Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the most delightful and incredibly easy Canned Biscuit Donuts at home! Forget complicated recipes and long waits; with a mere four ingredients and just minutes of your time, you can transform a humble tube of refrigerated biscuits into warm, golden, and exceptionally fluffy homemade donuts. This recipe is your secret weapon for satisfying those sweet cravings, whether for a spontaneous breakfast, a last-minute dessert, or a fun family cooking activity.
The allure of a hot, fresh donut is undeniable, and now, bringing that bakery experience into your kitchen has never been simpler. This recipe has quickly become one of our most cherished donut recipes, celebrated for its minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a must-try for anyone seeking a quick, delicious treat that will undoubtedly become a family favorite. Imagine the joy of biting into a warm, soft donut, made with love right in your own home!
While I absolutely adore making traditional Homemade Glazed Donuts, baking a delightful Donut Cake, or indulging in seasonal Baked Apple Cider Donuts, this innovative recipe utilizing canned biscuits truly shines when time is of the essence. It provides an effortless shortcut to gourmet-tasting donuts without compromising on that irresistible texture or flavor, making it perfect for those busy mornings or when an unexpected sweet tooth strikes.
Table of Contents: Your Complete Guide to Easy Canned Biscuit Donuts
- Why This Easy Donut Recipe Works Wonders
- Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Donuts
- Creative Variations and Substitutions to Try
- Step-by-Step: How to Make Donuts from Canned Biscuits
- Delightful Topping Ideas for Your Biscuit Donuts
- Pro Tips for Donut-Making Success
- Frequently Asked Questions About Biscuit Donuts
- More Easy Donut Inspiration
- Easy Canned Biscuit Donuts Recipe Card
Why This Easy Donut Recipe Works Wonders
This canned biscuit donut recipe isn’t just about speed; it’s a brilliant, foolproof method for achieving delicious results every single time. Here’s an in-depth look at why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:
- No Specialty Equipment Required: Unlike traditional donut recipes that might call for donut cutters, deep fryers, or pastry bags, this recipe requires only fundamental kitchen tools. A simple saucepan for frying, a slotted spoon, and something to cut a hole in the biscuits (like an apple corer or a small cookie cutter) are all you need. This makes homemade donuts accessible to everyone, regardless of their baking experience or the contents of their gadget drawer. It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks who appreciate simplicity.
- Achievable with Just 4 Pantry Staples: The magic of these donuts lies in their incredibly short ingredient list. You’ll only need a tube of refrigerated biscuits, vegetable oil for frying, white granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. These are common items found in almost every pantry, meaning you can whip up a batch of fresh, hot donuts whenever the craving strikes, without an extra trip to the grocery store. This convenience also makes it a remarkably cost-effective treat.
- Guaranteed Soft and Fluffy Texture: The real triumph of using canned biscuits is how they beautifully transform when fried. They puff up into a wonderfully airy, tender, and irresistibly soft interior, encased in a delicate, slightly crisp exterior. Each bite offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience, perfectly complemented by the sugary coating. The texture is so satisfying, you’d swear they came from a professional bakery, but with the added warmth and charm of a homemade creation.
- Remarkably Fast Preparation: From the moment you pop open the biscuit tube to the delightful first bite, these homemade donuts can be ready in under 15 minutes. This incredible speed makes them an ideal choice for busy mornings when you crave something special, an impromptu dessert, or a last-minute snack for unexpected guests. It’s instant gratification in the most delicious form.
- A Versatile Canvas for Customization: While the classic cinnamon sugar coating is undeniably delicious, these biscuit donuts serve as an extraordinary base for a multitude of flavor experiments. They’re a blank slate for your culinary imagination. Whether you prefer a rich chocolate dip, a tangy fruit glaze, or a whimsical shower of sprinkles, these donuts adapt beautifully to any topping, ensuring there’s a perfect flavor combination for every palate and every occasion.
