Homemade Potato Donuts

Name: Homemade Potato Donuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups mashed potatoes; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Oil for frying; 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Plate of homemade potato donuts dusted with sugar

By :

Emma

December 5, 2025

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Get yours

Jump to Recipe

How to make Homemade Potato Donuts

Ingredients :

2 cups mashed potatoes
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Oil for frying
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Directions :

In a mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, flour, sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into donut shapes.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully fry the donuts in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes each side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip the warm donuts in the glaze.
Allow the glaze to set before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade potato donuts!

(If you want a heartier meal with these donuts, try serving them beside a simple steak and mashed potatoes for a filling mix of sweet and savory: http://mealstomake.com/beef-steak-with-mashed-potatoes/)

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Potato Donuts

Potato donuts are soft and light. The mashed potatoes make the dough moist. That gives a tender crumb that keeps the donut fresh longer than some other donuts. You will like the mild taste that fits many toppings. The glaze is quick and sweet. You can make the glaze thin or thick. These donuts are great for a quick breakfast or snack.

They also let you use leftover mashed potatoes. This saves food and adds flavor. The recipe is simple for cooks of all skill levels. It does not need special tools. A basic cutter and a pot for frying are enough. If you serve them with a warm plate of steak and mashed potatoes, you get a mix of comfort flavors that many people enjoy: http://mealstomake.com/beef-steak-with-mashed-potatoes/

Nutriments benefits

Potato donuts are treats, but they bring some good nutrients too.

These donuts are not a health food, but they give energy and a mix of nutrients. If you want more protein, serve them with eggs or a savory side. For a meal, try pairing with a warm cheesy soup for extra comfort and protein: http://mealstomake.com/cheesy-beef-and-potato-soup/

What to Serve With Homemade Potato Donuts

Potato donuts go well with many drinks and dishes. Here are easy ideas:

Coffee or tea for breakfast.
Cold milk for kids.
Fresh fruit or berry jam.
Bacon or sausage for a full breakfast plate.
A side of savory soup or stew to make a fuller meal.

If you want a unique pairing, a bowl of cheesy beef and potato soup gives a warm, rich contrast to the sweet glaze. Try it to see how sweet and savory work together: http://mealstomake.com/cheesy-beef-and-potato-soup/
You can also serve these donuts with a simple steak and mashed potatoes for a big comfort meal: http://mealstomake.com/beef-steak-with-mashed-potatoes/

How to store Homemade Potato Donuts

Store donuts the right way to keep them soft and tasty.

Short term (room temp): Place cooled donuts in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for 1–2 days. Avoid heat or direct sun.
Long term (fridge): Put donuts in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The glaze may set harder but reheats fine.
Freeze: Place donuts on a tray to freeze quickly, then move them to a freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in a low oven for a few minutes.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–8 minutes or pop one in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. Don’t overheat or they dry out.

For serving at a party, make the donuts the day before and glaze them just before guests arrive. You can serve them with a platter of steak and potatoes as a main plate option for hungry guests: http://mealstomake.com/beef-steak-with-mashed-potatoes/

Tips and mistakes to avoid

Use cooled mashed potatoes, not hot. Hot potatoes can make the dough too soft.
Do not add too much flour. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Add flour little by little.
Keep oil at 350°F (175°C). Too hot and they burn on the outside. Too cool and they soak oil and become heavy.
Fry in small batches. Overcrowding lowers oil temperature and leads to greasy donuts.
Drain well on paper towels. Dab gently to remove excess oil.
Glaze while donuts are warm. The glaze will stick better and make a shiny finish.
If your dough is crumbly, add a teaspoon or two of milk until it holds together.
For a lighter donut, do not overmix the dough once you add baking powder. Mix only until combined.
If you want to bake instead of fry, press dough into a donut pan and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.

A common mistake is rolling the dough too thin. Keep it about 1/2 inch thick for the best texture. You can also pair them with a bowl of cheesy soup for a filling meal—this combo works well on cold days: http://mealstomake.com/cheesy-beef-and-potato-soup/

Variation (if any)

You can change this recipe in many simple ways:

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Skip the glaze. Roll warm donuts in a mix of sugar and cinnamon.
Chocolate Glaze: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the glaze and a bit more milk to reach the right thickness.
Savory Donuts: Skip sugar in the dough. Add herbs, grated cheese, and a pinch of salt. Serve warm.
Baked Version: Press dough in a donut pan and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes. Brush with butter and dust with sugar.
Filled Donuts: Use a piping bag to fill with jam, custard, or cream once cooled.

Try different toppings and find what your family likes best. These changes keep the base dough the same but give new flavors.

FAQs

Q: Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
A: Yes. Leftover mashed potatoes work well. Make sure they are cold or at room temp before mixing.

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Yes. Use a donut pan and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes. They will be lighter but have a different crust.

Q: How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
A: Add more powdered sugar to thicken. Add a few drops of milk to thin. Mix until you reach the texture you like.

Q: Can I freeze the donuts after frying?
A: Yes. Freeze on a tray, then put in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temp or heat in a low oven.

Q: Can I make them without eggs?
A: Eggs help the dough bind and rise slightly. You can try a substitute like applesauce or a commercial egg replacer, but texture may change.

Conclusion

These potato donuts are soft, quick to make, and a good way to use leftover mashed potatoes. They pair well with both sweet and savory dishes. For more ideas and a related classic take, see this detailed Potato Doughnuts Recipe. If you want another guide with tips and photos, check this Mashed Potato Donuts – stetted.