Duck Donuts Recipe

Doughnuts from a shop always feel extra special. But if you’ve ever had a bite of a Duck Donuts donut, you already know-those are something else. They’re soft, warm, and just melt in your mouth.

I remember the first time I made this Duck Donuts Recipe at home. My little girl sat by the kitchen table, swinging her legs, eyes wide, just waiting for the first one to cool down.

The smell was everywhere, sweet and buttery. That moment stuck with me. Since then, I’ve made these donuts many times-and every single time, they come out just as soft and yummy.

Making them at home means I know what’s going in, I get to have fun with toppings, and I can make fresh donuts whenever I want-without even getting in the car.

If you’re like me and enjoy home baking, you’ll love this copycat Duck Donuts Recipe. Let’s make them together!

What Does Duck Donuts Taste Like?

Duck Donuts has this amazing taste that’s hard to describe until you try one yourself. The donut is super soft and fluffy, almost like a sweet bread that melts in your mouth.

When you bite into it, you get this perfect balance of sweetness without being too heavy.

The texture is what makes Duck Donuts special – it’s not dense like regular donuts. Instead, it feels light and airy. The outside has a slight crisp from frying, but the inside stays incredibly soft.

I love how these donuts don’t leave you feeling stuffed after eating one. The vanilla flavor comes through nicely, and when you add chocolate coating, it becomes even more delicious.

These donuts taste fresh and homemade, not like the ones you get from a gas station. I think the secret is in the soft dough and the right frying temperature.

Duck Donuts Ingredients

For the egg mixture:

• 1 egg – Use a large, fresh egg at room temperature. This helps bind the ingredients and adds richness to the dough.
• 1/4 cup sugar (50g) – Regular granulated sugar works best. This sweetens the dough and helps with browning.
• 1/2 cup milk (123g) – Whole milk gives the best flavor and texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature.
• 1 tsp vanilla essence – Pure vanilla extract adds the signature flavor. Avoid artificial vanilla if possible.

For the yeast mixture:

• 1 tbsp sugar – This feeds the yeast and helps it activate properly.
• 1 tsp instant dry yeast – Make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired for best results.
• 1/2 cup warm water – Water should be lukewarm, not hot, as hot water can kill the yeast.

For the dough:

• 3 cups flour (390g) – All-purpose flour works perfectly. Measure accurately for best results.
• 1/2 tsp salt – This enhances the flavor and helps strengthen the dough structure.
• 2 tbsp butter (30g) – Softened butter adds richness and keeps the donuts tender.

For the chocolate coating:

• 1/2 cup chocolate – Dark chocolate works best, but you can use milk or white chocolate too.
• 1 tsp flavorless oil – This makes the chocolate coating smooth and easier to work with.

Helpful Swaps

Don’t have everything? No problem! Here are some easy switches you can try:

1. Flour: If you’re out of all-purpose flour, bread flour works, but it might feel a little chewy.
2. Milk: Use almond milk or oat milk if you don’t do dairy. It’s just as good!
3. Vanilla Essence: Skip it if you don’t have it, or try a drop of almond flavor instead.
4. Chocolate: No chocolate? Use chocolate chips or even spread some Nutella on top.
5. Yeast: If you have active dry yeast instead of instant, use it-just let it sit longer to bubble.

Required Kitchen Tools

1. Mixing bowls (2-3)
2. Whisk or fork
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Spatula
5. Dough mat or clean flat surface
6. Rolling pin
7. Donut cutter or a glass and bottle cap
8. Frying pan or deep pot
9. Slotted spoon or tongs
10. Parchment paper
11. Small pan to melt chocolate
12. Cooling rack (optional)

How To Make Copycat Duck Donuts

Step 1 | Start with the Wet Mix

In a pot or large bowl, crack one egg. Add 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup milk, and 1 tsp vanilla essence. Mix it well until the sugar dissolves completely. Set aside.

Step 2 | Activate the Yeast

In another bowl, add 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp instant yeast, and 1/2 cup warm water. Stir it gently. Cover and leave it for 5 minutes until it bubbles.

Step 3 | Mix the Dough

Add 3 cups flour and 1/2 tsp salt to the yeast mix. Mix the dry ingredients. Now pour the egg mixture into this and combine everything with a spatula.

Step 4 | Add Butter & Knead

Add 2 tbsp butter and start kneading the dough. It should be soft and stretchy. If it feels too dry, add a little water. If too sticky, add a bit of flour. Knead for 10 minutes.

Step 5 | Let it Rise

Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes. It should double in size.

Step 6 | Shape the Donuts

Dust some flour on the counter. Roll the dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or glass to make round shapes. Use a donut cutter or bottle cap to make the hole in the center.