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Donuts
Crafting these simple yet sensational donuts demands minimal fuss with these readily available components:
- Canned Refrigerated Biscuits: This is the foundational ingredient and the absolute hero of our recipe. For a truly exceptional light and flaky texture that puffs up beautifully when fried, I highly recommend using Pillsbury Original Grands Flaky Layers, typically found in an 8-count tube. However, don’t feel limited – any brand or type of refrigerated biscuit dough will work wonderfully. Experiment with buttermilk biscuits for a slight tangy note, or opt for jumbo biscuits if you desire larger, more substantial donuts. The key is the convenience and consistent rise they provide.
- Vegetable Oil: The medium for our frying magic! You’ll need a sufficient amount to fill your saucepan to a depth of approximately 2 inches. Vegetable oil is the preferred choice for deep frying because of its neutral flavor profile, which won’t overpower the delicate taste of your donuts, and its relatively high smoke point, ensuring even cooking without burning. Canola oil, peanut oil, or even grapeseed oil are also excellent alternatives that perform similarly well in deep frying applications.
- White Sugar: This granulated sugar forms the sweet, sparkling base for our quintessential cinnamon sugar coating. When generously applied to the warm donuts, it melts slightly, creating that characteristic crisp and sweet layer that makes these treats utterly addictive. It provides the perfect balance to the tender biscuit dough.
- Ground Cinnamon: The aromatic spice that elevates our sugar coating into a classic. Ground cinnamon infuses the donuts with a warm, comforting, and subtly spicy flavor that pairs exquisitely with the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the fried dough. You can adjust the quantity to suit your personal preference, adding more for a pronounced cinnamon kick or less for a milder hint.
These four simple ingredients, when combined and prepared using our straightforward method, create an unforgettable indulgence that tastes far more sophisticated than its humble origins would suggest. For precise measurements and complete instructions, you can always refer to the detailed recipe card conveniently located at the conclusion of this guide.
Creative Variations and Substitutions to Try
One of the most appealing aspects of this easy canned biscuit donut recipe is its incredible versatility. Don’t hesitate to unleash your creativity and experiment with these fantastic variations to truly customize your homemade treats:
- Explore Different Biscuit Varieties: While Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers are a personal favorite for their wonderfully light and layered texture, feel free to try other types of refrigerated biscuit dough. Buttermilk biscuits will impart a subtle tanginess, yielding a slightly different flavor profile. Southern-style biscuits might result in a denser, more bread-like donut. Even jumbo biscuits can be used for larger, more substantial donuts. Each variety will offer a unique, yet equally delicious, experience.
- Elevate with Alternative Toppings:
- Simple Powdered Sugar: For an effortlessly elegant finish, a light dusting of powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) is always a beloved choice. For the best presentation, sift it over the warm donuts using a fine-mesh sieve.
- Rich Vanilla Glaze: Create a quick and classic glaze by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk (or water, or even a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor) until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Dip the tops of your slightly cooled donuts into this luscious glaze or drizzle it artfully over them.
- Zesty Citrus Glaze: For a bright and refreshing twist, substitute the milk in the vanilla glaze with lemon juice, lime juice, or orange juice. This adds a wonderful tangy complement to the sweet donut.
- Air Fry Your Donuts for a Lighter Touch: If you’re seeking a less oil-intensive option, your air fryer is an excellent tool. Prepare the biscuit donuts as usual (cutting out the centers), then place them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 4-6 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. This method yields surprisingly light and fluffy donuts with a lovely crisp exterior in a fraction of the time.
- Don’t Waste the Donut Holes: A delightful bonus of this recipe is the creation of donut holes! Never discard the dough removed from the center of your donuts. These make perfect bite-sized treats. Simply fry or bake them alongside your full-sized donuts, remembering to adjust the cooking time as they will cook significantly faster (typically about half the time). Toss them in cinnamon sugar, glaze, or chocolate for an extra delightful snack that’s often a favorite among children.
- Bake Them in the Oven for a Non-Fried Option: For those who prefer a non-fried version, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the biscuit donuts (and their accompanying holes) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked thoroughly. Donut holes will typically be done in about 8-10 minutes. While the texture will be slightly different from their fried counterparts, they remain incredibly tasty and offer a wonderful, healthier alternative.
