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Homemade Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts

August 27, 2025
Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea

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These fluffy Homemade Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts are baked, not fried, and made with simple pantry staples. Light, sweet, and dairy-free friendly, they’re the perfect bite-sized treat for breakfast, brunch, or snacking!

Homemade Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts

These Homemade Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts are soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet—made with simple pantry staples for a nostalgic, bakery-style treat you can whip up at home. Using organic all-purpose flour, cane sugar, and baking powder, these donuts bake up light and tender with just the right amount of rise. Perfect for breakfast, brunch spreads, or a sweet afternoon snack, these mini powdered sugar donuts are easy to make, dairy-free friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy every craving. Vegan and Gluten-Free option.

Homemade Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts lined up on a wood server.

I can't tell you how much I love a good donut and these Homemade Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts are truly something special from my childhood that I just cannot resist sharing. These little sweet treats are by far a mighty force in my house whenever they are whipped together and they seriously never last longer than 24 hours. Haha. A touch of cinnamon adds warmth, while sea salt balances the sweetness. And for a moist and flavorful bite, we mix in room-temperature organic eggs, creamy almond milk, fragrant vanilla extract, and a splash of vegetable oil. Once baked, the donuts are generously rolled in organic powdered sugar for that irresistible classic finish. Easy peasy!

Personally, I always love to recreate childhood nostalgic flavors and recipes, so these donuts were a no brainer. Whether you chose to make your own powdered donuts or you're a lover of other flavored donuts----I highly recommend trying these Vegan Vanilla Donuts with Sprinkles, Healthy Vegan Blueberry Donuts, Vegan Carrot Cake Olive Oil Donuts, and Homemade Glazed Donuts.

These baked donuts are super versatile, with options for gluten-free diets! I love how simple they are to whip up—it's a definite win in my book! They're bound to be a hit with the whole family!

What Makes These Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts So Good?

There’s nothing quite like biting into a soft, fluffy donut coated in a cloud of powdered sugar. These homemade mini donuts are baked—not fried—for a lighter, mess-free version that still delivers classic bakery flavor. They’re quick to whip up with simple ingredients, naturally dairy-free, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.

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Donut batter being mixed together in a bowl with wooden spoon.

Donut vs. Doughnut

Donut vs. doughnut - It's the spelling dilemma that has perplexed people for ages. Some say "donut" is easier to spell and faster to say, while others argue "doughnut" is the more proper and sophisticated way to spell it.

How To Make Homemade Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts

While homemade donuts might sound like a project recipe, they actually come together quite easily. To make these sweet treats, you'll combine the dry ingredients in one bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Then combine the two and pipe the batter into a donut pan. Bake them up until golden and fully set. Then you just have to coat them in the powdered sugar and wallah!

Ingredients for Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts

  • All-Purpose Flour. This forms the structure of the donuts, giving them a soft yet tender bite. If you’d like a slightly lighter texture, you can swap half with cake flour. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
  • Cane Sugar. Adds sweetness and helps the donuts stay moist while baking. Coconut sugar or maple sugar can be used for a more caramel-like flavor, though the color of the donuts may darken slightly.
  • Baking Powder. The leavening agent that helps your mini donuts puff up and turn fluffy. Make sure it’s fresh, as old baking powder loses its strength.
  • Ground Cinnamon (Optional). Adds a cozy warmth and enhances the flavor of the donuts. You can leave it out for a classic version, or substitute with nutmeg or pumpkin spice for seasonal flair.
  • Sea Salt. Balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor. Regular table salt works as well, but sea salt or kosher salt provides the best flavor.
  • Eggs. Bind the ingredients together and give the donuts structure and richness. If you’re making these vegan, use flax eggs or a store-bought egg replacer.
  • Almond Milk. Keeps the donuts moist and tender while adding a subtle nutty flavor. You can use any plant-based milk (oat, soy, coconut) or dairy milk if preferred.
  • Vanilla Extract. Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor that enhances the donut’s classic bakery-style taste. Almond extract can be swapped in for a slightly nuttier twist.
  • Vegetable Oil. Provides moisture and softness, keeping the donuts light and tender instead of dry. Melted coconut oil, avocado oil, or even melted butter can be used as alternatives.
  • Powdered Sugar. The finishing touch! Rolling the donuts in powdered sugar gives them that nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness. For a fun twist, try cinnamon sugar or a light glaze instead.
Homemade Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts in a grey 3-part platter.

Can I Make These Donuts Dairy-Free or Vegan?

Yes! This recipe is already dairy-free thanks to almond milk, but you can easily make it vegan by replacing the eggs with flax eggs or a store-bought egg substitute. Swap the powdered sugar garnish for a dairy-free glaze if you’d like to avoid refined sugar.

SHOP MY FAVORITE BAKEWARE ITEMS AND ACCESSORIES!

Here, I’ve curated a list of bakeware essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baking treats, especially with these Homemade Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts. Everything from my fave baking sheets, parchment paper, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Best Substitutions and Variations

  • Flour: Use half cake flour for a lighter crumb or a gluten-free flour blend for a GF version.
  • Sweetener: Coconut sugar, maple sugar, or even light brown sugar can replace cane sugar.
  • Flavor Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for cozy fall vibes.
  • Toppings: Swap powdered sugar for cinnamon sugar, chocolate glaze, or colorful sprinkles for a fun party-ready treat.

