaller cutter for the center hole. Collect the donut holes and set them aside—they fry quickly and make perfect bite-sized treats.

        Step 4: Fry the Donuts

        Before frying a full batch, test the oil with one donut.Carefully slide 3–4 donuts into the hot oil using a spatula. Avoid overcrowding the pan.As the donuts rise to the surface, flip them gently so both sides cook evenly. Fry for about 3 minutes total, until golden brown.Lift them out using a fork or slotted utensil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels.Fry the donut holes the same way, but reduce the cooking time by about half.

          Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

          In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and half-and-half.Stir until smooth and glossy. The glaze should be thin and pourable, similar to warm honey.Dip each warm donut into the glaze, then place them back on the rack so the excess glaze can drip off and set.

            Notes

            Helpful Recipe Tips

            • Roll the dough to about ⅓-inch thick and allow it to rest before cutting to achieve classic old-fashioned donut cracks.
            • Keep the oil temperature steady around 370–380°F for the best texture.
            • Fry donuts in small batches so the oil temperature doesn’t drop.
            • Glaze the donuts while they’re still warm so the glaze adheres beautifully.

            How to Check Oil Temperature Without a Thermometer

            If you don’t have a deep-fry thermometer, there’s an easy kitchen trick.
            1. Heat the oil over medium-high heat.
            2. Dip the end of a wooden spoon or chopstick into the oil.
            3. If steady bubbles form around the wood, the oil is ready.
            4. If the bubbles are aggressive and splatter, reduce the heat slightly.

            Frequently Asked Questions

            Can I prepare the dough in advance?

             Yes, but only briefly. Because the dough contains baking soda, it shouldn’t sit for too long. Prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for 8–12 hours at most before using.

            How should I store old fashioned donuts?

             Allow the donuts to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days.
             For longer storage, wrap each donut individually and freeze them in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months.

            Final Thoughts

            Freshly made old-fashioned donuts are one of those treats that instantly make a day better. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and tender inside, and coated in a sweet glaze that’s impossible to resist. Making them at home might sound intimidating, but once you try this recipe, you’ll see how fun and rewarding it really is.
            Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, a cozy breakfast, or simply craving a nostalgic bakery-style treat, these homemade glazed old fashioned donuts deliver every single time. One bite, and you’ll understand why they’ve remained a classic favorite for generations.