- Gourmet Additions: After glazing or dipping in chocolate, consider adding finely chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts), shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a sophisticated flavor contrast.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Donuts from Canned Biscuits
Creating your irresistibly easy homemade biscuit donuts is a straightforward process. Just follow these simple, illustrated steps to achieve golden, fluffy perfection:
Step 1: Prepare Your Cinnamon Sugar Coating. Begin by combining your white sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. It’s important that the bowl is wide enough to comfortably fit a whole donut for easy coating. Stir these two ingredients thoroughly until they are perfectly blended, ensuring an even distribution of flavor. Once mixed, set this bowl aside; it will be ready to receive your warm, freshly fried donuts later.
Step 2: Shape the Biscuits and Heat the Frying Oil. Carefully open the can of refrigerated biscuits and separate each individual biscuit. While your vegetable oil begins to heat in a small, deep saucepan (aim for approximately 2 inches of oil depth), take an apple corer or a small round cookie cutter (about 1-inch diameter) and gently press it through the center of each biscuit to create the classic donut shape. Make sure to save the removed centers; these are your future, delicious donut holes!
Step 3: Fry the Donuts to Golden Perfection. It is absolutely essential that your oil is heated to the correct temperature, ideally around 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test it by dropping a tiny piece of biscuit dough in; it should sizzle immediately and float to the top. Carefully drop the biscuit donuts into the hot oil, one at a time or in very small batches (avoid overcrowding the pan, as this lowers the oil temperature). Fry each donut for approximately 1 minute on each side, ensuring they achieve a beautiful golden brown color and puff up nicely. This precise timing is crucial for ensuring the donuts are cooked through completely and aren’t doughy in the center. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to gently flip them.
Step 4: Coat and Serve Warm. Once your donuts are perfectly golden and cooked, carefully remove them from the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Immediately transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly for about 1-2 minutes; they should still be pleasantly warm but not scalding hot to the touch. While still warm, generously dunk and roll each donut into the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring all sides are thoroughly and evenly coated. Serve your homemade biscuit donuts immediately and relish the irresistible taste of this simple, delicious treat!
Delightful Topping Ideas for Your Biscuit Donuts
While the classic cinnamon sugar coating is undeniably a timeless favorite, don’t feel limited! These easy biscuit donuts are a fantastic canvas for a myriad of delicious toppings. Here are more creative ways to finish your homemade treats:
- Classic Glazed Donuts: For a simple yet utterly irresistible glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) with 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk (or water, or even a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth). Add the liquid gradually until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Dip the tops of your slightly cooled donuts into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off, or drizzle it artfully over them. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving to avoid mess.
- Rich Chocolate Dipped: Satisfy any chocolate craving by melting your favorite chocolate chips – milk, dark, or semi-sweet – in a microwave-safe bowl (heating in 30-second intervals and stirring) or over a double boiler. Once smooth, dip the top half of each donut into the melted chocolate. For an extra special touch, immediately sprinkle with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
- Creamy Icing Varieties: Elevate your biscuit donuts with a luscious layer of your favorite frosting or icing. Some fantastic choices that pair wonderfully include:
- Peanut Butter Frosting: A rich, nutty, and incredibly satisfying option for a truly decadent donut.
- Homemade Vanilla Buttercream Frosting: Smooth, sweet, and wonderfully versatile, it’s a classic choice that never disappoints.
- Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting: Offering a delightful balance of sweet and tangy, this creamy topping is a perfect complement to the rich fried dough.
- Fun with Festive Sprinkles: Sprinkles are a surefire way to bring a smile to anyone’s face! After applying a glaze or chocolate coating, immediately shower your donuts with colorful, festive sprinkles. This is an excellent idea for making special treats for birthdays, holiday breakfasts (think red and green for Christmas or pastels for Easter), or simply to add a touch of joyful whimsy to your everyday.
- Caramel Drizzle & Sea Salt: A sophisticated and popular combination! Drizzle warm caramel sauce over your plain or chocolate-dipped donuts, then finish with a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors.
