Easy Jiffy Doughnuts Recipe for Perfect Treats

Introduction

Jiffy Doughnuts are an irresistibly simple and quick treat that elevate the classic doughnut experience with minimal effort and maximum flavor. These delightful pastries are perfect for busy mornings, spontaneous snack cravings, or weekend brunches where time is of the essence. Unlike traditional doughnut recipes that often require extensive kneading, proofing, and specialized ingredients, this recipe uses basic pantry staples to create a crispy, tender, and sweet doughnut that will please both kids and adults alike. Their unique texture—crispy on the outside with a soft, airy interior—sets them apart from typical fried doughnuts, making them an exciting addition to your homemade dessert repertoire. Whether you’re pressed for time or simply craving something comforting, these doughnuts can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, including frying. The Love With Recipes platform is proud to bring you this recipe, designed for maximum ease and deliciousness, ensuring you’ll want to make it again and again.

Time

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 16 doughnuts

Needed Equipment

• Deep-fry thermometer: To monitor oil temperature accurately and ensure perfect frying conditions.
• Wok or deep sauté pan: Provides ample space for frying, promoting even cooking and easy handling of doughnuts.
• Mixing bowls: For mixing dry and wet ingredients separately and combining the dough.
• Whisk: To thoroughly combine dry ingredients and incorporate wet ingredients smoothly.
• Rolling pin: To evenly flatten the dough to the desired thickness.
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife: For cutting the dough into strips and shaping doughnuts.
• Wire cooling rack: To drain excess oil and cool the doughnuts evenly.
• Paper towels: To absorb residual oil from fried doughnuts.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for precise ingredient measurement.
• Kitchen scale (optional): For accuracy in measuring ingredients, especially for consistent results.
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer: To safely lift doughnuts from hot oil.

Tags

Breakfast, Dessert, Quick Recipes, Fried Food, Snack, Easy, Kid-Friendly, Comfort Food, Sweet Treats, Homemade

Serving Size

Each serving comprises one doughnut, with the recipe yielding approximately 16 doughnuts in total. This is ideal for sharing among family or friends, or for enjoying as individual treats over multiple occasions.

Difficulty Level

Easy — Perfect for beginner cooks and anyone looking to whip up a quick, satisfying sweet snack with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Allergen Information

Dietary Preference

Vegetarian — These doughnuts do not contain meat or fish products. For vegan adaptations, substitute dairy and eggs with plant-based alternatives.

Course

Breakfast or Dessert — Suitable as a morning treat or an indulgent dessert option.

Cuisine

American — Inspired by traditional fried doughnut styles, simplified for home cooking.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oil and Equipment

Begin by selecting an appropriate frying vessel—preferably a wok or deep sauté pan—large enough to comfortably accommodate the doughnuts without overcrowding. Fill the wok with approximately 1 1/2 inches of vegetable oil; this depth ensures sufficient coverage for frying and helps maintain even heat distribution. Attach a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil temperature accurately. Heat the oil over medium heat, allowing it to reach a temperature between 325°F and 350°F (160°C–177°C). This temperature range ensures that the doughnuts will cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior without burning or absorbing excess oil.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to thoroughly blend these dry ingredients, breaking up any lumps and ensuring an even distribution of leavening and seasonings. Properly mixing dry ingredients lays the foundation for a uniform dough and consistent frying results.

3. Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg until the yolk and white are well combined. Add the sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract to the egg, whisking until smooth and well incorporated. This mixture provides moisture and richness to the dough, contributing to its tender crumb and delightful flavor.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula or spoon, mixing just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix, as this can develop gluten and make the dough tough. The resulting dough should be thick, slightly sticky, but manageable.

5. Prepare Work Surface and Shape Doughnuts

Lightly dust a clean countertop or cutting board with cornmeal to prevent sticking. Turn the dough out onto the prepared surface. Using your hands or a rolling pin, press the dough into a flat sheet approximately 1/2 inch thick. Uniform thickness ensures even cooking and a consistent texture across all doughnuts.

