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There’s something about making Soft Homemade Donuts with Syrup that just feels good. It smells amazing, tastes better than anything store-bought, and it’s fun. You get a little messy, a little nostalgic, and a lot of happiness.
Donuts go way back. Like, centuries back. Dutch settlers once brought little fried dough balls called olykoeks to America, and while they tasted great, the middles didn’t always cook through. Someone poked a hole in the middle, and the classic ring donut was born.
Fast forward to now, and here we are still loving them. This recipe brings that old-school, cozy feeling into your kitchen. They’re soft, syrupy, and just messy enough to feel fun. Make them once, and you’ll keep coming back.
Soft Homemade Donuts with Syrup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings depending on size 1x
- Category: Appetizers and Snacks
- Method: Moderate
Description
Okay, real talk, we tried this donut recipe on a lazy weekend afternoon, and I have to say, it might be my new favorite thing. They’re the soft, golden, old-school kind. No fuss, no weird ingredients. Just straight-up comfort food that makes your kitchen smell like childhood.
The best part? You don’t even need fancy equipment. If you’ve got a mixing bowl, a rolling pin, and a deep pot, you’re good to go.
Ingredients
Donuts
- 2 tbsp soft butter (not melted, just soft enough to mix)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup castor sugar
- 1/2 cup buttermilk or maas
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 2 cups cake flour (sifted if you’re feeling fancy)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- Pinch of salt
Sticky Rose Syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp rose water (optional, but wow)
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 1 star anise
Instructions
Donuts
- Add the butter, egg, sugar, vanilla, and buttermilk into a bowl and mix it all up till it’s smooth-ish.
- You don’t need a food processor unless you’re in a rush or avoiding arm workouts.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and salt.
- Pour the wet mix into the dry and bring it together gently.
- No kneading required, just a soft dough that holds.
- Roll it out, not too thin, not too thick, somewhere in between, and cut out the donuts.
- If you do not have a donut cutter, feel free to use a glass and a bottle cap for the center.
- Fry them in medium-hot oil (like, when a small piece of dough sizzles but doesn’t burn right away).
- They will puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown in just a couple of minutes.
- Now here’s the fun part: the syrup.
Sticky Rose Syrup
- Let it simmer until it thickens up a bit, maybe 8–10 minutes?
- You’ll know it’s ready when it feels slightly sticky between your fingers (careful, it’s hot).
- Dunk the warm donuts in while the syrup is still hot, then roll a few in desiccated coconut and the rest in cinnamon sugar.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Created, prepared, tried, and tested by Feriel from SA Tasty Recipes, Saffas Daily Recipes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 129
- Sugar: 15.8 g
- Sodium: 45.2 mg
- Fat: 1.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27.1 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1.7 g
- Cholesterol: 13 mg
Why will you come back to these Soft Homemade Donuts with Syrup, Easy Comfort Bake time and time again
These Soft Homemade Donuts with Syrup are sticky and way too easy to love. Are you team, Coconut or cinnamon sugar? There’s no wrong answer.
The texture is dreamy, the syrup’s got that floral-spiced vibe without being too much, and honestly, it just feels good to make something from scratch that doesn’t come out of a packet.
So yeah, if you’re even thinking about trying out these Soft Homemade Donuts with Syrup, do it. Just clear a little counter space, put on some music, and make a mess. Totally worth it.
Tips for the best Soft Homemade Donuts with Syrup
Topping Time: Coconut or Cinnamon Sugar?
Once syrup-coated, you get to choose your team:
- Roll them in desiccated coconut for a soft, snowy finish
- Or dust with cinnamon and sugar if you want a cozy vibe
Why not try both?
Frying Like a Pro (Even if You’re New to It)
- Don’t rush the heat. Medium is your friend.
- Test with one donut before diving in with a full batch.
- Use a slotted spoon to flip and lift them gently.
- Let them drain on a wire rack or paper towel so they stay crisp on the outside.
I am linking up with a bunch of fantastic peeps from the blogosphere who host awesome Link-ups: Fiesta Friday
We are featured on Full Plate Thursday – Miz Helen’s Cottage. Thank you so much for this honor and the shoutout.
Thanks for dropping in and checking out the recipes and what’s on offer.
Thanks for dropping in and checking out the recipes and what’s on offer.
If you try out this delightful recipe, please let me know, rate it, and tag me on Instagram at @_esmesalon. I’m excited to see your amazing recreations, and I’m hooked on those mouthwatering photos!
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Esme, these sound delicious! I bet they taste amazing, and I love the addition of syrup. Thank you for sharing at The Crazy Little Lovebirds link party.
Happy to share and thank you for allowing me to share with your readers.