- Maple Bacon Bliss: For a sweet and savory sensation, dip donuts in a simple maple glaze (powdered sugar + maple syrup + a touch of milk) and top with crumbled, crispy bacon bits.
Pro Tips for Donut-Making Success
While making biscuit donuts is inherently easy, a few expert tips can elevate your results from good to absolutely perfect. Pay attention to these details for consistently delicious homemade treats:
- Crucial Oil Temperature Management: This is arguably the most vital tip for achieving ideal donuts. Your frying oil should ideally be maintained at a consistent temperature of around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown excessively quickly on the outside, leaving the inside raw and doughy. Conversely, if the oil isn’t hot enough, the donuts will absorb too much oil, resulting in a greasy, heavy texture. A deep-fry thermometer is highly recommended, but if you don’t have one, test a small piece of biscuit dough; it should sizzle immediately and float to the top.
- Effortless Donut Shaping: If you don’t own an apple corer, don’t fret! A small round cookie cutter, approximately 1-inch in diameter, works perfectly for punching out the centers to create that classic donut shape. You can also ingeniously use the wide end of a sturdy piping tip or even a clean, small bottle cap in a pinch. Remember to save those centers for delicious donut holes!
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: When frying, it’s crucial to cook only a few donuts at a time (typically 2-3, depending on your pan size). Overcrowding the pan causes a significant drop in the oil’s temperature, which leads to unevenly cooked, greasy, and dense donuts. Give each donut space to fry properly and maintain consistent oil temperature.
- Thorough Draining is Key: Always transfer your freshly fried donuts directly to a plate generously lined with several layers of paper towels. This essential step allows any excess frying oil to be absorbed, preventing your donuts from becoming unpleasantly greasy or soggy, ensuring a lighter, more enjoyable texture.
- Coat While Perfectly Warm: For the best adhesion and an explosion of flavor, coat your donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture (or other dry toppings) while they are still warm, but not so hot that they’re difficult to handle. This warmth allows the sugar to melt ever so slightly and adhere perfectly to the donut’s surface, creating that irresistible sweet, crunchy crust.
- Consider a Melted Butter Base: For an extra layer of richness and an even better surface for the cinnamon sugar to stick, you can lightly brush your hot donuts with melted unsalted butter immediately after frying and draining, and just before dipping them into the sugar mixture. This simple step adds another dimension of deliciousness.
- Remember the Donut Holes: Don’t let those precious donut holes go to waste! Fry them right along with your full-sized donuts. Just remember that they will cook much faster (often in half the time), so keep a close eye on them. They’re perfect for taste-testing your oil temperature or simply for enjoying a delightful mini treat.
- Serve Immediately for Best Experience: These homemade biscuit donuts are unequivocally at their absolute peak when served warm, straight from the pan. The light, fluffy texture, coupled with the warm, aromatic coating, creates an experience that is truly irresistible and comforting.
- Prioritize Safety with Hot Oil: Always exercise extreme caution when working with hot oil. Use a deep saucepan to minimize splattering, and never, under any circumstances, leave hot oil unattended. Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Biscuit Donuts
For ideal frying conditions, you will need enough vegetable oil to create a depth of approximately 2 inches in your saucepan. This ensures that the donuts are sufficiently submerged to cook evenly and thoroughly. Maintaining the oil at the correct temperature (around 350°F / 175°C) is paramount; if the oil is too hot, the donuts will quickly brown on the outside but remain raw and doughy inside. If the oil is too cool, they will absorb excessive oil, resulting in a greasy and unappetizing texture.
Vegetable oil is highly recommended and generally considered the best choice for frying donuts. Its neutral flavor ensures that the taste of your delicious donuts shines through, and its relatively high smoke point allows for even cooking without burning. Other excellent options include canola oil, peanut oil, or even grapeseed oil. It’s best to avoid oils with strong distinctive flavors or very low smoke points, as they can negatively alter the taste and appearance of your homemade treats, potentially causing them to scorch or become overly dark too quickly.
