Transform simple pantry staples into irresistible golden donuts without any oven or rising time needed. This quick yogurt donut recipe creates perfectly fluffy, sugar-coated treats that taste like they came from your favorite bakery, but require only basic ingredients and a stovetop.
Ingredients
For the donuts:
- 1 large egg
- 200g / 7 oz / ¾ cup plain yogurt
- 8g / 1 packet vanilla sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract + 1 tbsp sugar)
- 2 tbsp / 30g granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 60ml / ¼ cup sunflower oil (plus extra for frying)
- 380g / 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 8g / 2 tsp baking powder
For coating and filling:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Jam of choice for filling (optional)
- Coconut flour for rolling (optional)
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg until well beaten and frothy.
Step 2: Add yogurt, vanilla sugar, granulated sugar, and salt to the beaten egg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Pour in the sunflower oil and stir until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking powder. Whisk together to ensure even distribution.
Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Shaping and Cooking the Donuts
Step 6: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1cm / ½ inch thickness.
Step 7: Using a donut cutter or two round cutters of different sizes, cut out donut shapes. Re-roll scraps and cut additional donuts.
Step 8: Heat sunflower oil in a deep pan or pot to 170°C / 340°F. The oil should be about 5cm / 2 inches deep.
Step 9: Carefully place 2-3 donuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown and puffed.
Step 10: Remove donuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels for 30 seconds.
Finishing Touches
Step 11: While still warm, roll donuts in powdered sugar until completely coated.
Step 12: For filled donuts, use a piping bag or small spoon to inject jam into the center of each donut.
Step 13: For coconut variation, roll the sugar-coated donuts in coconut flour while still slightly warm.
Time & Servings
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes
Servings: 12-15 donuts
Nutrition Information (Per Donut)
- Calories: 195
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
Why This Recipe Is Good for You
These yogurt donuts offer a lighter alternative to traditional yeast donuts while still delivering satisfying sweetness and texture. The yogurt provides probiotics that support digestive health and adds protein and calcium to each serving. Using minimal oil in the dough reduces overall fat content, while the quick cooking method prevents excessive oil absorption. The recipe contains no artificial preservatives or additives, making it a cleaner treat option for families.
Storage: Best enjoyed fresh and warm. Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Tips: Maintain oil temperature consistently for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure proper frying. Dust with powdered sugar while donuts are still warm for better adherence.