Simple Drop Donut Recipe That'll Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Homemade donuts? Heck yeah! Fry up a fresh batch of drop donuts that'll have everyone smiling from ear to ear.

Updated December 8, 2023
homemade donuts

If you're looking for a dose of sweetness, drop donuts are truly the perfect bite-size treats. Delightfully fluffy, these donuts are easy to make, with numerous ways to mix up the flavors.  Dunk them in chocolate, coat them in cinnamon sugar, or roll them in sprinkles — there's a flavor for everyone.  

Easy Drop Donuts Recipe 

The best drop donuts are those fresh out of the fryer. The crispy edges and fluffy insides bring out the best of both worlds. This recipe makes 12 to 18 donuts. 

Donut Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour 
  • 2 teaspoona baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 4-6 cups of vegetable oil (or oil of choice for frying)

Glaze Ingredients 

  • 5⅓ tablespoons margarine or butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup hot water

Instructions for Donuts 

  1. In a large bowl, mix the sugar, milk, egg, and melted butter.
  2. In another bowl, sift flour and mix with baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
  3. Add the sifted ingredients to the liquids and mix together.
  4. In a large pot, heat the cooking oil to 350°F. 
  5. Carefully drop rounded spoonfuls of dough into the oil and fry them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Ensure even browning on all sides. 
  6. Using tongs, place donuts on a plate with folded paper towels to remove excess oil. 

Instructions for Glaze 

  1. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar.
  2. Mix in the vanilla and hot water.
  3. After frying, dip each donut one at time in the glaze or drizzle the glaze over top.

Glaze Toppings & Filling Options 

Drizzle, sprinkle, or dunk your drop donuts. Get festive for the holidays and roll your donuts in colorful sprinkles, or simply dust them with some powdered sugar.

Quick Tip

For coating donuts, glaze them before sprinkling toppings. This ensures toppings stay on the treats.

Here are some topping and filling suggestions: 

  • Powdered sugar 
  • Cinnamon sugar 
  • Chocolate syrup 
  • Raspberry or strawberry syrup 
  • Maple syrup 
  • Chopped nuts 
  • Sprinkles
  • Jams 

Add some delicious jam or whipped cream in your drop donuts. Use a chopstick to poke a small hole and fill them with your favorite filling using a small-tip piping bag. 

Quick Tip

No piping bag, no problem. Pour your icing or filling into a small resealable zipper bag and snip the corner. Be sure to snip only a little — your filling might overfill your donut if the cut is too big. 

Doughy Bites of Sweetness 

Turn your kitchen into a warm, cozy hug with this drop donut recipe. If you want to treat yourself to a tiny bite of sweetness, these warm and crispy balls of dough will satisfy your sweet cravings. We don't blame you for reaching for one, two, or even four throughout your day. 

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Simple Drop Donut Recipe That'll Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth