All about Donuts and How to Make Them

When it comes to tasty treats, many of us immediately think of that fluffy, round pastry with a chocolate glaze on top… Yes, the beloved and iconic donut! With its light and airy texture, this sweet pastry has fans all around the world. In this article, we’re diving into the world of donuts, from their origins and popular varieties to a simple and delicious homemade recipe. Don’t miss it!

Where Do Donuts Come From?

You might be surprised to learn that donuts aren’t just an ordinary pastry; they actually come with a pretty interesting back-story. It’s said that Dutch settlers were the first to make something similar to donuts back in the 18th century. They called it “olykoek,” which means “oily cake.” When these settlers moved to America, they brought the recipe along, and over time it evolved into the round, hole-in-the-middle treat we know today.

And that famous hole in the center? That has its own story, too! Some say it was added because the middle of the dough wouldn’t cook properly, so they started removing it to make sure the whole thing fried evenly. That little hole eventually became the signature look of the modern donut!

Which Countries Eat the Most Donuts?

While donuts are loved around the globe, some countries take their donut love to the next level:

United States: Without a doubt, the donut rules here. Chocolate-glazed, cream-filled, and creatively topped varieties are some of the bestsellers.
Canada: Home to the famous Tim Hortons chain, which has basically become a symbol of Canadian donut culture.
Japan: Flavors like matcha (green tea) and red bean might sound unusual, but they’re super popular in Japan!
France & Germany: Donuts here are often filled with jam or cream and go by different names, but the concept is just as loved.
Poland: Known as “Pączki,” Polish donuts are a festive treat especially enjoyed on special days like Fat Tuesday.

With the rise of bakeries and coffee shops worldwide, donuts are pretty easy to find almost anywhere now.

Different Types of Donuts

Donuts aren’t just pastry; there are tons of different kinds to try! Here are some of the most popular types:

Classic (Plain): The original ring-shaped donut dusted with sugar or cinnamon. Simple, light, and always a favorite.
Chocolate Glazed: A crowd-pleaser topped with melted chocolate, sometimes with sprinkles, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut.
Cream-Filled: These have a soft center filled with vanilla cream, chocolate custard, or pastry cream. One bite and the filling oozes out—delicious!
Jam-Filled: Stuffed with fruity jam or marmalade for those who love a sweet, nostalgic flavor.
Baked: Unlike the fried ones, these are baked in the oven and have less oil.
Fancy/Trendy: Featuring bold colors, unique toppings, and flavors like salted caramel, matcha, or tangy lemon.

The World’s Most Popular Donuts

Some donut flavors are universally loved and often top the charts:

Chocolate donuts with cocoa filling
Vanilla glazed with rainbow sprinkles
Cinnamon sugar
Strawberry glazed
Filled with caramel or Nutella

Every country has its favorite, but one thing’s for sure—chocolate donuts are a global obsession!

Easy Homemade Donut Recipe

Now for the fun part: making donuts at home! Here’s a tried-and-true recipe that’s easy and totally satisfying.

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup lukewarm milk
⅓ cup sugar
2 eggs
50 g melted butter
2 tsp instant yeast
½ tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Oil for frying

Instructions:

Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the lukewarm milk with yeast and a spoonful of sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it gets foamy.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the remaining sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Then add the yeast mixture.
Add the flour: Gradually mix in the flour and knead until you have smooth, non-sticky dough.
Let it rise: Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rest in a warm place for 1–2 hours until it doubles in size.
Shape the donuts: Roll the dough out on a floured surface. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut the shapes. Use a bottle cap or smaller cutter to make the holes in the center.
Second rise: Let the shaped donuts rest for another 30 minutes.
Fry: Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the donuts until golden on both sides. Place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Decorate: Time to make them beautiful! Dust with powdered sugar, dip in melted chocolate, or top with sprinkles.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Donuts

Make sure the milk is only warm, not hot, it should feel comfortable to the touch.
If your dough is too sticky, add flour little by little.
Handle the donuts gently so they stay fluffy.
Oil should be hot but not smoking; too hot and the outside will burn before the inside cooks.

Simple Chocolate Glaze for Donuts

100 g chocolate (chips or a bar)
2 tbsp heavy cream or milk

Melt the chocolate with cream or milk using a double boiler or microwave. Dip your donuts into the glaze and sprinkle with your favorite toppings. Just like that, you’ve got delicious homemade chocolate donuts!

Why Homemade Donuts?

If you’ve only ever had donuts from the bakery, now’s your chance to try making them yourself! Homemade donuts are not only fun to make, but also more budget-friendly. Plus, you get full control over the ingredients—adjust the sweetness, use healthier oils, and add your own creative twist.

Final Thoughts

Donuts are a special kind of treat that has earned love across the globe. Whether you prefer chocolate, cream-filled, or plain and simple, there’s a donut for everyone. If you’ve been craving something sweet and homemade, just follow this recipe once, you’ll be amazed at how good your own donuts can turn out.

Enjoy!