Today’s recipe will bring you joy because you don’t have to choose! These donut cookies are the best of both worlds: soft on the inside, slightly crispy on the edges, and topped with that classic donut glaze and sprinkles we all love. Whether baking for kids, prepping a sweet treat for brunch, or satisfying a craving, this recipe is simple, quick, and delivers delicious results every time.
The beauty of this recipe is that it doesn’t require fancy tools or deep-frying — everything happens in your oven and mixing bowl. And the best part? You’ll have these charming, homemade donut cookies ready in just a few steps!
Table of Contents
Let’s roll up those sleeves and get baking!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful donut cookies:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional for donut flavor)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for thickness)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Sprinkles (optional but fun!)
See also: Banana Foster Cheesecake
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg until the mixture is evenly combined and smooth.
- Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together for 2–3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine & mix: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk and mixing until combined.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough and roll into balls. Arrange the cookie dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets, leaving room for spreading as they bake. Slightly flatten them to create the “donut” shape, and use your finger or the end of a wooden spoon to make a small hole in the center.
- Bake: Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t overbake — you want them soft!
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before applying the glaze to ensure it sets properly.
- To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk in a small bowl until smooth.
- Decorate: Dip the top of each cookie into the glaze, then immediately top with sprinkles. Let the glaze set for 10–15 minutes.
Discover the 8 Science-Backed Benefits of Nutmeg
Pro Tips & Variations For Donut Cookies
- Add a donut twist: For an authentic donut flavor, don’t skip the nutmeg — it’s subtle but gives that classic bakery vibe.
- Dairy-free option: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Try different glazes: Mix some cocoa powder for a chocolate glaze, or use lemon juice instead of vanilla for a citrusy kick.
- Fun shapes: Don’t stress about the perfect hole — you can skip it and still get delicious results.
- Sprinkles variety: Use festive sprinkles for holidays like Valentine’s Day or Christmas!
For more ideas on decorating cookies, check out Sally’s Baking Addiction — one of the most trusted baking blogs online.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a hot coffee or chai latte for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Perfect for kids’ lunchboxes, bake sales, or tea parties.
- Stack them up on a cake stand and drizzle with extra glaze for a stunning dessert table centerpiece.
- Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a decadent dessert.
See also: Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies
Looking for the best way to brew the perfect coffee pairing? This article from Serious Eats is a great place to start.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store donut cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
- Freezing: Unglazed cookies can be frozen in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw, glaze, and enjoy!
- Reheating: If you prefer them warm, pop a cookie in the microwave for 8–10 seconds — just enough to soften the glaze slightly.
Want tips on how to freeze cookies without ruining their texture? This guide from King Arthur Baking is super helpful.
Final Thoughts
These donut cookies are the ultimate mashup — nostalgic, colorful, and deliciously easy to make. With only a handful of pantry staples and a few steps, you can bake a batch of smiles in your kitchen today.
Whether you’re a cookie lover, a donut devotee, or somewhere in between, this recipe will be a favorite on your list.
Print
Delicious Donut Cookies in 10 Steps
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These donut cookies are the perfect marriage of two beloved treats — the soft, chewy goodness of cookies with the sweet glaze and sprinkles of a classic donut. Baked, not fried, they’re simple to whip up and irresistibly fun to decorate. Whether you’re making them for brunch, a bake sale, or a cozy afternoon treat, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
¼ cup whole milk
¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for desired thickness)
½ tsp vanilla extract
Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
· Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
· In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
· In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
· Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
· Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, and mix until fully combined.
· Scoop dough into tablespoon-sized balls, place on baking sheets, and slightly flatten. Use your finger or the end of a spoon to make a small center hole.
· Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking.
· Cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
· To make glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
· Dip cooled cookies into glaze and top with sprinkles. Let set for 10–15 minutes.
Notes
· Don’t skip the nutmeg — it adds authentic donut flavor.
· Use dairy-free milk and vegan butter for a plant-based version.
· Try flavored glazes like chocolate (add cocoa powder) or citrus (sub lemon juice for vanilla).
· Cookies freeze well before glazing — perfect for make-ahead baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg