Potato Donuts

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Potato Donuts are tender, sweet treats with a subtle potato flavor and warm spices like nutmeg or cinnamon. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Their comforting taste makes them popular among all age groups and ideal for special occasions or everyday indulgence.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 cups flour
  • 4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp nutmeg or cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Work butter into the mashed potatoes until well combined.
  2. Add beaten eggs and sugar to the mixture and mix well.
  3. Incorporate the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and optional spices.
  4. Let the dough rise for about 10 minutes.
  5. Deep fry spoonfuls of dough until golden brown.
  6. Roll the fried donuts in sugar before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your mashed potatoes are fluffy and not too wet. You can substitute butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract. Alternatively, you can use half the sugar and incorporate applesauce to reduce calories, similar to the approach in Muffins That Taste Like Donuts.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the potato donuts warm, rolled in cinnamon sugar for an extra treat. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a delightful breakfast or snack. For a fun twist, try drizzling melted chocolate or icing on top. These donuts also complement a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of Strawberry Sorbet (Make Ahead).

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover potato donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain their texture, avoid refrigeration. If you want to enjoy them later, freeze them for up to a month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Potato Donuts contains roughly 724 calories, with 15g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 536mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).

724 kcal 36% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.8g 30% DV
Total Fat 19.3g 25% DV
Carbs 123.7g 45% DV
Fiber 11.8g 42% DV
Sugar 2.4g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 535.5mg 23% DV
Potassium 873mg 19% DV
Cholesterol 32.9mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 14.1mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 19.9mg 22% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 253.3mg 19% DV
Iron 6.3mg 35% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly in this recipe! Just ensure they are well-mashed and not too lumpy. If your mashed potatoes are seasoned, adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly to maintain balance.

What oil is best for frying the donuts?

For frying potato donuts, a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, is ideal. This helps achieve a crispy exterior without imparting any strong flavors. Avoid olive oil, as it may not handle the high temperature well.

How can I make these donuts vegan?

To make vegan potato donuts, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer. Use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk in place of regular milk and coconut oil instead of butter. This way, you can enjoy a delicious version of this treat while adhering to a vegan diet.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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