Greek Yogurt Donuts Recipe

I have fallen in love with this Greek Yogurt Donuts Recipe because it brings together the best of both comfort and convenience. These donuts are wonderfully soft, tender, and perfectly sweet with a hint of cinnamon sugar, yet they don’t require any yeast, eggs, or frying. Whether you bake them in a donut maker, air fryer, or oven, the outcome is always a delightful treat that feels both indulgent and a bit healthier thanks to the Greek yogurt. It’s become one of my go-to recipes for quick breakfast gatherings or snack times when I want something special without a lot of fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Yogurt Donuts Recipe

What truly makes this Greek Yogurt Donuts Recipe stand out to me is the balance between rich flavor and ease of making. The tangy creaminess from the Greek yogurt adds such a lovely depth, giving the donuts a moist crumb that’s less dense than traditional baked donuts. When dusted with the simple cinnamon sugar coating, each bite becomes this irresistibly warm, comforting experience that’s nostalgic yet fresh. It’s like rediscovering donuts with a homemade twist that feels both wholesome and delicious.

I also appreciate how quick and straightforward it is to prepare these. No waiting for dough to rise, no frying oil mess, and minimal cleanup. This recipe fits perfectly into busy mornings or last-minute plans. I’ve served these at casual family breakfasts, weekend brunches, and even smaller parties where people are surprised by how simple and tasty they are. It’s a recipe I confidently recommend to anyone looking for a fresh take on donuts that can be made with everyday ingredients and tools.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let me tell you, the ingredients list is refreshingly simple but essential to achieving that perfect donut texture and flavor. Each component plays its role—from the sturdy all-purpose flour to the tangy Greek yogurt that makes these donuts so moist and tender. Here’s what you’ll need to bring these treats to life:

• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and fluffy base that holds everything together perfectly.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the donuts the gentle lift and lightness without needing yeast.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of each bite.
• 1 cup milk (plus 1 tablespoon if needed): Moistens the dough and helps combine all the ingredients smoothly.
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: The star ingredient that adds tanginess, richness, and moisture for tender donuts.
• 3-4 tablespoons sugar (for coating): Sweetens the cinnamon sugar dusting that finishes the donuts beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warm, fragrant spice that complements the sweet coating perfectly.
• Cooking spray or melted butter: Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and gives a subtle richness to the exterior.

Directions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning.

Step 2: Add the milk and Greek yogurt to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until everything just comes together. The dough will be sticky, which is exactly what you want for tender donuts.

Step 3: Depending on your cooking method, get your donut maker, oven, or air fryer ready. For a donut maker, preheat and spray the wells with cooking spray, then fill them with enough batter to cover each hole. Close and cook until the donuts are golden and springy, usually several minutes. Transfer the donuts to a plate and keep cooking the remaining batter in batches.

Step 4: If baking in the oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. To make the dough slightly thicker for shaping, add a little extra flour. Use a small trigger scoop to drop dough mounds on the parchment, smoothing the bottoms with oiled hands (the dough is sticky, so oiling your palms really helps). Bake for about 15 minutes or until the donuts are cooked through and golden.

Step 5: For the air fryer, preheat it to 375°F and spray the basket with cooking spray. Similar to the oven method, add a bit more flour if needed and use a small scoop to form the dough balls. Place them in the basket without overcrowding and air fry for roughly 12 minutes until golden and cooked inside.

Step 6: While the donuts cook, mix the sugar and cinnamon in a large shallow dish to create the coating. Once the donuts are out and still warm, lightly spray them with cooking spray or brush with melted butter, then dip or roll each donut in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated.

Step 7: Serve immediately or let cool slightly on a rack. These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but remain tender and flavorful even after a few hours.

Servings and Timing

This Greek Yogurt Donuts Recipe yields about 30 mini donuts, perfect for sharing or keeping a stash for multiple snack occasions. The prep time is around 15 minutes, thanks to the quick mixing and no yeast rising time. Cooking takes approximately 25 minutes depending on whether you’re baking or using a donut maker, bringing the total time to roughly 40 minutes including the finishing touches of cinnamon sugar coating and cooling.

How to Serve This Greek Yogurt Donuts Recipe

I love serving these donuts warm, right after they’ve been coated with cinnamon sugar, because the sugar melts just enough to create the perfect sweet crust. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or rich chai tea, which enhances the warm spices beautifully. For brunches or weekend family gatherings, I sometimes set up a little donut bar with a variety of toppings like fresh berries, honey drizzle, or even a light cream cheese frosting for added decadence.