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 16 equal strips—each roughly 1 inch wide. To form doughnut shapes, take each strip and gently shape it into a circle, pinching the ends together to seal. Alternatively, you can use a small round cutter to punch out holes, creating classic ring-shaped doughnuts. For a variation, you could also make smaller rounds or different shapes.

6. Fry the Doughnuts

Carefully lower two doughnuts at a time into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or spider strainer. Maintain the oil temperature within the specified range; adjust the heat as necessary. Fry the doughnuts for approximately 15-20 seconds per side, or until golden brown. Since these doughnuts are thin, they cook quickly—keep a close eye to prevent burning. Flip gently to ensure even browning.

Once fried, transfer the doughnuts to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Fry the remaining doughnuts in batches, maintaining the oil temperature throughout. Be cautious; the oil will be hot, and safety precautions should be followed at all times.

7. Coat and Serve

While still warm, toss the doughnuts in the remaining half cup of sugar or cinnamon sugar for a sweet, crunchy coating. Place them back on the wire rack to cool slightly before serving. The contrast between the crispy exterior and soft interior makes these doughnuts especially appealing.

Preparation Tips

• Oil Temperature: Use a reliable deep-fry thermometer to ensure the oil stays within the optimal range. Too hot and the doughnuts will burn; too cool and they will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
• Consistency in Size: Cutting the dough into uniform strips ensures even cooking and a professional appearance.
• Flavor Variations: Incorporate spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg into the sugar coating for additional flavor. For a chocolate twist, mix cocoa powder into the sugar coating or add mini chocolate chips into the dough.
• Adjusting Thickness: Thicker dough will produce fluffier doughnuts, while thinner ones will be crisper. Experiment to find your preferred texture.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Use Fresh Oil: Regularly replace or filter your frying oil to prevent off-flavors and ensure crispiness.
• Batch Size: Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in small batches to maintain consistent oil temperature and prevent soggy doughnuts.
• Test Fry: Fry a small piece of dough first to check the oil temperature and doneness before proceeding with larger batches.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add a splash of flavored extracts like almond or lemon to the dough for personalized tastes.
• Storage: Keep fried doughnuts warm by placing them in a low-temperature oven if not serving immediately.

Add-ons

• Cinnamon sugar coating
• Chocolate glaze
• Powdered sugar dusting
• Fruit preserves or jam filling
• Drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup

Side Dishes

Pair these doughnuts with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or milk for a complete breakfast or snack experience. They also go well with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a more decadent treat.

Improvements

• For a healthier version, bake the doughnuts instead of frying, using a doughnut pan and reducing sugar.
• Incorporate shredded coconut or chopped nuts into the dough for added texture and flavor.
• Experiment with different flavor extracts or zest (lemon, orange) to create custom varieties.

Save and Store

Freshly fried doughnuts are best enjoyed immediately but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. To maintain crispiness, reheat in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. Do not refrigerate, as this can cause the doughnuts to become stale and lose their texture.

FAQ

Can I make these doughnuts vegan?

Yes, substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes), replace sour cream with plant-based yogurt or coconut cream, and use plant-based milk like almond or soy milk.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying gives them their characteristic crispiness, you can bake the shaped doughnuts at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden. Expect a slightly different texture but still delicious.

How do I prevent the dough from sticking?

Use a generous amount of cornmeal or flour on your work surface and dough shapes. Also, keep the dough slightly chilled if it becomes sticky during handling.

What is the best oil for frying?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are excellent choices due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors.

Conclusion

With just a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes, you can create these irresistible Jiffy Doughnuts that are crispy, tender, and bursting with sweetness. Perfect for a quick breakfast, a fun weekend activity, or a spontaneous treat, they exemplify the joy of homemade comfort food. Their simplicity makes them accessible for cooks of all levels, and their delightful flavor will keep you coming back for more. Remember to follow the tips for optimal frying and flavor variations to customize these doughnuts to your liking. Whether served plain, coated in sugar, or dressed up with toppings, these doughnuts are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results!

References

Basic fried doughnut techniques adapted from classic American recipes and culinary science resources such as “The Science of Good Cooking” by Cook’s Illustrated and “Baking Science & Techniques” by the Culinary Institute of America.