Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts

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There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the smell of fresh donuts, especially when they’re coated in a sweet sugar crust. If you’ve ever found yourself craving that crispy, fluffy goodness but didn’t want to spend hours proofing dough, this recipe is a game changer. Using canned biscuits as the base, these donuts come together in a fraction of the time without sacrificing that classic, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Whether you’re looking to surprise your family with a special breakfast, or just need a quick sugar fix, these donuts deliver every time. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes of frying, you’ll have a stack of warm, sugary perfection that tastes just like they came from your favorite donut shop.

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Why You’ll Love This Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts Recipe

• Super Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, readily available canned biscuits.
• Customizable: Roll them in cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or even drizzle with chocolate.
• Perfect for Any Time: Great for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime treat.
• No Special Equipment Needed: Just a pan for frying and a few kitchen basics.

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What Type of Biscuits Work Best for Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts?

Not all canned biscuits are created equal when it comes to making these donuts. For the fluffiest, lightest donuts, reach for buttermilk-style biscuits or flaky layers biscuits. They provide a tender, airy texture that fries beautifully, resulting in that perfect golden crust. Avoid the ones labeled “Grands” if you want a smaller, more traditional donut size, as those can puff up quite a bit. Also, steer clear of the sweet or buttery varieties, as they can lead to overly greasy donuts.

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Options for Substitutions

• Sugar Coating: If plain granulated sugar feels too basic, try mixing it with a touch of cinnamon or cardamom for a warm, spiced kick.
• Oil for Frying: While vegetable oil is the go-to, you can also use peanut, canola, or sunflower oil for a slightly different flavor.
• Glaze Instead of Sugar: If you’re not a fan of sugar coatings, dip the donuts in a simple powdered sugar glaze, chocolate ganache, or even maple syrup.
• Filled Donuts: Use a piping bag to inject your donuts with custard, jam, or Nutella for a bakery-style surprise.

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Ingredients for Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts

Making these donuts is incredibly straightforward, and you only need a handful of ingredients to achieve that perfectly fluffy, golden finish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Canned Biscuits: The star of the show, these are the shortcut to quick, fluffy donuts. Look for the buttermilk or flaky layers variety for the best texture.
• Granulated Sugar: For that classic, crunchy sugar coating. You can also use powdered sugar for a softer finish.
• Vegetable Oil (or your preferred frying oil): For deep frying the donuts. It needs to have a high smoke point to ensure your donuts come out crispy, not greasy.
• Cinnamon (optional): If you want to add a bit of warmth and spice to your sugar coating, a sprinkle of cinnamon can be a game changer.
• Butter (optional): A light brush of melted butter before coating can help the sugar stick even better.

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Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• Pop open the can of biscuits and separate them. Use a small round cutter (like the cap of a bottle or the wide end of a piping tip) to punch out the centers of each biscuit, creating the donut holes. Save these for mini donut bites!

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Step 2: Heat the Oil

• In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy or instant-read thermometer if you have one, as maintaining the right temperature is key to perfectly cooked donuts.

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Step 3: Fry the Donuts

• Carefully lower a few donuts into the hot oil, being careful not to crowd the pan. Fry each side for about 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Flip using a slotted spoon or tongs. Don’t forget the donut holes – they’ll cook even faster!

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Step 4: Drain and Cool

• Once they’re golden and crispy, remove the donuts from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate. This step helps keep them light and crispy, not oily.

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Step 5: Coat with Sugar

• While the donuts are still warm, roll them generously in granulated sugar or a cinnamon-sugar mix, making sure every nook and cranny gets covered. For a lighter coating, you can dust them instead.

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How Long to Cook Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts

Cooking these donuts is a quick process. The actual frying time is about 1-2 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your biscuits and the exact temperature of the oil. The donut holes will cook even faster, usually in about 30-45 seconds per side. Aim for a deep golden color – this ensures the inside is fully cooked without the outside burning.