Tips for Making the Best Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts

  • Don’t over-mix the batter. This keeps your donuts light and fluffy.
  • Grease the pan well. Mini donuts can stick, so a good non-stick spray or buttering is key.
  • Fill evenly. Use a piping bag or zip-top bag to fill the donut wells without mess.
  • Coat while warm. Roll the donuts in powdered sugar while they’re still slightly warm so it sticks perfectly.
  • Double coat for extra sweetness. Toss them once, let them rest, then roll again for that bakery look.
Up close shot of Homemade Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts.

When to Serve These Donuts

Mini powdered sugar donuts are versatile and fit any occasion! Serve them for:

  • Weekend breakfast or brunch spreads
  • Kids’ lunchbox treats
  • Holiday gatherings or potlucks
  • Sweet party favors or dessert tables

How to Store Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts

These donuts are best the day they’re made, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days and re-roll in powdered sugar before serving. They can also be frozen (without powdered sugar) for up to 2 months, then thawed and coated fresh.

Equipment Needed for Powdered Sugar Donuts

The only unique piece of equipment you need to make homemade donuts is a donut pan. If you're a donut fan, I highly recommend adding one to your kitchen toolbox. You'll never have to go out for donuts again, and you can always customize the ingredients, flavors, and decorations of your breakfast pastries!

The easiest way to fill a donut pan without a major mess is to pipe the batter into the rings. You don't need a special pastry bag, however. A simple gallon-sized Ziplock bag will do the trick. Simply fill the bag with your batter (work in batches to avoid over-filling the bag), then snip off one corner. Aim for a ¾-inch hole to pipe the batter cleanly into the donut rings in the pan

The last piece of equipment you'll need is a wire cooling rack. Ensure your donuts are fully cooled before glazing them. Waiting for these treats to cool is the hardest part of the whole recipe! Then you can use stay fresh containers to store them in for a longer time.

Woman hands holding a powdered sugar donut and breaking it in half.

Common Q + A's for Homemade Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts

How long do mini powdered sugar donuts last?

These donuts taste best the same day, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Just re-roll in powdered sugar before serving for that fresh look.

Can I fry these donuts instead of baking them?

Yes! While this recipe is written for baked mini donuts, you can fry the batter in hot oil using a donut pan insert or mini donut maker. Keep in mind frying will give them a crispier exterior and a slightly richer taste, but baking keeps them lighter and easier to make at home.

Why is my powdered sugar melting on the donuts?

This usually happens if the donuts are too hot when rolled or if they’re stored in a humid environment. For best results, let the donuts cool slightly (just warm to the touch) before coating, and store them in a cool, dry place. If the sugar melts, you can always re-roll them in fresh powdered sugar before serving.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. For the best results, choose a blend with xanthan gum to help with structure and texture.

How do I make these mini donuts vegan?

Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) or use a store-bought egg replacer. The rest of the ingredients are already dairy-free, making these donuts easy to adapt for a vegan lifestyle.

Do I need a mini donut pan to make these?

A mini donut pan works best for the shape and even baking, but you can also bake the batter in a mini muffin pan for “donut holes.” The texture will be just as delicious!

Can I add different flavors to the donuts?

Yes! Try mixing in cocoa powder for a chocolate version, lemon zest for a citrus twist, or even pumpkin spice for a seasonal treat. You can also top them with glaze, chocolate drizzle, or sprinkles instead of powdered sugar.

Up close shot of Homemade Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts.

Delicious Dessert Recipes To Try Next

My Homemade Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts is a smash hit, so if you like this one, you will love these recipes!

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried my Homemade Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag me @shanikagrahamwhite on Instagram. I love hearing from you!

Up close shot of Homemade Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts.

Homemade Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts

August 27, 2025
5 from 1 vote
Soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, these Homemade Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts are easy to make with simple ingredients—perfect for breakfast, etc.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Serves: 12 mini donuts

Ingredients

DONUTS:

  • 1 ½ cups organic all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup organic cane sugar
  • 2 tsps baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 large organic eggs, at room temp.
  • 1 cup Almond milk
  • 2 tsps vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil

GARNISH:

  • 1-2 cups organic powdered sugar

Instructions

TO MAKE THE DONUTS:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a mini donut baking pan that has 6-wells. NOTE: You can also make 6 standard size donuts instead, if preferred.
  • In a bowl, add the flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt, whisking everything together. Finally, add the eggs, milk, vanilla, and oil, mixing together with a wooden spoon until fully combined and batter is thick and smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Spoon the batter into a piping bag and pipe batter it into prepared donut pan wells, filling them about ¾ of the way.

BAKE THE DONUTS:

  • Bake for 11-13 minutes or until toothpick inserted into donuts comes out clean.
  • While the donuts bake, add the powdered sugar in a ziplock bag.

COAT THE DONUTS:

  • Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before releasing the donuts from their pan and immediately toss them in powdered sugar while warm.
  • Then place donuts onto a cooling rack to cool completely before tossing them in the powdered sugar again for a second coating.
  • Repeat until all donuts are coated.
  • Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

STORAGE: Leftovers can be stored in a tightly sealed container or sealed bag at room temperature for up to 2 days and best if placed in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for ultimate freshness.
VEGAN + GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: See FAQ section!

Nutrition

Calories: 142kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 207mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 45IU | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 1mg

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