Fluffy Homemade Crescent Donuts Recipe

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  • November 30, 2025
Breakfast

These crescent donuts are some of the fluffiest, softest, golden treats you’ll ever fry at home. The first time I made them, they puffed up beautifully in the oil, filling my kitchen with that irresistible bakery warmth. With just a few simple pantry ingredients, you can create pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth donuts—no fancy tools required.

⭐ Why You’ll Love These Crescent Donuts

  • Ultra-soft, fluffy texture from perfect proofing

  • Easy to customize with toppings like sugar, glaze, cinnamon, Nutella & more

  • Simple ingredients — no stand mixer needed

  • Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or brunch spreads

  • That crescent shape adds a bakery-style charm

They combine the comfort of classic donuts with the softness of milk bread rolls—an absolutely dreamy hybrid.

🥣 Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup warm whole milk

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 large egg

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make Crescent Donuts

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients
    Combine flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a large bowl.

  2. Mix Wet Ingredients
    Warm the milk (not hot). Stir in melted butter and egg.

  3. Form the Dough
    Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and mix until sticky dough forms.

  4. Knead
    Knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  5. First Rise
    Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.

  6. Shape Donuts
    Punch down dough, roll it out, and cut into triangles. Roll each into a crescent.

  7. Heat Oil
    Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (180°C).

  8. Fry
    Fry in batches until golden brown, flipping halfway.

  9. Drain & Coat
    Place on paper towels and sprinkle with powdered sugar or dip in glaze.

  10. Serve Warm
    Enjoy the airy, buttery softness while fresh.

👨‍🍳 Chef’s Tips for Perfect Donuts

  • Temperature control is key. Maintain 350°F for even frying.

  • Do not over-knead. A light touch keeps the donuts fluffy.

  • Don’t overcrowd the pot. It drops the oil temperature.

  • Let dough fully proof. A longer rise = lighter donuts.

  • Try fun toppings: cinnamon sugar, chocolate glaze, sprinkles, Nutella drizzle, strawberry crunch, etc.

“Your donuts are only as good as your dough. Treat it right.” — Chef Flour Power

🍽️ Delicious Pairing Ideas

Serve your crescent donuts with:

  • Hot drinks: chai latte, cocoa, cappuccino

  • Fresh fruit: berries, citrus slices, fruit salad

  • Savory brunch: spinach quiche, egg muffins

  • Dessert table: cheesecake, vanilla cupcakes, crepes

🧺 Storage & Reheating Guide

Room Temperature

  • Airtight container — up to 2 days

Refrigerated

  • Up to 4 days

  • Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes

Freezer

  • Freeze individually, then store in a bag — up to 2 months

  • Reheat from frozen (do not microwave)

For best texture: reheat in an oven or toaster oven, never a microwave.

🧰 Helpful Tools (Optional but Recommended)

  • Kitchen thermometer (critical for oil temp)

  • Dough scraper

  • Wire cooling rack

  • Piping bag for fillings like jam, Nutella, or custard

🌟 Flavor Boosters

Enhance your donuts with:

  • Cinnamon or cardamom

  • Lemon or orange zest

  • Vanilla bean paste

  • Espresso powder (for coffee glaze lovers)

🍫 Flavor Pairings to Try

  • Chocolate + Strawberry: ganache + strawberry glaze

  • Cinnamon + Vanilla Cream: pastry cream filling

  • Salted Caramel: drizzle + sea salt

  • Lemon + Powdered Sugar: bright and zesty

🍩 Donut Brunch Board Idea

Build a stunning donut board with:

  • Glazed, sugared, and filled crescent donuts

  • Fresh fruit slices

  • Mini dips: chocolate sauce, cream cheese, peanut butter

  • Extra treats: crepes, pound cake, cupcakes

A perfect Instagram-worthy brunch centerpiece!

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Baking Fun

  • Kids can roll the dough shapes

  • Teens can measure ingredients

  • Adults fry and garnish

  • Everyone enjoys them warm with a drink

✨ Ways to Customize Your Donuts

  • Roll in vanilla or cinnamon sugar

  • Dip half in chocolate or white chocolate

  • Fill with Nutella, pastry cream, caramel, or jam

  • Top with crushed cookies, cereal, or strawberry crunch

📊 Nutrition (Approximate)

  • 180 calories per donut

  • Toppings can increase calorie count depending on choice

❓ FAQ: Crescent Donuts

Can I bake them instead of frying?

Yes! Brush with butter and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.

Can I stuff the donuts?

Absolutely—try jam, custard, Nutella, or cheesecake filling.

What oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral oil with high smoke point: canola, peanut, or sunflower.

Can I make different shapes?

Yes! Rings, balls, twists—adjust frying time as needed.

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