Donuts, those soft, pillowy rings of sweetness, are the kind of treat that makes mornings brighter and afternoons sweeter.
Whether you prefer them glazed, filled with jam, or simply dusted with sugar, donuts are always a good idea. But what if you’re avoiding eggs or simply don’t have them at hand? No problem! This eggless donut recipe is just what you need to make fluffy, perfectly golden donuts that everyone will love—without the eggs.
The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, and you’ll have fresh, warm donuts to enjoy. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into the world of eggless donut perfection!
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (or vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt (for richness)
- 1/4 cup warm water (for activating the yeast)
- 1 tablespoon dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar (to activate the yeast)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
How to Make Eggless Donuts: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Activating the Yeast
The first step to making these light and airy eggless donuts is to activate your yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and dry yeast. Stir gently and set it aside for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is active when the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly. This is a good sign that your donuts will rise beautifully!
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). These dry ingredients will form the base of your donut dough and ensure a light texture with the perfect amount of sweetness.
Step 3: Combining the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, yogurt, and vanilla extract. This combination adds moisture and richness to the dough without needing eggs. Once the yeast mixture is ready and bubbly, add it to the wet ingredients and stir to combine.
Step 4: Forming the Dough
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix gently until a dough starts to form. Once the dough begins to come together, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should be soft, smooth, and just a little sticky—if it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour.
Step 5: Rising Time
Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. This is when the yeast works its magic, creating those light, fluffy pockets that make donuts so irresistible.
Step 6: Shaping the Donuts
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll the dough out onto a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter, or a round cutter and a smaller round cutter (for the hole), to shape your donuts. If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can simply shape the dough into small rounds using your hands.
Step 7: Frying the Donuts
Heat oil in a deep pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower each donut into the hot oil, one or two at a time, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until the donuts are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 8: Making the Glaze
While your donuts are cooling slightly, it’s time to make the glaze! In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. If you want a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner glaze, add a little more milk.
Step 9: Glazing and Enjoying!
Once the donuts have cooled for a few minutes, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. You can dip one side or cover the whole donut—whatever your heart desires! For a fun touch, feel free to sprinkle your glazed donuts with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
Step 10: Serve and Savor
Your eggless donuts are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and watch as they disappear in no time. The texture is light and fluffy, with a crisp golden exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness.
A Sweet Treat for Everyone
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, treating your family to something delicious, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these eggless donuts are the perfect choice. They are soft, fluffy, and wonderfully satisfying, with all the classic donut goodness, but without the need for eggs. This recipe proves that you don’t need eggs to make a treat that’s just as delicious—if not more so!