If I’m serving these at a party, I arrange mini donuts on a pretty platter, garnished with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or even edible flowers to elevate the presentation. They also work beautifully alongside fresh fruit salad or yoghurt parfaits for a balanced, colorful spread. On cozy mornings, I enjoy them with a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice or hot chocolate, adding a comforting feel to the start of the day.

These donuts are versatile enough to enjoy warm, but they also hold up nicely at room temperature. I wouldn’t recommend chilling them, because they lose some of their tender texture when cold. Portion-wise, I find 2-3 mini donuts per person to be just right, allowing everyone to savor without feeling overly full. It’s the perfect sweet treat anytime!

Variations

One of the best parts of this Greek Yogurt Donuts Recipe is how easy it is to make your own variations. For example, if you want to add a fruity twist, I sometimes fold in a handful of fresh blueberries or small diced apples right into the batter before cooking. It adds a lovely burst of natural sweetness and moisture without overpowering the cinnamon sugar finish. Another favorite is swapping out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend—just be sure to pick one that’s meant for baking to maintain the light texture.

For those vegan friends, while this recipe uses Greek yogurt and milk, you can experiment with plant-based yogurt options like coconut or almond yogurt and substitute regular milk with oat or soy milk. It needs a bit of testing to get the moisture balance right, but when it works, it’s a fantastic alternative. I also like to experiment with flavored coatings—try mixing cocoa powder into the cinnamon sugar or dustying a blend of nutmeg and cardamom for a spiced twist.

Finally, if you don’t have a donut maker or air fryer, the oven method is reliable and straightforward. But if you’re feeling adventurous, try pan-frying small rings in a little oil on medium heat for a crisper finish closer to traditional donuts. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn, and finish with the cinnamon sugar coating while still warm.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover donuts, I recommend storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh and soft for up to two days. Using a container with a tight seal helps preserve the moisture and keeps the cinnamon sugar from becoming soggy. If you want to keep them a bit longer, refrigerating is an option but can dry them out slightly, so allow them to come back to room temperature before eating.

Freezing

These Greek Yogurt Donuts freeze beautifully! To freeze, place them on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer and pop them into the freezer until firm. Then transfer the frozen donuts to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months frozen. When you’re ready to eat, allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or gently warm them to regain softness. I always freeze extras because they make wonderful quick snacks anytime.

Reheating

For the best reheating experience, I recommend warming leftovers gently in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 325°F for about 5-7 minutes. This method revives the soft interior and slightly crisps the exterior without drying them out. Microwaving is quicker but can sometimes make the donuts rubbery or overly soft, so I avoid that if I’m hoping for texture similar to fresh. If you have a crispier leftover craving, a quick warm-up in an air fryer for 2-3 minutes works wonders, too!

FAQs

Can I use flavored Greek yogurt instead of plain?

While plain Greek yogurt is best to keep the flavor balanced, you can experiment with lightly flavored varieties like vanilla. Just be cautious with any strongly flavored or sweetened yogurts, as they might alter the donut’s taste and texture unpredictably.

Are these donuts healthy?

These donuts are healthier than traditional fried versions because they’re baked, use Greek yogurt for protein and moisture, and avoid heavy oils and eggs. They still contain sugar and flour, so moderation is key, but they’re a great lighter option when you want a treat.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky to handle?

Since the dough is naturally sticky, oiling your hands or dusting with a little more flour helps when shaping. Just be careful not to add too much flour, or the donuts might turn out tough. Sticky dough actually signals moist, tender donuts inside.

Can I make this recipe without a donut maker or air fryer?

Absolutely! The oven method for donut holes works very well and is simple to do. Just use parchment paper and shape small dough balls as directed, then bake until golden for a lovely batch of baked donuts.

How can I make these donuts vegan?

To veganize this recipe, substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative such as coconut or almond milk yogurt, and swap regular milk with your favorite non-dairy milk. The texture might vary slightly, so you might need to adjust the flour or liquid quantities a little to achieve the right dough consistency.

Conclusion

I can’t wait for you to try this Greek Yogurt Donuts Recipe and experience firsthand how easy and rewarding it is to make your own tender, flavorful donuts at home. They’ve become a favorite of mine to whip up for both casual mornings and special occasions, bringing a little sweetness and warmth to every bite. Once you taste them, you’ll understand why I keep coming back for more, and I’m sure they’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen, too!

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