These homemade biscuit donuts are undoubtedly at their absolute best when enjoyed warm and freshly prepared. However, should you find yourself with delightful leftovers, store them in an airtight container or a sealed bag at room temperature. They will typically maintain their deliciousness for about 1 to 2 days. For extended freshness, you can place them in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to 5 to 7 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat them briefly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. While their texture will be softer and slightly different from when they were just fried, they will still be wonderfully tasty.
While these donuts are definitely at their peak when served fresh and warm, you can certainly undertake some preparatory steps in advance. You can cut out the donut shapes and holes from the biscuit dough and then arrange them on a parchment-lined tray, refrigerating them for up to a few hours before you plan to fry. This can significantly reduce your hands-on time when you’re ready to cook. The cinnamon sugar mixture can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. However, for the very best taste and texture, the actual frying and coating should ideally be done just before serving.
Soggy or greasy donuts are almost always a clear indicator that your frying oil was not adequately hot. When the oil temperature is too low, the biscuit dough tends to absorb an excessive amount of oil rather than cooking quickly and forming that desirable crisp exterior. Ensure your oil consistently reaches the recommended 350°F (175°C) before you introduce any donuts. Additionally, avoid the common mistake of overcrowding the pan, as this can dramatically drop the oil temperature. If your donuts are undercooked in the center, it also points to oil that’s too hot, browning the outside too fast before the inside has a chance to cook through. Using paper towels to drain excess oil immediately after frying is also a crucial step to prevent sogginess.
More Easy Donut Inspiration for Your Sweet Cravings
If you’ve enjoyed the sheer simplicity and deliciousness of making these easy canned biscuit donuts, then you’re in for an absolute treat with these other fantastic and easy donut recipes. Expand your baking repertoire and discover new favorites that are sure to delight:
- Authentic Italian Donuts Recipe (Zeppole)
- Delightful Mini Donut Muffins (Baked)
- Lazy Day Homemade Donuts (from scratch, simplified)
- Copycat Krispy Kreme Donut Holes
- Vibrant Rainbow Donuts for Special Occasions
These incredibly easy biscuit donuts are destined to become a beloved staple in your home, proving conclusively that delicious, homemade treats don’t have to be complicated, time-consuming, or require extensive baking skills. Gather your few simple ingredients, embrace the joy of frying, and prepare to delight your family and friends with this instant classic. We encourage you to make a batch today and, please, come back to leave a star recipe rating and share your valuable feedback – we absolutely love hearing about your wonderful creations and how much you enjoyed them!
Easy Canned Biscuit Donuts
10 mins
2 mins
2 mins
14 mins
8
American
Dessert, Breakfast
379
Carrie Barnard
Ingredients
- 1 tube refrigerated biscuits (I used Pillsbury Original Grands Flaky Layers, 8 ct)
- Vegetable oil (enough to fill your saucepan about 2″ deep)
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl and mix thoroughly. Ensure the bowl is large enough to comfortably hold a donut for dipping.
- Add approximately 2 inches of vegetable oil to a small, deep saucepan. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C).
- While the oil heats, use an apple corer or a small round cookie cutter to cut a hole in the center of each refrigerated biscuit, creating the donut shape. Carefully drop the biscuit donuts (and donut holes, if desired) one at a time into the hot oil. Cook for exactly 1 minute on each side until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. This precise timing is essential to prevent them from being doughy or undercooked in the center. Flip when 1 minute is up and cook the other side for another minute.
- Carefully remove the fried donuts from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Allow them to cool for about 1-2 minutes until they are warm but not too hot to handle. Then, generously coat all sides of the warm donuts in the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve your delicious homemade biscuit donuts immediately and enjoy! This recipe makes 8 delightful donuts.
Nutrition Facts
Carbohydrates 41g,
Protein 4g,
Fat 23g,
Saturated Fat 13g,
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g,
Monounsaturated Fat 6g,
Cholesterol 1mg,
Sodium 544mg,
Potassium 134mg,
Fiber 1g,
Sugar 15g,
Vitamin A 4IU,
Vitamin C 1mg,
Calcium 38mg,
Iron 2mg