Old-Fashioned Sugar Donuts: A Sweet Hug from the Past
There’s something undeniably special about old-fashioned recipes — the kind that evoke memories of cozy kitchens, the smell of something delicious frying on the stovetop, and sugary fingers sneaking tastes before they’re cool enough. These Old-Fashioned Sugar Donuts are just that. A sweet, golden throwback to simpler times, dusted with crunchy sugar and fried to absolute perfection. I can’t tell you how many smiles these bring every time I make them!
Before we dive in, don’t forget — if you love homemade comfort bakes like this, be sure to subscribe to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox. No spam, just buttery joy.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Sugar Donuts
Old-fashioned sugar donuts are the epitome of comfort. They’re:
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Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside
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Lightly sweet with a satisfying sugar crunch
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Made with pantry staples
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Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime in between!
And the taste? Think buttery vanilla cake with a slightly crisp crust, made even more magical by the sugar coating. These are donuts that don’t just fill your belly — they warm your heart.
Benefits of These Donuts
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No yeast = no waiting! These are cake-style donuts, which means no rising time.
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Make ahead friendly — you can prep the dough and chill overnight.
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Perfect for freezing – they reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer.
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Customizable – roll in cinnamon sugar, dip in glaze, or drizzle with chocolate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this old-fashioned delight:
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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2 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp nutmeg (optional but highly recommended!)
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⅔ cup granulated sugar
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
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2 large eggs
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¾ cup buttermilk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
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Extra sugar for coating
Tools You’ll Need
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A large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for frying
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Candy thermometer (to keep that oil temp just right)
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Mixing bowls
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Rolling pin
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Donut cutter (or round cutters)
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Slotted spoon or spider strainer
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Cooling rack + paper towels
Substitutions & Add-Ons
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No buttermilk? Mix ¾ cup milk with 2 tsp lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
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Cinnamon sugar coating instead of plain sugar for a warm spice kick.
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Add a touch of lemon zest to the batter for brightness.
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Love chocolate? Dip the tops in a simple ganache for a fancier finish.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Sugar Donuts
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prep your oil: Heat oil in a heavy pot to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and set a cooling rack on top.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
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Cream the butter & sugar: In another bowl, beat together sugar and butter until sandy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well.
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Add wet ingredients: Stir in buttermilk and vanilla.
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Combine: Gradually mix dry into wet until a soft dough forms. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour (makes it easier to roll).
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Roll & cut: Roll dough out to about ½ inch thick. Cut into donut shapes.
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Fry: Fry in batches for 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pot!
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Drain & coat: Let drain on paper towels for 1 minute, then roll in sugar while still warm.
What to Serve with Sugar Donuts
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A big mug of hot coffee or café au lait
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Fresh berries or a fruit compote
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A scoop of vanilla ice cream (yes, really!)
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Maple syrup drizzle for breakfast-style decadence
Tips for Donut Success
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Don’t skip chilling the dough — it makes cutting and handling much easier.
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Keep your oil between 350–360°F — too hot and they’ll burn, too cold and they’ll soak up oil.
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Fry in small batches for even cooking.
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Sugar them while warm so it sticks beautifully.
Storage Instructions
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Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Fridge: Up to 5 days (reheat for best texture).
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Freezer: Freeze after cooling; reheat in oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead of frying?
You can try baking at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, but they won’t have the same crispy crust.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Chill the dough for up to 24 hours before rolling and frying.
What oil is best for frying donuts?
Use neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for the cleanest flavor.
How do I make them gluten-free?
Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
In Summary…
These Old-Fashioned Sugar Donuts are anything but boring — they’re a nostalgic treat that brings a little bakery magic right into your kitchen. Simple ingredients, satisfying results, and oh, that first bite into the warm, sugared crust? Pure bliss.
Looking for more cozy baking vibes? You might also love:
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🍑 [Peach Cobbler Biscuit Bake]
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🍑 [Brown Butter Peach Crumb Bars]
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🍑 [Peach Donut Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar]
Let’s Keep the Donut Love Going
If you make these, please leave a review below and tag me in your photos on Pinterest — I’d love to see your donut creations!
Nutritional Info (Per Donut, Approximate)
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Calories: 250
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Fat: 10g
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Carbs: 35g
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Protein: 3g
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Sugar: 12g
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Fiber: <1g