Why You’ll Love Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts Recipe
- Soft and moist with a tender crumb.
- No yeast required, so there’s no waiting for dough to rise.
- Ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfectly coated in sweet powdered sugar.
- Great for breakfast, brunch, parties, or lunchboxes.
- Easy enough for beginner bakers.
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience.
- Fun bite-sized treats that everyone loves.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Salted butter, melted
- Canola oil
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Corn syrup
- Egg
- Sour cream
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Ground nutmeg
- Powdered sugar
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly grease a mini donut pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, canola oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and corn syrup until smooth.
- Add the egg and whisk until fully incorporated, then mix in the sour cream.
- Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- Add the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Mix just until a thick, smooth batter forms.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off.
- Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about halfway full.
- Bake for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the donuts have risen and spring back lightly when touched.
- Immediately remove the donuts from the pan and continue baking additional batches if needed.
- While the donuts are still warm, toss them in powdered sugar until completely coated.
- Allow the donuts to cool before serving.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 56 mini donuts
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for a warm spice flavor.
- Stir mini chocolate chips into the batter for a fun twist.
- Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
- Toss the warm donuts in cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar.
- Add a little lemon or orange zest to brighten the flavor.
- Drizzle cooled donuts with a simple vanilla glaze instead of coating them in powdered sugar.
- Sprinkle with festive colored sugars for holidays and celebrations.
Storage/Reheating
Store completely cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap the donuts individually and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. If desired, lightly warm the donuts for a few seconds in the microwave and add a fresh dusting of powdered sugar before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I make these without a mini donut pan?
Yes. You can use a mini muffin pan instead, although the shape will be different.
Why is sour cream used in the recipe?
Sour cream adds moisture and helps create a soft, tender texture.
Can I substitute the canola oil?
Yes. Any neutral-flavored oil such as vegetable or avocado oil works well.
Can I use unsalted butter?
Absolutely. Simply add an extra pinch of salt to the batter.
Do I have to use nutmeg?
Nutmeg is recommended because it gives the donuts their classic bakery-style flavor, but you can leave it out if preferred.
How do I keep the powdered sugar from melting?
Coat the donuts while they’re warm, then let them cool completely. Add another light coating before serving if needed.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
For the best texture, it’s recommended to bake the batter immediately after mixing.
Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes. Freeze the cooled donuts in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Are these donuts fried?
No. They are baked, making them easier and less messy than traditional fried donuts.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. The recipe doubles easily if you’re baking for a crowd or preparing treats ahead of time.
Conclusion
These Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts are an easy homemade version of a nostalgic favorite. They’re soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet with a generous coating of powdered sugar that makes every bite irresistible. Since they require no yeast and bake in just a few minutes, they’re an excellent recipe for busy mornings, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a fresh homemade treat.
Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts
These mini powdered sugar donuts are soft, fluffy, and cake-like with a generous coating of powdered sugar. They bake in minutes with no yeast required, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or snacking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 56 mini donuts
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Salted butter, melted
- Canola oil
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Corn syrup
- 1 egg
- Sour cream
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Ground nutmeg
- Powdered sugar, for coating
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly grease a mini donut pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Whisk together the melted butter, canola oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and corn syrup until smooth.
- Add the egg and whisk until fully incorporated, then mix in the sour cream.
- Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- Add the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. Mix just until a thick, smooth batter forms.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off.
- Pipe the batter into the prepared mini donut pan, filling each cavity about halfway full.
- Bake for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the donuts have risen and spring back lightly when touched.
- Immediately remove the donuts from the pan and continue baking additional batches if needed.
- While the donuts are still warm, toss them in powdered sugar until completely coated.
- Allow the donuts to cool before serving.
Notes
- Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for a warm spice flavor.
- Stir mini chocolate chips into the batter for a fun variation.
- Substitute almond extract for vanilla extract if desired.
- Coat warm donuts in cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar.
- Add lemon or orange zest for a brighter flavor.
- Drizzle cooled donuts with vanilla glaze instead of powdered sugar.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freeze individually wrapped donuts for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.
- A mini muffin pan can be used if a mini donut pan is unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mini donuts
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 18 mg
