Who says you need a bakery run to enjoy light, fluffy Mini Powdered Sugar Doughnuts? These easy homemade doughnuts come together in under 20 minutes and deliver that nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness you remember from childhood. Whether you’re craving a quick breakfast treat, planning a brunch spread, or just need a comforting snack, this mini doughnut recipe checks every box for flavor, texture, and convenience. Plus, baking instead of frying makes them a lighter indulgence without sacrificing taste.
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The Perfect Mini Doughnuts for Any Occasion
These Mini Powdered Sugar Doughnuts are soft, moist, and coated in a cloud of powdered sugar that sticks just right. They’re ideal for busy mornings, after-school snacks, or an easy dessert. You can use a mini doughnut pan or an electric mini doughnut maker, making this recipe flexible and foolproof. With no frying involved, they’re also less messy and more beginner-friendly than traditional doughnuts. The texture is springy and tender, and the powdered sugar coating adds a classic touch of sweetness everyone loves.
What You’ll Need for These Mini Doughnuts
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and softness to the doughnuts
- Baking powder: Essential for that light, airy rise
- Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness
- Large egg: Adds richness and binds the ingredients
- Granulated sugar: Gives the doughnuts their mild sweetness and golden color
- Whole milk: Creates moisture and tenderness in the batter
- Vegetable oil: Adds richness and ensures a soft crumb
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and aromatic flavor
- Powdered sugar: Classic coating for that sweet, iconic finish
Easy Ingredient Swaps for Any Pantry
- Flour: Gluten-free all-purpose blend can be used for a gluten-free version
- Milk: Swap with almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free alternative
- Vegetable oil: Melted coconut oil or avocado oil work just as well
- Egg: Use a flaxseed or chia egg if you’re baking vegan
- Powdered sugar: For a different twist, try cinnamon sugar or cocoa powder coating
How to Make Mini Powdered Sugar Doughnuts Step-by-Step
- Preheat your equipment. If using an electric doughnut maker, turn it on and follow manufacturer instructions. For a mini doughnut pan, preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease the cavities.
- Sift dry ingredients. In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Whisk wet ingredients. In a medium bowl, beat the egg with the granulated sugar until smooth. Add in milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined.
- Combine mixtures. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix gently until smooth and lump-free.
- Prepare for baking. Fill each doughnut cavity about ¾ full to ensure proper rise and shape.
- Bake the doughnuts.
- For a mini doughnut pan: Bake for 7–9 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- For an electric doughnut maker: Follow the appliance timing, usually 3–5 minutes.
- Coat in powdered sugar. Place powdered sugar in a paper or plastic bag. While doughnuts are still warm, transfer them to the bag and shake gently until fully coated.
- Serve fresh. These mini treats are best served warm and fluffy, right after coating.
Pro Tips for Flawless Mini Doughnuts Every Time
- Don’t overmix the batter — it keeps the texture soft and airy.
- Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to neatly fill doughnut molds.
- If you’re using a doughnut maker, flip them halfway through for even browning.
- Always coat the doughnuts while they’re still warm so the powdered sugar sticks properly.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days — recoat with fresh sugar if needed.
Serving Suggestions & Tasty Variations
- Pairing ideas: Serve with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent platter.
- Flavor twist: Add lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy zing or cinnamon for warmth.
- Diet-friendly options: Use low-fat milk and reduce sugar slightly for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead tip: Bake and freeze plain doughnuts, then reheat and sugar-coat before serving.
- Mini powdered sugar doughnuts are also perfect for brunch boards, dessert trays, or kids’ parties.
Why These Mini Doughnuts Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Rotation
Beyond their irresistible flavor, Mini Powdered Sugar Doughnuts are one of the easiest baked doughnut recipes to master. With minimal prep time and maximum payoff, they’re a sweet addition to any home baker’s go-to list. Whether you’re indulging in a quiet morning treat or baking up a batch to share, this recipe delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results. And since they’re baked instead of fried, they’re a touch lighter without giving up that nostalgic donut-shop taste.
So next time your sweet tooth calls, skip the store-bought versions and whip up your own batch of mini powdered sugar doughnuts at home — you’ll be glad you did.
Why These Mini Doughnuts Are a Must-Bake
Mini Powdered Sugar Doughnuts bring more than just nostalgia — they’re the perfect combination of simplicity, sweetness, and versatility. This recipe proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or deep-frying to create bakery-style results at home. With their fluffy interior and powdery sugar coating, they’re a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, prepping a party platter, or treating yourself on a weekday morning, these mini doughnuts are a guaranteed win. Make a batch today and enjoy that comforting, sweet bite with every soft, sugary piece.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Powdered Sugar Doughnuts
Can I make these mini doughnuts without a doughnut pan?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have a mini doughnut pan, you can use a mini muffin tin instead. The shape will be slightly different, but the taste and texture will remain just as delicious. Adjust baking time slightly and keep an eye on doneness using a toothpick test.
How do I keep the powdered sugar from melting?
To ensure the powdered sugar coating sticks well and doesn’t dissolve, coat the doughnuts while they’re still warm but not hot. If your kitchen is humid, consider double-coating the doughnuts by letting them cool slightly and giving them another shake in powdered sugar just before serving.
Can I freeze mini powdered sugar doughnuts?
Yes, these doughnuts freeze well. For best results, freeze them without the powdered sugar coating. Once thawed, warm them slightly in the microwave or oven, then coat with fresh powdered sugar before serving to maintain texture and flavor.
Are these mini doughnuts healthier than fried ones?
Absolutely. Because they are baked rather than deep-fried, Mini Powdered Sugar Doughnuts are naturally lower in fat. You can also make them lighter by using low-fat milk or reducing the sugar slightly, without compromising their classic flavor and softness
More Relevant Recipes
- Danish Butter Cookies Recipe: These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies share the same delicate texture and sweetness as mini powdered sugar doughnuts, making them a perfect complement for any holiday treat tray or cozy dessert spread.
- Red Velvet Sugar Cookies Recipe (Small Batch): With their soft centers and rich cocoa flavor, these cookies offer a more indulgent twist on the soft sweetness of powdered sugar doughnuts, ideal for festive gatherings or Valentine’s treats.
- Meyer Lemon Mini Muffins Recipe: These bright, tangy mini muffins provide a citrusy contrast to powdered sugar doughnuts while staying in the same mini baked good family — perfect for breakfast or brunch spreads.
Mini Powdered Sugar Doughnuts
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 28 mini doughnuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mini Powdered Sugar Doughnuts are light, soft, and coated in a classic powdered sugar finish. Baked instead of fried, they’re an easy and mess-free treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour: provides structure and softness
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: helps the doughnuts rise
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: balances the sweetness
- 1 large egg: binds the ingredients and adds richness
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: sweetens the batter
- 3/4 cup whole milk: adds moisture and tenderness
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: ensures a soft crumb
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: adds aroma and depth
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: coats the doughnuts for a sweet finish
Instructions
- If using an electric doughnut maker, preheat it according to manufacturer’s instructions. If using mini doughnut pans, preheat the oven to 350°F and grease the pans.
- In a small bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together egg and granulated sugar until smooth. Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until no lumps remain.
- Fill each doughnut cavity 3/4 full with batter.
- Bake in the oven for 7–9 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, or cook in the doughnut maker per manufacturer’s instructions.
- While warm, transfer doughnuts into a bag with powdered sugar and shake to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the texture soft.
- Use a piping bag or zip-top bag to neatly fill the molds.
- Coat the doughnuts while warm for the best powdered sugar adhesion.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Recoat with fresh powdered sugar before serving if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini doughnut
- Calories: 85 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 59 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg