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Easy biscuit donuts are our favorite morning treat! You won’t believe how good fried biscuits are – especially when tossed in cinnamon and sugar or dipped in a simple glaze.
Raise your hand if you grew up eating homemade donuts that came from a can of refrigerated biscuit dough!
And if you didn’t live that childhood, I am so sorry, my friend. Let me show you the ways…
This sounds crazy, but when you fry a biscuit, it somehow magically turns into a donut.
And not just any donut. Like a GOOD donut.
Honestly, I rank these up there in my top 3 donuts, and that’s saying something because have you seen all of the donut recipes I’ve shared over the years?
How to make donuts with biscuits:
Use a donut cutter or the cap from a 20 ounce soda/water bottle to cut a hole out of each biscuit.
Heat a pot of oil to 350 degrees and add the donuts to the oil. Fry until golden on each side.
Toss in cinnamon and sugar, dunk in a classic vanilla glaze, top with a simple chocolate glaze, or go all out and dunk them in my mama’s famous chocolate frosting.
How to Air Fry:
Not interested in heating up a pot of grease and dealing with hot oil?
I get it.
Turn them into air fryer donuts! You won’t believe how simple and quick it – and honestly they’re just as good as the deep fried version.
Donut Toppings:
Vanilla Glaze: This classic glaze is, well, classic! For a reason! Just whisk together 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla until smooth.
Chocolate Glaze: Mix together 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, and 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth.
Cinnamon & Sugar: Whisk together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. The cinnamon sugar mixture sticks best when the donuts are still warm, so toss them in this mixture as soon as you’re able.
Powdered Sugar: Place 1 cup of powdered sugar in a brown paper bag. Once donuts are cool enough to handle, add them to the bag one or two at a time and shake until fully coated in the powdered sugar. If the powdered sugar is melting, your donuts are too hot. Cool longer and try tossing them again.
What Readers are Saying!
“Just made and ate two. They are excellent. Hubs says ” I didn’t know you could do that with canned biscuits”. Me either but now we know!! Off to fight over the fifth and final one.” – Diana
More Donut Recipes To Try:
Canned Biscuit Donuts
Ingredients
- 1 package 8-count refrigerated biscuits
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon or more, to taste
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Heat 3 inches of oil in a large, deep skillet or deep fryer to 350 degrees.
- Using a donut cutter (or the cap from a 2 liter soda bottle), cut the center from each biscuit.
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon and set aside.
- Place a few donuts in the pan of hot oil, being careful not to crowd the pan. Fry until golden brown on one side, about 1-2 minutes, and then flip and fry until gold brown on the other side.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel lined plate. Repeat with the remaining donuts.
- Shake each hot donut in the sugar and cinnamon mixture to coat.
- Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Tips & Notes:
Nutrition Information:
This post was originall published in November 2011. It’s been updated with new text and photos.
Karly says
Test, test, test…
Joanne says
FINE I’ll get over my frying fears…you are just too persuasive for your own good sometimes.
Melissa says
FYI if you want new orleans beignets, cut them in half and after frying shake em in a bag of powdered sugar! My momma used to do that when I was little. I might have to do it for my kiddos. I’m not afraid for frying I just hate the smell it leaves behind.
Sue says
I have made these quite a few times, and you are so right; they’re very yummy!
Danielle says
This is how we made “Churros” for a program at the library this summer! Only we rolled and twisted the dough before frying. SO yummy.
Michelle says
Where have these been all my life? I had no clue you could make donuts from a can of biscuits!!!
Jenny says
glad you are back…i’m still not frying though. haha.
Karly says
Chicken! ๐
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
Ok I had no idea this was possible. Canned biscuits…nice!
I just made donuts (baked) and they are so easy but this is a great tip.
Deborah says
This is seriously the easiest way to make doughnuts, and they are tasty, too! I made them for my husband awhile back, and he was surprised at how good they are!
DessertForTwo says
Gah! That face! SO adorable!!! Just wait til she pulls that face on Daddy–she’s gonna get whatever she wants!!! ๐
P.S. This is my favorite way to make donuts at home EVER. I know I should be more ‘homemade’ but these donuts taste like they came straight from the donut shop.
Karly says
Too late. She already knows that trick. ๐
Living The Sweet Life says
How delicious!! They look so light and fluffy *Mmmm*
burghbaby says
YUM!
mariyiajean says
lol!! they turned out great and an extra plus for your “check yourself before you wreck yourself” comment haha!! Love this site!
JulieD says
They are pretty amazing, aren’t they? I love making these easy donuts too! I love your photographs!
Lauren says
Aww, what a sweetheart! Biscuit doughnuts are completely fail proof! Probably why I love them so much…