Easy Homemade Donuts from Canned Biscuits: Your Quick Guide to Deliciousness

There’s a special kind of joy that comes with a warm, fresh donut. That melt-in-your-mouth sweetness, perhaps a sugary glaze dripping down, or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar. For many, that joy is often found at a local donut shop, especially when the “hot” light is flashing at places like Krispy Kreme, signaling a fresh batch just out of the fryer. Or perhaps you love the endless variety offered at Dunkin’ Donuts, or cherish memories of childhood spots like “Bagels and Donuts” – truly the best of both worlds!

However, the reality of running out early in the morning for fresh donuts can be a bit of a hassle. Who wants to battle traffic or stand in line when you’re craving that comforting sweetness? What if we told you that you could replicate that amazing experience, enjoying piping hot, freshly made donuts right in your own kitchen, with minimal effort and in record time? You absolutely can, and the secret ingredient for this incredible shortcut is surprisingly simple: a can of ready-to-bake biscuits!

This recipe for easy homemade donuts using canned biscuits is not just convenient; it’s a game-changer. Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly fried dough, ready to be customized with your favorite toppings or fillings. On a cold morning, these warm, comforting treats are, in our humble opinion, even better than anything you’d get from a drive-thru, hot sign or not!

Why Canned Biscuits Are Your Donut Superpower

The beauty of using canned biscuits for homemade donuts lies in their incredible convenience and versatility. Forget about dealing with yeast, proofing dough, or lengthy kneading processes. Canned biscuits come pre-made and ready to go, essentially providing you with a perfectly portioned, fluffy dough base that transforms into delicious donuts with just a few minutes in hot oil.

This method drastically cuts down on preparation time, making it ideal for busy mornings, impromptu snack cravings, or a fun activity with kids. Each biscuit puffs up beautifully when fried, creating a light and airy texture that’s remarkably similar to traditional donuts. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly option, allowing you to enjoy gourmet-quality treats without the hefty price tag.

Whether you prefer classic sugared donuts, a simple vanilla glaze, or something more elaborate like a cream-filled delight, these canned biscuit donuts provide the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. It’s truly a testament to how simple ingredients can lead to extraordinary results!

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Easy Homemade Donuts from Canned Biscuits

Ingredients

• 1 can ready-to-bake biscuits (any variety will work, but flaky layers tend to be extra fluffy!)
• Oil for frying (vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work best)
• Sugar for topping (powdered or granulated, or a mix with cinnamon for cinnamon-sugar donuts)
• Optional: Ingredients for a quick glaze (powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract)
• Optional: Cream Filling or your favorite jelly/jam for filling

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Frying Station: In a sturdy, deep pan (like a Dutch oven or cast iron skillet), pour about 1 inch of your chosen frying oil. Place the pan on your stovetop and heat on medium. The ideal temperature for frying donuts is around 300-325°F (150-160°C). If you have a kitchen thermometer, this is the perfect time to use it for accuracy.
2. Prep the Biscuits: While your oil is gently heating, carefully crack open your can of biscuits. Separate each biscuit and spread them out on a clean surface. Allowing them to sit for a few minutes helps them come to room temperature, which can lead to more even frying and a fluffier donut.
3. Begin Frying: Once your oil reaches the desired temperature, carefully place 2 or 3 biscuits into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts. Use tongs or a slotted spoon for safety.
4. First Side Cook: These biscuits cook incredibly fast! Fry for about 60-90 seconds, or until the first side turns a beautiful golden brown. Then, using your tongs, carefully flip them over to cook the other side.
5. Traditional Donut Shape (Optional): If you prefer the classic donut shape with a hole in the middle, use a small round cutter (like a piping tip or a bottle cap) to punch a hole in the center of each biscuit *before* placing them in the oil. Fry the donut holes separately; they cook even faster! Continue cooking the second side of your donuts for another minute or until golden. Remove them with tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
6. Quick & Easy: You’ll be amazed at how fast this process is. An entire can of biscuits can be cooked into delicious donuts in less than 5 minutes once your oil is heated!
7. Cooling for Filling: If you plan on filling your donuts (which we highly recommend for an extra special treat!), let them cool on the paper towels for 5-10 minutes. This prevents the filling from melting or seeping out.
8. Filling Your Donuts: For filled donuts, use a pastry bag fitted with a filling tip (or even a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off). Gently insert the tip into the side of a cooled donut and pipe in your desired amount of jelly, jam, or creamy filling.
9. Topping Time: For a simple finish, sprinkle a little powdered or granulated sugar over the tops of your warm (but not scalding hot) donuts. You don’t need much to add that perfect touch of sweetness.

