Crescent Donuts
These crescent donuts are fluffy, soft, and golden—the kind that melt in your mouth and fill your kitchen with a warm, bakery-like aroma. Simple pantry staples transform into irresistible treats with this step-by-step guide, tips, and creative variations.
Why You’ll Love These Donuts
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Soft & Fluffy: Perfect proofing and gentle frying create an airy texture.
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Customizable Toppings: Powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, glaze, chocolate, or Nutella.
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Simple Ingredients: No fancy equipment required.
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Perfect for Any Occasion: Breakfast, dessert, brunch, or snack.
Ingredients
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2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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½ tsp salt
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2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
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½ cup warm whole milk
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 large egg
Optional toppings: Powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, chocolate ganache, Nutella, fruit glaze.
Equipment
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Mixing bowls
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Whisk or spoon
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Rolling pin
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Frying pan or deep fryer
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Thermometer for oil
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Wire rack for draining
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
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Combine flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a mixing bowl.
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In another bowl, warm the milk (not hot), then mix in melted butter and the egg.
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Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
2. Knead and Proof
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Knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Shape the Donuts
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Punch down the dough and roll it out.
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Cut into triangles and roll each into a crescent shape.
4. Fry
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Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (180°C).
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Fry donuts in batches until golden brown, flipping once halfway.
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Drain excess oil on a wire rack or paper towels.
5. Add Toppings
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Sprinkle with powdered sugar, dip in chocolate ganache, or fill with Nutella.
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Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Chef’s Tips
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Temperature Control: Maintain steady oil heat at 350°F.
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Don’t Over-Knead: Gentle handling = airy donuts.
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Chill Dough for Toppings: Keeps shapes neat.
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Flavor Enhancers: Cardamom, cinnamon, citrus zest, or vanilla bean paste in dough.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
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Morning: Serve with coffee or oat milk latte; pair with egg muffins or spinach quiche.
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Brunch: Add to a table with baked egg dishes, cucumber salad, or cinnamon rolls.
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Dessert: Top with chocolate, fruit glaze, or caramel drizzle.
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Creative Boards: Combine different donuts, fruit slices, sauces, and mini pastries for a fun brunch spread.
Storage
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Room Temperature: Airtight container up to 2 days.
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Refrigerate: Up to 4 days; reheat in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
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Freeze: Flash-freeze individually, store in zip-top bag up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven.
Creative Variations
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Roll in cinnamon sugar or vanilla sugar post-fry.
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Dip in white or dark chocolate and add sprinkles.
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Fill with jam, caramel, or Nutella for stuffed donuts.
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Top with crushed cereal, cookie crumbs, or fruity glazes.
Nutrition
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Approx. 180 calories per donut (varies with toppings).
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Lighter toppings like powdered sugar keep calories lower, while chocolate or custard fillings increase them.
FAQs
Q: Can I bake instead of frying?
A: Yes, brush with butter and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes. Slightly less crispy but still soft.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Airtight container at room temperature for 2 days; freeze for longer storage.
Q: Can I stuff them?
A: Absolutely—jam, custard, chocolate, or cheesecake fillings all work.
Q: Best oil for frying?
A: Neutral oils with high smoke points: canola, peanut, or sunflower oil.
Q: Can I use other shapes?
A: Yes, rings, filled balls, or braids work. Adjust frying time slightly.
Soft, golden, and irresistibly fluffy, these crescent donuts are a bakery-style treat you can make at home with simple ingredients and a little love. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a weekend baking adventure.