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Tips for Perfect Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts

• Use the Right Oil Temperature: Keep your oil at 350°F (175°C) for the perfect crisp exterior and soft, airy interior. Too hot, and the outside burns before the inside cooks; too cool, and you’ll get greasy donuts.
• Test with a Donut Hole: Not sure if your oil is ready? Drop in a donut hole to test. It should bubble up quickly and start to brown in about a minute.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much. This also helps the donuts cook evenly.
• Drain Properly: Use paper towels or a wire rack to let the excess oil drip off, keeping your donuts light and crispy.
• Coat While Warm: Roll the donuts in sugar while they’re still warm so the coating sticks better and melts slightly for a beautiful sugary crust.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t stop at just sugar – try cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of chocolate for a fun twist.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Oil Temperature Too High or Low: If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks through. If it’s too cool, the donuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer for best results.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many at once drops the oil temperature quickly, resulting in unevenly cooked donuts. Stick to a few at a time.
• Skipping the Drain Step: Always let the donuts drain on paper towels or a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms.
• Not Prepping Your Coating Early: Have your sugar ready before you start frying. The donuts need to be coated while warm for the best adherence.
• Forgetting the Donut Holes: Those tiny centers cook faster, so don’t leave them in the oil too long – they’re perfect for quick, poppable bites!
• Rushing the Flip: Give each side enough time to brown evenly, flipping only once to avoid absorbing too much oil.
• Using the Wrong Biscuits: Avoid the layered or super buttery varieties unless you want a denser, heavier donut.

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What to Serve With Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts?

When you’ve got a fresh batch of warm, sugary donuts, the only thing left is the perfect pairing. Here are a few ideas:

1. Hot Coffee or Espresso

The classic combination – the bitter notes of coffee cut through the sweetness beautifully.

2. Hot Chocolate or Mocha

For a decadent breakfast or dessert, pair your donuts with a rich, creamy hot chocolate.

3. Fresh Fruit or Berries

Brighten up your plate with a side of fresh berries or fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

4. Vanilla Ice Cream

Turn your donuts into a dessert masterpiece by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

5. Whipped Cream or Custard Dip

Serve a little bowl of whipped cream or custard on the side for dipping – it’s a crowd-pleaser.

6. Spiced Apple Compote

Warm, cinnamon-spiced apple chunks pair wonderfully with sugar-coated donuts.

7. Nutella or Peanut Butter

For those who love a rich, nutty flavor, serve with a side of Nutella or peanut butter for dipping.

8. Chilled Milk or a Milkshake

A tall, cold glass of milk is the perfect old-school pairing – or go the extra mile with a milkshake.

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Storage Instructions

Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts are best enjoyed fresh while they’re still warm and crispy, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them at their best:

• Room Temperature: Store the cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Add a paper towel underneath to absorb any excess moisture and keep them from getting soggy.
• Reheating: To bring back that fresh-from-the-fryer crispiness, reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or in an air fryer for 2-3 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them tough.
• Freezing: While not ideal, you can freeze these donuts. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition

While these donuts are a treat, it’s good to know what you’re enjoying:

• Serving Size: 1 donut
• Calories: ~250-300
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg (unless using butter for coating)
• Sodium: 400mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 10g (varies depending on sugar coating)
• Protein: 3g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on the type of biscuits used and the exact frying method.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use an air fryer instead of deep frying?

Yes! Air frying is a great option if you want to cut down on the oil. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through.

2. Can I make these in advance?

It’s best to fry them fresh for that perfect texture, but you can prep the dough in advance and store it in the fridge, then fry when ready.

3. What’s the best oil for frying these donuts?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for the best results. Avoid olive oil, as it can overpower the flavor.

4. How can I keep the donuts crispy for longer?

Let them cool on a wire rack to prevent sogginess and store them with a paper towel to absorb moisture.

5. Can I add flavors to the dough?

Absolutely! You can mix in some vanilla or almond extract into the biscuit dough for a subtle flavor boost.

6. Can I make these vegan?

Yes, if you use a vegan-friendly canned biscuit brand and stick to plant-based oils for frying. Just be sure to double-check the ingredients.

7. What should I do with the donut holes?

Don’t let those little gems go to waste! Fry them up and toss them in sugar, or use them as a fun topping for ice cream or milkshakes.

8. How do I avoid greasy donuts?

Make sure your oil is at the right temperature (350°F / 175°C) and don’t overcrowd the pan, which can lower the oil temperature too quickly.

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Conclusion

If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying treat that captures the joy of freshly fried donuts without the hassle, this Canned Biscuit Sugar Donut recipe is a must-try. It’s perfect for weekend mornings, brunch parties, or a surprise sweet treat anytime. With just a few pantry staples and a little frying time, you can create fluffy, sugary bites that rival your favorite donut shop. Plus, the endless customization options mean you can get creative with flavors and toppings every time you make them.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these donuts deliver that fresh, warm, sugary bliss every single time. Give them a try, and watch them disappear as quickly as they hit the plate!

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