Potato Bread Donut Snacks

Name: Potato Bread Donut Snacks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 cups mashed potatoes (Leftover is best; avoid excess liquid.); 2 cups all-purpose flour (Do not substitute with heavier flours.); 1 tablespoon sugar (Enhances sweetness.); 1 teaspoon salt (Adjust based on preference.); 1 teaspoon baking powder (For lift.); 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (Works with acid in potatoes for rise.); 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Adds warmth and flavor.); 1/4 cup milk (Brings moisture to dough.); 1/4 cup butter, melted (Adds richness.); 1 piece egg (Acts as a binder.); Oil for frying high smoke point oil (Vegetable or canola oil works best.); to taste powdered sugar (For dusting.)

Published by Ilyas, Date :

November 16, 2025

Golden-brown potato bread donuts served on a plate, perfect for snacking.

Breakfast Recipes

Easy and Delicious Potato Bread Donut Snacks

There’s something incredibly comforting about making a dish that bridges the gap between breakfast and snack time. Growing up, I was the kid who always had double portions of the donut at Sunday brunch, while my siblings were split between pancakes and bacon. There’s a timeless joy wrapped up in sugary, fried dough that has the power to lift spirits, especially on those lazy weekend mornings. One particularly memorable Sunday, after a minor kitchen disaster (think flour cloud and a rogue egg), I stumbled upon the concept of Potato Bread Donut Snacks. At first, it was a happy accident born of leftover mashed potatoes. Who could have known this would become a favorite family recipe?

As I sat there, dough between my fingers, formed into delightful little rings, the aromas wafting from the frying pan felt like an embrace. Golden-brown, perfectly puffed—these donuts were a far cry from the traditional ring shapes that I had grown up with. They whispered secrets of comfort and warmth, flavored with a hint of nostalgia. Possibly the best part? They were a breeze to whip up, making them the quintessential recipe for easy weeknight dinners or unexpected guest visits.

With every bite, you sink into the soft, pillowy texture that feels like a hug from the inside out. You know that cozy feeling you get on a rainy day, snuggled under a blanket with a warm drink? To be real, these donuts wrap that feeling in dough and sprinkle it with powdered sugar.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of common ingredients, this recipe is quick and easy to follow, making it great for those spontaneous cooking sessions.
Comforting Flavor: Creamy mashed potatoes combined with a hint of cinnamon create a warm, soul-satisfying flavor that feels remarkably comforting and familiar.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Feel free to prepare the dough in advance—store it in the fridge and fry them fresh whenever you’re ready to enjoy!
Picky-Eater approved: Kids (and adults) alike can’t resist the soft, slightly sweetened bites. Plus, you can involve the whole family in cutting and frying!
Versatile: Enjoy them warm with powdered sugar, or switch it up with toppings like chocolate icing or sprinkles. They’re a blank canvas for whatever you fancy.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a family gathering or a weekend brunch, these donuts ensure there’s enough to go around (or to hoard for yourself—no judgment here).

What Makes This Recipe Special?

I adore this recipe because it marries flavors and textures in a way that feels both homely and innovative. The use of mashed potatoes is a delightful twist, lending moisture and a unique richness to the donuts that you simply can’t recreate with flour alone. It’s a genius use of what may otherwise be leftover mashed potatoes! The cinnamon gives warmth, reminiscent of fall’s comforting embrace (especially when the leaves start to turn). Each bite is fluffy on the inside yet crispy on the outside, creating a beautiful contrast that makes me go back for just one more.

Honestly, it brings back memories of family gatherings, where the kitchen is filled with laughter and the aroma of fried treats. That’s what cooking should be about—creating experiences to savor, not just meals to eat.

Ingredients

To whip up a batch of these delightful Potato Bread Donut Snacks, here’s what you’ll need, along with some thoughts on each:

2 cups mashed potatoes: Leftover is best! Use whatever flavor you have—be it classic butter or even garlic mashed potato. Just make sure they don’t have too much liquid; we want them fluffy but not soupy!
2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your donut. The all-purpose flour gives structure, so don’t swap with anything too heavy unless you’re going for a different texture.
1 tablespoon sugar: A touch of sweetness is essential to balance the flavors, making them taste like a treat instead of just another potato dish.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor. You can adjust based on your preferences or dietary needs.
1 teaspoon baking powder: This is important for lift. Without it, you’ll be biting into frisbees instead of fluffy donuts!
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acid in the potatoes to give that needed rise.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A warm hug of flavor that elevates the taste and adds that comforting aroma while they fry.
1/4 cup milk: Adds moisture, bringing everything together without making the dough too wet.
1/4 cup butter, melted: Because let’s face it, butter makes everything better! This adds richness to our dough.
1 egg: Acts as a binder and adds structure.
Oil for frying: Choose an oil with a high smoke point—vegetable oil or canola works well here for best results.

And for some extra love, feel free to dust with powdered sugar or toss in cinnamon sugar post-fry. Just wow!

Also, don’t do this: Avoid adding too much extra flour while rolling out the dough—it can dry things out. Keep it light; we want that airy texture!