Step 7 | Second Rise

Place donuts on parchment paper. Cover and let them rise for another 20–25 minutes.

Step 8 | Fry the Donuts

Heat oil on low flame. It shouldn’t be too hot. Gently place donuts in the oil. Fry each side for about 50 seconds until golden brown. Take them out and place on a paper towel.

Step 9 | Melt Chocolate

In a pan, melt 1/2 cup chopped chocolate with 1 tsp oil over low heat. Stir until smooth.

Step 10 | Decorate Donuts

Dip the top of each donut into the melted chocolate. Add sprinkles on top.

Recipe Perfection Tips

• Always use warm—not hot—water for yeast.
• Don’t over-knead. Once the dough is stretchy, it’s good.
• Let the donuts rise twice. It makes them extra fluffy.
• Make sure oil isn’t too hot. If it’s smoking, it’s too hot.
• For soft donuts, fry on low flame and flip only once.
• Use parchment paper so the shaped donuts don’t stick before frying.

Best Way To Serve Duck Donuts

These donuts taste best when they’re fresh and warm. I love to serve them right after adding the chocolate glaze. The top is melty, and the inside is super soft.

My daughter always grabs one as soon as I put them on the table, sometimes even before the sprinkles are on!

You can also dust them with powdered sugar or dip them in cinnamon sugar if you like a different twist.

A warm donut with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee is just perfect. And if you’re like me, you might even sneak one while cooking the next batch.

Make Ahead & Storage Tips

You can make the dough ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to 12 hours before frying. Just cover it tight and let it rise a bit more before shaping and frying.

Once fried, the donuts are best eaten the same day. But if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They stay soft for 1–2 days.

Want to freeze them? Sure! Let the fried donuts cool, skip the chocolate, and freeze them plain. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 6–8 minutes. Then dip in fresh chocolate and serve!

Duck Donuts Recipe FAQs

1. Why didn’t my donuts puff up?

If your yeast is old or your water was too hot, the yeast might not work. Always use fresh yeast and warm (not hot) water. Also, make sure to let the dough rise properly.

2. Why are my donuts oily?

That usually means the oil wasn’t hot enough when you fried them. Always heat the oil on low until it’s ready, and don’t overcrowd the pan.

3. Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes, but they won’t taste the same. Baking makes them drier and less crispy. If you want to bake, brush them with butter and bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes.

4. How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?

Drop a tiny piece of dough in. If it sizzles and rises slowly, the oil is ready. Too fast, and it’s too hot. No bubbles? It’s still too cool.

5. Can I skip the chocolate topping?

Of course! These donuts taste great even without the topping. You can use powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or even just leave them plain.

Continue to Content

Yield: 12 donuts

Duck Donuts Recipe

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Copycat Duck Donuts recipe ready in just 1 hour 30 minutes! Make warm, soft, and fluffy donuts at home with chocolate glaze. Easy and fun to fry!

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Ingredients

Egg Mixture:

• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
• 1/2 cup whole milk (123g), room temperature
• 1 tsp pure vanilla essence

Yeast Mixture:

• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp instant dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water

Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (390g)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (30g), softened

Chocolate Coating:

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 tsp flavorless oil (e.g., vegetable or canola)

Instructions

1. In a pot or large bowl, crack one egg. Add 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup milk, and 1 tsp vanilla essence. Mix it well until the sugar dissolves completely. Set aside.
2. In another bowl, add 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp instant yeast, and 1/2 cup warm water. Stir it gently. Cover and leave it for 5 minutes until it bubbles.
3. Add 3 cups flour and 1/2 tsp salt to the yeast mix. Mix the dry ingredients. Now pour the egg mixture into this and combine everything with a spatula.
4. Add 2 tbsp butter and start kneading the dough. It should be soft and stretchy. If it feels too dry, add a little water. If too sticky, add a bit of flour. Knead for 10 minutes.
5. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes. It should double in size.
6. Dust some flour on the counter. Roll the dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or glass to make round shapes. Use a donut cutter or bottle cap to make the hole in the center.
7. Place donuts on parchment paper. Cover and let them rise for another 20–25 minutes.
8. Heat oil on low flame. It shouldn’t be too hot. Gently place donuts in the oil. Fry each side for about 50 seconds until golden brown. Take them out and place on a paper towel.
9. In a pan, melt 1/2 cup chopped chocolate with 1 tsp oil over low heat. Stir until smooth.
10. Dip the top of each donut into the melted chocolate. Add sprinkles on top.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 215Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 100mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 1gSugar: 10gProtein: 3g

I hope you try this Duck Donuts Recipe at home. It’s one of my favorites, and I’m sure you’ll love how easy and tasty it is. Soft inside, crispy outside, and topped with your favorite chocolate—just like the ones at the shop!

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a ⭐ rating and review!