Notes

Recipe source: ChocolateChocolateandmore.com

For an extra boost of flavor, consider making a simple glaze: whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream for richness) and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth. Dip warm donuts into the glaze for a classic finish. You can also toss hot donuts in a mixture of cinnamon sugar for a delightful twist!

Did you make this recipe?

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Tips for Success and Delicious Variations

Making donuts from canned biscuits is incredibly forgiving, but a few tips can elevate your results:

• Oil Temperature is Key: Using a thermometer is highly recommended. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will burn on the outside and be raw inside. If it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy. Aim for that 300-325°F (150-160°C) sweet spot.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Fry only a few biscuits at a time to maintain consistent oil temperature. Patience here will pay off with perfectly cooked donuts.
• Drain Properly: Always transfer cooked donuts to a wire rack placed over paper towels. This allows excess oil to drain away and prevents the donuts from getting soggy.
• Freshness is Best: These donuts are truly best enjoyed warm and fresh. While they can be stored, their texture is unparalleled straight from the fryer.
• Donut Holes! Don’t discard the centers if you make traditional ring donuts! Fry these little gems for a minute or less on each side, then toss them in sugar for bite-sized treats. Kids especially love these!

Beyond Simple Sugar: Explore Topping and Glaze Options

While a simple dusting of sugar is delightful, don’t limit your creativity! Here are some ideas to take your canned biscuit donuts to the next level:

• Classic Glaze: Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons milk (or cream) and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Dip warm donuts into the glaze.
• Chocolate Glaze: Melt 1/2 cup chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon milk. Stir until smooth.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Toss warm donuts in this mixture.
• Maple Glaze: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup and a splash of milk.
• Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles to any wet glaze before it sets for a festive touch.
• Nutty Topping: After glazing, sprinkle with chopped toasted nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds).
• Cream Cheese Glaze: Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, a little milk, and vanilla until smooth for a rich, tangy topping.

And speaking of next level, you can even do this exact same thing with leftover pizza dough if you’re feeling adventurous! It opens up a whole new world of quick, homemade fried dough treats.

We love to make these easy homemade donuts when the kids have friends sleeping over. Everyone loves them – they’re fast, easy, cleanup is quick, and the kids go home bragging about what a cool mom I am! It’s the perfect recipe for creating happy memories.

And if you want to take these donuts even further, turn them into Gourmet Donuts with your favorite toppings and fillings. The possibilities are truly endless!

Craving More Easy Breakfast & Dessert Ideas?

If you loved making these quick and easy homemade donuts, you might enjoy some of our other delightful recipes:

Coffee Time Donuts with Chocolate Glaze

White Chocolate Blackberry Glazed Lemon Berliners

Conclusion: Your Easiest Path to Homemade Donut Bliss

Gone are the days when delicious, fresh donuts were a complicated baking project or an indulgence reserved for trips to the local shop. With this incredibly easy recipe for homemade donuts using canned biscuits, you have the power to create warm, fluffy, and utterly irresistible treats in minutes. It’s the perfect solution for satisfying a sweet craving, preparing a memorable breakfast, or simply bringing a little extra joy to your day.

So, grab a can of biscuits, a bottle of oil, and get ready to transform simple ingredients into something truly magical. Whether you sprinkle them with sugar, drench them in a rich glaze, or fill them with your favorite jam, these quick homemade donuts are guaranteed to be a hit. We encourage you to try this recipe and experience the delight of fresh, hot donuts, made right in your own kitchen!