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Now, prep your kitchen and let’s get our hands messy!

Combine the Dry Ingredients: Grab a big mixing bowl. Add your mashed potatoes, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and ground cinnamon. Mix it all together well. Honestly, the smell of this dry mix is comforting. Not gonna lie, I could shove my face right in there!
Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together your milk, melted butter, and egg. This is where the magic happens—don’t skimp on whisking; you want it all blended nicely.
Combine: Pour your wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently mix until a soft dough forms. It should feel kind of sticky yet fluffy—it’s one of those moments where you think, “Oops, I might have made a mess,” but keep going! It’ll come together beautifully.
Roll Out: Flour a clean surface generously. Turn your dough out, then with a rolling pin, roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick. Don’t get too hung up on perfection here; rugged edges add character!
Cut Out the Donuts: Now for the fun part! Use a donut cutter, or if you’re like me and have random kitchen utensils lying around, use two round cutters (one larger, one smaller) to create the donut shape. Feel free to create fun shapes—this isn’t a Michelin-rated restaurant!
Heat the Oil: In a deep fryer or a large pot, heat oil to about 350°F (175°C). You want it hot enough; otherwise, they’ll just absorb the oil and turn into soggy sponges. Test a small piece to see if it sizzles right away—if so, you’re good to go.
Fry the Donuts: Carefully drop your donuts into the hot oil in small batches—don’t overcrowd them; they need room to shine! Fry for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn a stunning golden brown. The sound of them bubbling away is pure joy, isn’t it?
Drain: Carefully remove the donuts and drain them on paper towels. Let them cool for a moment, but I promise—the temptation will be real.
Serve: Dust them with powdered sugar or toss in cinnamon sugar while they’re still slightly warm! The sugary coating clings beautifully—the result is absolute perfection. Gather friends and family, or maybe just enjoy them by yourself (I won’t tell!).

Cooking is about improvisation too! I remember a time when I tossed in a pinch of nutmeg instead of cinnamon just for kicks. It was a delightful surprise, so feel free to play around!

Tips for Best Results

Do not skip the resting time: Allow your donuts to rest on the paper towel for a minute before dusting with sugar. This keeps them fluffy and not soggy.
Make smaller donuts: If you prefer daintier bites, go for smaller shapes; just adjust the frying time!
Test oil temperature: If you’re unsure, drop in a small piece of dough; if it sizzles to the surface, you’re in business!

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

For a gluten-free option: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend—many great options out there now!
Seasonal twists: Try adding a dash of pumpkin spice in the fall or even some finely grated lemon zest for a fresher flavor!
Dairy-free version: Use almond or soy milk and substitute coconut oil for the butter.
Flavor upgrades: Mix in some chocolate chips or even a swirl of jam into the dough for an exciting twist!

Serving Suggestions

These Potato Bread Donut Snacks aren’t just for breakfast—oh, no! They pair perfectly with a cup of warm coffee or hot chocolate for lazy mornings. Got kids at home? Serve them alongside a smoothie or fruit salad for a lovely family brunch that feels special.

And can we talk about movie nights? Picture this: cozy blankets, a rom-com for the heart, and a platter of these donuts dusted in cinnamon sugar. It’s comfort food heaven!

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How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If by some miracle you have leftovers, here’s how to make sure they stay tasty! Store your cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. They won’t be quite as crunchy but will still have that lovely flavor.

When it’s time to enjoy them again, pop them into the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This revitalizes their soft texture. Just don’t overdo it; we don’t want rubbery donuts—yikes!

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

You can easily prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before frying. If you want to take it a step further, shape the donuts, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry them straight from the freezer; just add a minute or so to the cooking time!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing: This will lead to dense, chewy donuts instead of fluffy goodness.
Skipping the oil temperature check: If it’s too cool, they’ll soak up oil; too hot, and they’ll burn before cooking through.
Not having fun: Seriously! Cooking should be a joyful experience. So get messy and enjoy the process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I bake these instead of frying?
While they’re traditionally fried, you can bake them at 375°F for about 15 minutes, but they won’t have that crispy exterior.

Can I use sweet potato mashed instead?
Absolutely! That will add a lovely flavor and color. Just keep in mind that the texture will be a bit different.

Can these be frozen?
Yes! You can freeze the un-fried donuts, fry them straight from the freezer, and enjoy them fresh.

What oil is best for frying?
Use oils with a high smoke point. Canola, vegetable, or peanut oil are great choices.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

A sturdy mixing bowl, a whisk, a rolling pin (or your favorite wine bottle in a pinch!), a donut cutter or two different-sized round cutters, a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, and a frying thermometer (highly recommend!).

Final Thoughts

Every time I make these Potato Bread Donut Snacks, they transport me back in time—reminding me of those carefree mornings spent with my family, laughing and enjoying food together. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a way to create memories, to connect, and to relish the simple joys in life.

So go ahead, give this simple yet extraordinary recipe a try! And if you make any changes or put your spin on it, I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend! Happy cooking, and may your kitchens always be filled with the delightful aroma of warm, sweet donuts!