Crescent Donuts: you’ll love the result

When it comes to these crescent donuts, you won't be able to stop at just one! Made with yeast, the donuts are light and airy, fried to perfection (which means they’re crispy on the outside), and sprinkled with sugar (which adds some crunch). They’re easy to make too! All the ingredients are mixed in one bowl, so less dirty dishes! With their cute crescent shape, they also look pretty on a plate and are perfect for entertaining. Soft, fluffy, and delicious—everything you could want in a donut! We even have a few creative ways for you to customize your donuts. This means they will be suitable to make for any special occasion!

Tips

Don’t skip the proofing (rising) steps! Giving the dough enough time to rise, makes them fluffy and light.

If the donuts are too dense, the dough hasn’t risen enough.

Use a neutral oil like canola oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil when frying at high temperatures. If you want to reuse the oil, allow it to cool, and strain it. You can use it a few more times for more batches of donuts.

Use a thermometer to heat the oil to about 350°F. Any hotter than this and the donuts will burn before cooked through. If it’s too cold, the donuts will absorb too much oil, making them oily. If you don’t have a thermometer, check the temperature by using a small piece of bread. Once you think the oil is ready, drop a piece of bread in the oil. If it bubbles slightly and turns golden, it’s ready to use. If it bubbles too rapidly, the oil might be too hot. If it doesn’t bubble at all, allow the oil to heat up more.

Crescent Donut Variations

You can also roll the donuts in vanilla sugar, cocoa sugar, or cinnamon sugar instead of granulated sugar.

The donuts can also be glazed with an icing glaze. Whip up a quick and easy glaze icing by whisking together 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and up to 4 tsp milk. Create a galaxy moon donut by using a blue glaze and decorate it with star confetti.

How to Store Crescent Donuts

The donuts are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored at room temperature (in an airtight container) for up to 3 days.

Reheat leftovers in the Airfryer (if you prefer them crunchy), or in the microwave (if you prefer a fluffier texture).

Can I Make Crescent Donuts in the Airfryer?

Yes, you can!  Simply cover the bottom of the air fryer basket with parchment paper and place the donuts on top. Cook the donuts at 350°F/180°C until browned and puffed up about 7 to 8 minutes. Remove from the basket and drain on paper.

How to make Crescent Donuts

Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water.

Step 1

Step 1

Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water.

Add flour and let rise for 10 minutes.

Step 2

Step 2

Add flour and let rise for 10 minutes.

Add the rest of the ingredients and mix. Knead the dough until smooth.

Step 3

Step 3

Add the rest of the ingredients and mix. Knead the dough until smooth.

Place the dough on a clean, floured surface, and flatten with a rolling pin.

Step 4

Step 4

Place the dough on a clean, floured surface, and flatten with a rolling pin.

Use a circle cutter to create crescent shapes. Allow to rise for 30 minutes.

Step 5

Step 5

Use a circle cutter to create crescent shapes. Allow to rise for 30 minutes.

Repeat.

Step 6

Step 6

Repeat.

Deep fry the donuts in hot oil.

Step 7

Step 7

Deep fry the donuts in hot oil.

Cook them until golden brown.

Step 8

Step 8

Cook them until golden brown.

Roll the finished donuts in sugar.

Step 9

Step 9

Roll the finished donuts in sugar.