Irresistible Lemon Sugar Donuts Recipe You’ll Love

The moment you sink your teeth into a freshly baked Lemon Sugar Donut, your taste buds will do a happy dance. Imagine the sweet and tangy explosion of lemon zest paired with the soft, pillowy texture—it’s like sunshine in pastry form, perfect for brightening any day. sweet potato hash for breakfast.

I remember the first time I made these donuts; my kitchen smelled like a lemon grove on a warm summer day. Friends couldn’t resist stopping by to sample the sugary goodness. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or just an afternoon treat, these donuts are sure to steal the show.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • These Lemon Sugar Donuts are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for any skill level
  • The balance of sweetness and zesty flavor creates an irresistible taste sensation
  • Their golden appearance will brighten any table and instantly elevate your dessert game
  • Versatile enough to enjoy at breakfast or as a delightful snack throughout the day

Nothing beats the reaction when friends try these donuts for the first time; they can never eat just one!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for better flavor and texture; it’s versatile and great for baking.

  • Baking Powder: This is crucial for that fluffy texture; check expiration dates for best results.

  • Granulated Sugar: Sweeten up your life! This adds delightful sweetness to your batter and coating.

  • Lemon Zest: Freshly grated zest gives an aromatic punch that elevates the flavor profile significantly.

  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice is best; it adds brightness and acidity that balances out sweetness.

  • Eggs: Large eggs help bind everything together, adding richness you’ll love in each bite.

  • Butter: Unsalted butter ensures control over salt levels while adding moisture and richness.

  • Milk: Whole milk provides creaminess; you can substitute with non-dairy milk if desired.

  • Cinnamon: A pinch will enhance flavors without overpowering the lemony notes—add it if you’re feeling fancy!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. savory stuffed flank steak. comforting stuffed pepper soup.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan with cooking spray so those donuts won’t stick!

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon zest until well combined. You want everything evenly mixed to ensure every bite is flavorful.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, blend melted butter, milk, eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla extract together until smooth. The mixture should be creamy and inviting.

Combine Mixtures Together: Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry mix using a spatula. Be gentle here; overmixing can lead to dense donuts instead of fluffy ones.

Fill Donut Pan & Bake: Spoon or pipe batter into each donut mold until about three-quarters full. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and springy when touched.

Cool & Glaze Your Donuts: Once baked, let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While cooling, mix sugar with some lemon juice for glazing; drizzle it generously over each donut.

Enjoy this delightful experience as the aroma fills your kitchen! These Lemon Sugar Donuts are bound to become a favorite in no time! guilt-free mashed potatoes.

You Must Know

  • Lemon sugar donuts are fluffy, zesty, and utterly irresistible
  • They make for a delightful treat any time of the day
  • The combination of tangy lemon and sweet sugar creates a flavor explosion that will keep you coming back for more!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven while you mix the batter. This ensures even baking and a perfect rise.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with different citrus zest or flavored glazes. You can customize these donuts to suit your taste buds!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat in the microwave for about 10 seconds to regain freshness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use fresh lemon juice for maximum flavor impact; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it
  • Don’t overmix the batter; this keeps your donuts light and airy
  • Always check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean when they’re ready

Sharing my first experience making lemon sugar donuts was quite memorable. My friends devoured them faster than I could plate them, leaving me with a huge smile and empty trays. For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Cheesecake Squares recipe.

FAQs

FAQ

What makes these lemon sugar donuts so special?

The unique blend of vibrant lemon zest and sweet sugar creates a delightful flavor profile.

Can I use different types of flour?

Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may change the texture slightly.

How do I know when the donuts are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when they’re perfectly baked.

Print
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Lemon Sugar Donuts


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  • Author: Hellen
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 donuts 1x

Description

Lemon Sugar Donuts are the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, offering a burst of citrus flavor in every fluffy bite. Lightly glazed with a lemon-sugar drizzle, these delightful treats are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they will brighten your day and leave everyone asking for seconds!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon zest.
  3. In another bowl, combine melted butter, milk, eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture gently to avoid overmixing.
  5. Fill each donut mold about three-quarters full with batter. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Drizzle with a glaze made from sugar and lemon juice.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 donut (50g)
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: <1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
Chef & Blogger

Hellen Weiss

Hi, I’m Hellen Weiss—a passionate home cook, food lover, and recipe creator! My kitchen is my happy place, where I experiment with flavors, recreate family favorites, and discover new dishes to share with you.