Picture this: my sister showed up unannounced with her kids, and I had exactly 20 minutes to whip up a snack before chaos erupted. That’s when these magical 2 ingredient donuts saved the day! Just flour and yogurt transform into pillowy-soft dough that fries up golden in minutes. The real magic happens when you toss them in that crackly cinnamon sugar coating – trust me, you’ll want to double the sugar mixture because everyone sneaks extra. What I love most (besides how ridiculously easy they are) is that crisp, shattering sugar shell giving way to the tender inside. These little miracles have become my go-to for last-minute cravings, unexpected guests, or when I just need a happy kitchen moment without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love These 2 Ingredient Donuts
Let me count the ways these little wonders will become your new kitchen best friend:
- They’re faster than running to the bakery – mix to munching in 20 minutes flat
- Your pantry already has everything (who doesn’t keep flour and yogurt around?)
- Kids can help roll the dough balls – instant family baking memory maker
- That cinnamon sugar crust turns basic dough into something special
Seriously, I’ve made these for midnight snack emergencies, playdate surprises, and even fancy brunches – they never disappoint.
Ingredients for 2 Ingredient Donuts
Here’s the beautiful simplicity of it all:
- 1 1/2 cups self-raising flour (spooned and leveled – no packing!)
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt (the thick stuff works best)
- Neutral oil for frying (I use vegetable or canola)
- 1/4 cup white sugar + 2 tsp cinnamon for coating (optional but oh-so-worth-it)
That’s it! Well, except for the oil and coating – but those hardly count when the dough itself is just two ingredients.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
No self-raising flour? No problem! Mix 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour with 2 tsp baking powder. Greek yogurt must be thick – non-fat works but makes stickier dough. The sugar coating? Adjust to your sweet tooth – I sometimes do half cinnamon, half cardamom for a warm twist. Just don’t skip it – that crispy sugar shell is everything.
How to Make 2 Ingredient Donuts
Let’s get frying! Here’s how these beauties come together:
- Heat the oil first – Fill a heavy pot with 3 inches of oil and let it warm up over medium-high while you make the dough. This way everything’s ready to go!
- Mix the magic duo – In a bowl, stir together the self-raising flour and Greek yogurt until it forms a shaggy dough. Turn it onto a lightly floured surface and knead for exactly 1 minute—any longer and you’ll toughen them up.
- Shape with joy – Pinch off tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls between your palms. No perfection needed here—rustic is charming!
- Fry in smart batches – Carefully drop in 4-5 dough balls at a time. Too many will cool the oil. They’ll puff up golden brown in 2-3 minutes—flip halfway if they’re not turning evenly.
- Drain and coat – Let them rest on paper towels for 30 seconds (just to blot excess oil), then toss while warm in that glorious cinnamon sugar mix. The heat helps every granule stick.
Testing Oil Temperature
No thermometer? No sweat! Toss in a tiny dough piece—if it sizzles immediately without burning, you’re golden (literally). Or aim for 180°C (350°F) if using a thermometer—the sweet spot for crispy outside, fluffy inside.
Tips for Perfect 2 Ingredient Donuts
After making these dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), here are my can’t-skip secrets:
- Flour your hands like you mean it – That dough sticks like crazy, but a quick dusting keeps everything rolling smoothly (literally).
- Drain them standing up – Prop them vertically on a wire rack instead of laying flat—lets air circulate so they stay crisp all over.
- Sugar them while they’re still warm – The heat makes every grain cling like glitter, creating that addictive crackly shell.
Trust me, these tiny tweaks make all the difference between good donuts and “where have these been all my life?” donuts.
Variations for 2 Ingredient Donuts
Feeling fancy? Try these easy twists:
- Mix in 1 tsp lemon zest with the dough for a bright, sunny flavor
- Swap cinnamon sugar for powdered sugar – instant classic donut look
- Add 1/2 tsp vanilla extract to the yogurt for extra warmth
That’s the beauty of this recipe – just one extra ingredient can take it in a whole new direction!
Storing and Reheating
Here’s the best way to keep your donuts tasting fresh (if they last that long!): leave them uncovered at room temperature for up to 1 day – the sugar coating stays crisp this way. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer first, then transfer to a bag for up to 1 month. When that donut craving hits, pop them straight into your air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 2 minutes – they’ll come out warm and revived, like they’re fresh from the fryer all over again!
Nutritional Information
Estimates per donut hole. Values vary by ingredients.
- Serving Size: 1 donut hole
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Common Questions About 2 Ingredient Donuts
I’ve gotten so many questions about these donuts over the years—here are the ones people ask most:
- “Can I bake these instead of frying?” Sadly no—they won’t get that magical crisp exterior. The hot oil is what makes them puff up perfectly.
- “Why is my dough so sticky?” Just add 1 tbsp flour at a time until it’s workable. Different yogurt brands vary in thickness!
- “What’s the best oil for frying?” Stick with neutral oils like vegetable or canola—they have a high smoke point and won’t add weird flavors.
And yes, I’ve tried all the “what ifs” so you don’t have to—trust me on these answers!
Make These Tonight and Tag Us!
Now that you’ve got all my secrets, what are you waiting for? I know you’ve got flour and yogurt in your kitchen right this minute – go turn them into something magical! Whip up a batch tonight (seriously, set a timer – you’ll be shocked how fast they come together) and share your creations with me. I love seeing your cinnamon-sugar-dusted fingers and the proud smiles when that first warm donut disappears. Tag me so I can cheer you on! Nothing makes me happier than knowing another kitchen is filled with the sweet smell of fresh donuts and happy bellies.
You can also find more inspiration on Pinterest.
Print
Magical 2 Ingredient Donuts You’ll Crave Forever
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 donut holes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy homemade donuts made with just two main ingredients and coated in cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups self-raising flour
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- Oil for frying
- 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Fill a heavy pot with 3 inches of oil and heat over medium-high heat.
- Make the dough: In a bowl, mix self-raising flour and Greek yogurt to form a dough. Knead for 1 minute on a floured surface.
- Shape the donuts: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls.
- Check oil temperature: Ensure it reaches 180°C (350°F) or test with one donut first.
- Fry in batches: Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Coat in cinnamon sugar: Toss warm donuts in the sugar mixture.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying.
- Adjust sugar coating to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut hole
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg