Copycat Dunkin’ Old Fashioned Donut Recipe

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If you’ve ever craved the classic Dunkin’ Old Fashioned Donut while sitting at home in your PJs (I know I have), you’re in for a treat—because today, we’re unlocking the secret to making these iconic donuts right in your own kitchen! From their subtly crisp exterior to that soft, cake-like interior, this recipe will have you recreating your favorite Dunkin’ experience without ever stepping foot outside.

How to make a Dunkin’ Old Fashioned Donut

The Dunkin’ Old Fashioned Donut is a classic cake-style donut with a dense, slightly crumbly texture, lightly sweet flavor, and a crisp, cracked surface, typically served plain or glazed.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (the key spice for classic donut flavor)

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream (adds richness and a tender crumb)

For Frying:

• 4 cups vegetable oil (or enough for about 2-3 inches in your pot)

Glaze (optional but delicious):

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Set this aside.
2. In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Reduce the mixer speed to low and alternate between adding the dry ingredients and the sour cream to the sugar mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix only until combined—avoid overmixing, as it can make the donuts tough.
4. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight). Chilling the dough makes it easier to work with and helps the donuts hold their shape during frying.

Roll and Cut the Donuts:

1. Once chilled, roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.
2. Use a donut cutter (or a 3-inch circle cutter and a smaller cutter for the center hole) to cut your donut shapes. Re-roll any scraps to make more donuts until all the dough is used up.

Heat the Oil:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 325°F (165°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature, as it’s crucial for even frying—too hot, and the donuts will burn; too cold, and they’ll absorb too much oil.

Fry the Donuts:

1. Carefully add 2-3 donuts at a time to the oil. Fry for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove them using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Optional Glaze:

1. If you’d like to add a classic glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip each donut’s top halfway into the glaze, let the excess drip off, and set them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.

Tips for Perfect Donuts

• Chilled dough is easier to handle and won’t fall apart when cutting or frying. It also helps the donuts keep their shape.
• Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature. Fluctuations can cause uneven cooking or oil-soaked donuts.
• Fry only 2-3 donuts at a time. Overcrowding reduces the oil temperature and affects the texture.
• The slight hint of nutmeg is what gives old-fashioned donuts their classic flavor. Don’t skip it!
• While the plain old-fashioned donut is a classic, you can have fun experimenting with flavored glazes, such as chocolate, maple, or even a simple cinnamon-sugar coating.

What to serve with

The Dunkin’ Old Fashioned Donut is known for its simple, rich flavor and perfectly dense texture. By itself, it’s a delightful treat. Still, pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate that experience into something memorable.

1. Coffee, of Course! ☕

The Dunkin’ brand is synonymous with coffee, and nothing pairs better with a Dunkin’ Old Fashioned Donut than a steaming cup of your favorite brew. Here’s how to customize this pairing:

• Hot Coffee: A plain black coffee or a smooth Americano complements the donut’s subtle sweetness beautifully. If you prefer something richer, a creamy latte or cappuccino also works perfectly.
• Iced Coffee: On a warm day, serve the Dunkin’ Old Fashioned Donut with a refreshing iced coffee. Add a touch of vanilla, caramel, or chocolate syrup for a flavor boost.
• Espresso Drinks: If you’re feeling bold, pair the Dunkin’ Old Fashioned Donut with a shot or two of espresso for a rich and intense flavor contrast.

2. Tea Time Pairings

For a lighter beverage option, tea makes an excellent companion. The warmth and lightness of tea balance the dense, slightly crispy donut texture.

• Black Tea: Earl Grey or English Breakfast has robust and earthy characteristics that mirror the donut’s flavor.
• Herbal Teas: Opt for chamomile, rooibos, or a spiced chai for a slightly sweet and aromatic pairing.
• Green Tea: Matcha’s slight bitterness provides a lovely contrast to the donut’s sweetness while keeping the palate clean.

3. Fresh Fruits and Berries

Since old-fashioned donuts tend to be dense and rich, serving them with fresh, juicy fruits and berries can add a refreshing, light balance to your plate.

• Citrus Slices: Oranges, grapefruit, or mandarin slices bring a tangy brightness to balance out the rich donut flavor.
• Berry Medley: Serve a mix of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Their tartness complements the sweetness of the donut.
• Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad with a simple honey-lime drizzle makes a light, refreshing side dish.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re eager to make Dunkin’s Old Fashioned Donuts at home but find yourself missing some ingredients—or looking to make adjustments for dietary preferences or restrictions—don’t worry.

1. All-Purpose Flour Substitutes

• Gluten-Free Alternative: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. These blends are specifically designed to mimic the structure of regular flour and usually contain xanthan gum or guar gum, which is crucial for creating that chewy texture. Check the packaging for instructions on baking with the blend.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Swap up to 50% of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor and added fiber. Use a finely milled whole wheat flour to avoid overly dense donuts.
• Almond or Coconut Flour: While almond and coconut flours lack the binding properties of regular flour, you can use them in combination with another flour (like gluten-free flour) to reduce carbs. Keep in mind, this will significantly change the texture.

2. Baking Powder and Baking Soda Substitutes

These two leavening agents are essential for giving the donuts their structure and slight rise. If you don’t have these on hand, here’s how you can substitute:

• Substitute for Baking Powder: Make your own by combining 1 teaspoon of baking soda + 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar. If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can use 1 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice per teaspoon of baking powder needed.
• Substitute for Baking Soda: Use 3 teaspoons of baking powder to replace 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Keep in mind, this may slightly alter the flavor as baking powder contains additional acidic compounds.

3. Sugar Substitutes

• Granulated Sugar: While traditional granulated sugar is best, you can substitute it with:
• Brown Sugar: Provides a slightly more complex, molasses-like flavor and moisture.
• Coconut Sugar: A natural alternative with a caramel flavor—use a 1:1 ratio.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: For liquid sweeteners, reduce the amount to 3/4 cup for every 1 cup of sugar and decrease other liquid ingredients slightly to avoid overly wet dough.
• Sugar Substitutes (e.g., Stevia, Monk Fruit, or Erythritol): If using these, follow the brand’s instructions since the sweetness and ratio vary widely.

4. Butter Substitutes

Unsalted Butter: For a non-dairy option, replace the butter with:

• Coconut Oil: Use an equal amount of melted coconut oil. This will add a subtle coconut flavor to your donuts.
• Plant-Based Butter: Vegan butter works as a 1:1 substitute and provides a similar taste and texture.
• Neutral Oil: Vegetable or canola oil can also replace butter, but it may yield a less rich flavor.

5. Sour Cream Substitutes

Sour cream is key for the buttery, tender crumb in old-fashioned donuts. However, alternatives will still deliver great results if you’re out or need dairy-free options:

• Plain Greek Yogurt: Use an equal amount of Greek yogurt for a similar texture and tang.
• Buttermilk: Replace each 1/2 cup of sour cream with 1/2 cup buttermilk. The dough will be slightly thinner, but will still bake and fry well.
• Heavy Cream with Lemon Juice: Mix 1/2 cup of heavy cream with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle before using as a sour cream substitute.
• Non-Dairy Substitutes: Try coconut cream, cashew cream, or a dairy-free yogurt (like almond or soy-based) for a vegan or lactose-free option.

Final Thoughts

While Dunkin’ Old Fashioned Donuts are delicious on their own, pairing them thoughtfully with drinks, fruits, or sides enhances the experience.

More Dunkin Recipes:

• Copycat Dunkin’ Oreo Matcha Recipe
• Copycat Dunkin’ Oreo Cloud Latte Recipe
• Copycat Dunkin’ Marshmallow Cold Foam Recipe