Old Fashioned Donuts

Name: Old Fashion Donuts
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 cups fat of choice, measured solid; 1 egg; 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup powdered sugar

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Last Updated on February 20, 2025 by Allison Lancaster

These homemade Old Fashioned Donuts are just what you need when you’re craving a sweet treat that’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfectly nostalgic! Lightly sweetened and deep-fried to golden perfection, they’re a timeless classic that never goes out of style.

There’s something truly satisfying about making donuts from scratch. Whether you’re indulging in them for breakfast, as an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee, or as a late-night treat, these donuts are worth the effort. Plus, once you try making them at home, you might never go back to store-bought again! These go so well with coffee or with Apple Cider Bombs.

Four old fashioned donuts on a blue napkin that's placed on a wooden surface.

Why You’ll Love These Old Fashioned Donuts

Easy to Make – With just a few basic ingredients, these donuts come together effortlessly.
Crispy & Tender – The contrast of the crisp outer layer with the soft, cake-like inside is simply irresistible.
Minimal Ingredients-
These are so simple and easy to make with minimal ingredients, perfect for busy moms like myself!
Perfectly Sweet – Lightly sweetened and dusted with powdered sugar, they strike just the right balance.

Ingredients

fat of choice (measured solid) – Traditionally, lard or vegetable shortening works best for deep frying, but you can also use canola or peanut oil.
egg – Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the donuts.
sour cream – Adds moisture and gives the donuts their signature texture.
salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
baking soda – A key leavening agent to help the donuts rise.
powdered sugar – For dusting the donuts after frying, adding a delicate sweetness.

How to Make Old Fashioned Donuts

Prepare the Dough – In a mixing bowl, combine the egg, sour cream, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Shape the Donuts – Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (or the rim of a glass) to cut out donut shapes, and a smaller cutter for the center holes.
Heat the Oil – In a deep pot or Dutch oven, heat the fat to 350°F (175°C). Carefully test the oil temperature with a thermometer to ensure even frying.
Fry the Donuts – Gently place a few donuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel.
Coat with Sugar – While still warm, generously dust with powdered sugar. For extra sweetness, repeat after they’ve cooled slightly.

What to Serve With Old Fashioned Donuts

A fresh cup of coffee or tea – The slight bitterness of coffee pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the donuts.
A cold glass of milk – A classic pairing that enhances the rich, cake-like texture.
Fruit preserves or honey – These adds a touch of flavor.

How to Store Leftovers

Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator – While not necessary, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezer – To freeze, place cooled donuts in a sealed bag and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.

What makes these “old fashioned donuts”?

They are made the same way that mothers made them long before donut pans, by deep frying them in oil, and with just a few ingredients. Back in the pioneer days, they didn’t have a lot of sugar to use, so these donuts follow that pattern. Just enough to be sweet, but not overpowering.

Can I sub out the sour cream?

Yes! If you want, you can use equal amounts of buttermilk, or yogurt for the sour cream in these donuts.

What kind of frying fat should I use?

You will want to use a high smoke point oil. There is some controversy over what oils are healthy, so go with your best knowledge for your family. Some good choices for donut frying are coconut oil, Palm shortening, vegetable oil, and lard.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Traditional old-fashioned donuts are deep-fried for their signature texture, but you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. They’ll be slightly different in texture but still delicious!

Can I use a different type of sugar for coating?

Yes! While powdered sugar is classic, you can roll them in cinnamon sugar or dip them in a simple glaze.

Why is my dough sticky?

A slightly sticky dough is normal, but if it’s too difficult to handle, lightly flour your hands and work surface to make rolling easier.

How do I know if my oil is the right temperature?

Using a thermometer is the best way to ensure 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have one, test by dropping a small piece of dough in—if it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready.

donuts on blue plate, with one cut in half

These homemade Old-Fashioned Donuts bring warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen with every bite. They’re simple to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them fresh with coffee or as a sweet weekend treat, these will surely become a family favorite. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and let me know in the comments how yours went!

Old Fashion Donuts

Yield: 12

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Additional Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

These homemade Old Fashioned Donuts are just what you need when you're craving a sweet treat that’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfectly nostalgic!

Ingredients

3-4 cups fat of choice, measured solid
1 egg
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Heat oil to 400 degrees F.
In a medium bowl, mix together egg, yogurt, baking soda, and salt.
Mix flour in until thick dough is formed.
Allow to rest for 10 minutes, while oil is heating.
Roll out dough to 1/4" thickness.
Using a doughnut cutter, or a biscuit cutter, cut out 2 inch circles of dough.
Create donut holes by using an apple corer, or simply poking your finger in the center and gently stretching dough.
Carefully place in hot oil, and allow to brown for 1 minute. Turn, and brown for an additional 1 minute.
Remove to paper towels to drain, and sprinkle powder sugar over them immediately. Serve hot.

Notes

Since this is working with hot oil, it's best NOT to do this when you have kids who need your attention.
If you have to walk away from the pot at any time while making your donuts, turn the heat off. Hot oil left unattended is a hazard waiting to happen.
Be careful when putting your donuts in and taking them out of the hot oil to minimize risk of burns.
Sprinkle powdered sugar as quickly as you can when the come out of the oil. This will allow the sugar to stick better. Of course, a second layer of powdered sugar isn't all that bad, either. 🙂

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 174Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 206mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 1gSugar: 10gProtein: 4g