Old-Fashioned Potato Donuts

MAKES: 1 dozen

COOK TIME: 15 Min

These aren't just your run-of-the-mill doughnuts. Our Old-Fashioned Potato Donuts are unexpectedly addictive! They're made with a delicious combo of mashed potatoes, buttermilk, and other tasty ingredients. They have a dense, cake-like texture to them that makes them extra-yummy. Once you try these easy potato donuts, there's no looking back!

What You'll Need

3 tablespoons butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup lightly packed mashed potatoes (see Notes)
1/4 cup buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 cups vegetable shortening or oil

What to Do

In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and beat until well combined. Add potatoes and buttermilk and beat until smooth. Add 2 cups flour, the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon and beat just until evenly mixed. Do not over mix.
Generously dust your countertop with flour. Place dough on countertop and turn to coat with flour.
Gently press dough out with your hands to 1/2-inch thickness and cut into rounds using a 3-inch donut cutter or biscuit cutter and 1-inch bottle cap for center hole. Gather scraps of dough and gently press out again as needed until all dough is used.
In a soup pot, heat shortening over medium heat to 375 degrees, using a thermometer. Working in small batches, cook donuts 2 to 3 minutes per side or until puffed and golden brown on both sides, turning once during cooking. Transfer to a paper towel-lined platter.

Mr. Food Test Kitchen Tip!

Just remember, for this recipe, it's important to use plain mashed potatoes with no added ingredients!
To make your own glaze, whisk 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, 3 tablespoons water, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extact until smooth. Dip donut in glaze, sprinkle with mini chocolate chips or sprinkles, and let sit 10 minutes or until glaze is set.
We've got more easy homemade donut recipes, right here! Make our Homemade Jelly Donut Holes, our Shortcut Chocolate-Glazed Donuts, or our South of the Border Doughnuts.
Top your homemade donuts with this easy-to-make Chocolate Ganache recipe! Whether you glaze or frost these donuts, they're gonna be great.

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revsamarshall 8608 126

Dec 11, 2020

There is a donut place in Eldorado Arkansas that goes by the name of Supdnuts. Yes Potato Doughnuts.

Vonny

Aug 14, 2019

lindakdog I was going to ask the same question! Sweet potato donuts sound like a great idea. Also wanted to ask the Test Kitchen if using self rising flour would work.

Test Kitchen Team

Aug 16, 2019

Hi there! Quick recap: The Test Kitchen is not sure how sweet potatoes would work as they are looser than white potatoes and have a different consistency. Since we haven't tested this, we can't give you an accurate answer. And to answer the second part of your question, yes we believe self-rising flour would work. Enjoy!

LovesToEat

Aug 13, 2019

I plan to make these with my 7 y.o. granddaughter. To increase nutritional value could I substitute mashed sweet potatoes instead of the white spuds?

Test Kitchen Team

Aug 16, 2019

Hi there! The Test Kitchen is not sure how sweet potatoes would work as they are looser than white potatoes and have a different consistency. Since we haven't tested this, we can't give you an accurate answer.

Rachel

Jul 01, 2017

Question for the test kitchen Can these doughnuts be baked instead of fried? If they can be baked, at what temperature and for what amount of time? Thank you.

Test Kitchen Team

Jul 03, 2017

Hi there! The Test Kitchen does not recommend baking this recipe because the potatoes will most likely not rise properly.