Delicious Donut Recipes to Celebrate National Donut Day on June 4, 2026

National Donut Day is a sweet occasion that donut lovers eagerly await each year. Celebrated on June 4, 2026, this day offers the perfect excuse to indulge in one of the world’s most beloved treats. Whether you prefer classic glazed donuts, filled varieties, or creative twists, this post will guide you through delicious recipes and tips to make your own donuts at home. Get ready to celebrate with irresistible flavors and fresh, warm donuts that will delight your taste buds.

Freshly glazed homemade donuts cooling on a rack

Why Celebrate National Donut Day?

National Donut Day started in 1938 to honor the Salvation Army volunteers who served donuts to soldiers during World War I. Today, it’s a day to enjoy donuts in all their forms and share the joy of this sweet treat with friends and family. Making donuts at home can be a fun activity that brings people together, and it allows you to customize flavors and toppings to your liking.

Essential Tips for Making Perfect Donuts

Before diving into the recipes, here are some key tips to ensure your donuts turn out light, fluffy, and delicious:

• Use fresh yeast or active dry yeast for the best rise.

• Warm your liquids (milk or water) to about 110°F to activate the yeast without killing it.

• Don’t over-knead the dough; knead just until smooth and elastic.

• Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.

• Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F when frying.

• Drain donuts on paper towels to remove excess oil before glazing or coating.

  
  

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to create donuts that rival your favorite bakery.

Classic Glazed Donuts Recipe

This recipe delivers the soft, airy texture and sweet glaze that define the classic donut. It’s a great starting point for beginners.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 large egg

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• Vegetable oil for frying

  
  

Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  
  

Instructions

1. Activate yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

2. Mix dough: In a large bowl, combine yeast mixture, warm milk, sugar, salt, egg, and butter. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.

5. Shape donuts: Roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out donuts with a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small for the hole).

6. Second rise: Place donuts on parchment paper, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes.

7. Heat oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F.

8. Fry donuts: Fry donuts in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

9. Make glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

10. Glaze donuts: Dip warm donuts into glaze, then place on a rack to set.

Enjoy these classic glazed donuts fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Filled Donuts with Raspberry Jam

Filled donuts add a surprise burst of flavor inside. Raspberry jam is a popular choice, but you can substitute with custard, chocolate, or lemon curd.

Ingredients

• Use the same dough recipe as the classic glazed donuts.

• 1 cup raspberry jam

• Powdered sugar for dusting

  
  

Instructions

1. Follow the dough preparation and first rise steps from the classic glazed donut recipe.

2. Roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness and cut out rounds using a single cutter.

3. Place a teaspoon of raspberry jam in the center of half the rounds.

4. Cover jam with another dough round and press edges to seal tightly.

5. Let filled donuts rise for 30-45 minutes.

6. Fry at 350°F for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.

7. Drain on paper towels and dust with powdered sugar.

   
   

Serve these filled donuts warm for a gooey, fruity treat.

Raspberry jam filled donuts dusted with powdered sugar on a white plate

Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

For a lighter option, baked donuts coated with cinnamon sugar offer great flavor without frying.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 3/4 cup milk

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  
  

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  
  

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a donut pan.

2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

3. In another bowl, mix milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.

5. Spoon batter into donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.

6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Let donuts cool slightly.

8. Brush donuts with melted butter, then dip in cinnamon sugar mixture.

   
   

These baked donuts are perfect for a lighter celebration or when you want less mess.

Creative Toppings and Variations

Donuts are a blank canvas for creativity. Here are some ideas to customize your donuts:

• Chocolate drizzle: Melt dark or white chocolate and drizzle over glazed donuts.

• Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles to glaze before it sets.

• Nuts: Press chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds into glaze.

• Fruit toppings: Add fresh berries or thin slices of fruit on top of cream cheese frosting.

• Savory twist: Try a maple bacon topping for a sweet and salty combo.

  
  

Experimenting with toppings can make your National Donut Day celebration unique and memorable.

Hosting a Donut Party

Celebrate with friends or family by hosting a donut party. Here are some tips:

• Prepare a variety of donuts, including glazed, filled, and baked options.

• Set up a DIY donut decorating station with toppings like sprinkles, nuts, and sauces.

• Offer coffee, milk, or flavored drinks to complement the donuts.

• Share recipes and encourage guests to bring their favorite donut creations.

  
  

A donut party is a fun way to connect and enjoy this special day together.

Summary of National Donut Day for Social Post!

National Donut Day, celebrated on the first Friday of June, is a day rich in history and community spirit. Established by the Salvation Army in 1938, it honors the "Donut Lassies" who served donuts to soldiers during World War I, symbolizing comfort and care. The day brings people together as bakeries offer special promotions, encouraging visits to local shops and creating shared experiences among families and friends. It also highlights community giving, with many using the occasion to support charities. Furthermore, it sparks culinary creativity, with bakeries experimenting with new flavors and variations. National Donut Day is a celebration of delicious treats, meaningful connections, and cherished traditions, inviting everyone to enjoy the sweet delights and reflect on their historical significance.