Delicious Shipley Donut Recipe
Looking for a quick and delicious treat that brings the whole family together? This Shipley Donut Recipe is the perfect solution! Soft, pillowy, and topped with a perfectly sweet glaze, Shipley donuts are a beloved staple for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. What makes this recipe truly special is how simple and easy it is to recreate these warm, melt-in-your-mouth donuts right at home—no need to drive to your local donut shop! Inspired by the classic Shipley Do-nuts, which are known for their irresistible flavor, this recipe has been carefully crafted for a homemade version that rivals the original.
I first learned to make these donuts from my grandmother, who would bake them for special occasions, and now they’re my go-to comfort treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through every step to create the perfect batch of Shipley donuts. Get ready to enjoy a fresh batch of delicious, golden-brown donuts that will have everyone asking for more!
Overview Of Shipley Donut
Shipley Do-nuts is a popular donut chain known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistibly sweet flavor. Founded in 1936, Shipley Donuts has been a beloved part of many people’s morning routine for decades. The donuts are fried to perfection and coated with a glossy glaze, making them the ultimate indulgence. Whether you prefer the classic glazed, chocolate-covered, or filled with creamy goodness, Shipley donuts have something for everyone. Now, you can recreate this timeless treat in your own kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe!
What Makes Shipley Donut So Special?
Shipley Donuts stand out because of their light, fluffy texture and perfectly sweet flavor. The dough is soft but firm enough to hold its shape while frying, ensuring a golden, crisp exterior with a soft, tender interior. The glaze is smooth and glossy, coating each donut evenly and adding just the right amount of sweetness.
What truly makes Shipley donuts special is their consistency—whether you grab one on the go or enjoy a leisurely breakfast at home, you can always count on that delicious, nostalgic taste. Plus, when you make them at home, they’re fresh and customizable to suit your tastes!
Why You’ll Love This Shipley Donut Recipe
This Shipley Donut Recipe is perfect for anyone who loves fresh, homemade treats but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. You’ll love how easy it is to make these donuts from scratch, and the result is just as delicious as those you’d get from the store. Here’s why:
- Quick & Easy: With a few basic ingredients and just a bit of time, you can enjoy homemade donuts in no time.
- Family-Friendly: Whether you’re baking with kids or serving them at a family gathering, everyone will love these sweet treats.
Delicious Shipley Donut Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Donut cutter (or two round cookie cutters)
- Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
- Candy thermometer (optional, but helpful for frying)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp butter melted
Instructions
Making the Dough
- Start by mixing the warm milk and sugar in a bowl, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and the melted butter. Add the yeast mixture, along with the egg and vanilla, and mix until a smooth dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, then cover and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
Making the Glaze
- While the dough is rising, prepare the glaze. In a medium-sized bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir until smooth and creamy, adding more milk if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Cooking
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Using a donut cutter, cut out the donuts and holes. Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the oil and place them on a cooling rack.
Serve and Enjoy!
- While the donuts are still warm, dip them into the glaze, ensuring they are fully coated. Let any excess glaze drip off and allow the donuts to set for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Shipley donuts!
Notes
- Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too sticky after mixing, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it feels too dry, add a little bit of milk to adjust. You want a smooth and elastic dough that doesn’t stick to your hands when kneading.
- Frying Temperature: The oil temperature is crucial for perfectly fried donuts. Too hot, and the donuts will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. Too cool, and they will absorb excess oil, making them greasy. A candy thermometer is recommended for precision, but if you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough into the oil—if it bubbles and rises to the surface within a few seconds, the oil is ready.
- Glaze Consistency: The glaze should be smooth and pourable but not runny. If the glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it.
- Donut Holes: Don’t throw away the donut holes! They can be fried just like the donuts and glazed as well, making for a perfect bite-sized treat.
- Storage: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them by microwaving for 5-10 seconds to bring back their soft texture.
- Flavor Variations: While this recipe gives you the classic glazed Shipley donut, feel free to get creative! You can add a dusting of cinnamon sugar for a classic touch, or drizzle chocolate ganache on top for a decadent variation. Even adding fillings like raspberry jam or custard before frying will give a fun twist.
- Making Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight for a longer rise. In the morning, simply punch down the dough, roll it out, and fry.
If you’re in the mood for another delicious homemade treat, be sure to check out my Copycat Sonic Cream Slush Recipe—the perfect pairing with these soft, homemade Shipley donuts!
Ingredient Substitutions & Delicious Variations
Customize your Shipley donuts with these simple swaps and creative additions:
- Flour Swap: Replace all-purpose flour with cake flour for an extra tender crumb, or use whole wheat flour for a heartier, fiber-rich donut (texture will be slightly denser).
- Milk Options: Use plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy) instead of dairy milk to make the recipe vegan-friendly just ensure the consistency matches.
- Egg Alternatives: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) or skip the egg entirely—though the texture may be slightly lighter without it.
- Butter Replacements: Swap melted butter with vegan butter, coconut oil, or even applesauce for a lower-fat version; coconut oil adds a subtle tropical twist.
- Glaze Twists:
- Cinnamon sugar donut: Mix 1 tsp cinnamon into ½ cup sugar and toss the warm donuts for a classic flavor.
- Chocolate-glazed: Dip warm donuts into melted chocolate or derriere ganache.
- Filled delight: Inject cooled donuts with jam, vanilla custard, or melted chocolate using a piping bag for a surprise center.
These substitutions let you adapt the recipe to dietary needs or experiment with flavors without losing that authentic Shipley texture.
Tips for Making Perfect Shipley Donut Recipe
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry donuts in batches to avoid dropping the oil temperature too much, which can cause greasy donuts.
Watch the Temperature: Keep the frying oil at a steady 350°F. If it’s too hot, the donuts will burn; too cold, and they will soak up too much oil.
Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is active for the best rise.
Let the Dough Rise Fully: Be patient during the rise. The dough should double in size and feel soft and airy to the touch. This step ensures fluffy, light donuts.
Roll Evenly: Roll the dough to an even ½-inch thickness before cutting. Thinner dough can lead to overcooked donuts, while too thick may leave the centers undercooked.
Drain Properly: After frying, place donuts on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This keeps the texture light and avoids sogginess.
Dip While Warm: For the ultimate glaze finish, dip the donuts in your glaze while they’re still warm. It helps the glaze stick better and sets beautifully.
Serving Tips For Shipley Donut
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, grabbing a sweet breakfast, or treating yourself in the afternoon, here are some fun ways to serve your homemade donuts:
- Serve Warm for Best Flavor: Warm donuts are irresistibly soft and pillowy. Reheat leftovers for 5–10 seconds in the microwave before serving.
- Pair with Your Favorite Beverages: These donuts go perfectly with hot coffee, cappuccino, or a glass of cold milk. For kids, try them with hot cocoa or a fruity smoothie.
- Make a Donut Platter: Arrange donuts with a variety of toppings—glazed, cinnamon-sugar, chocolate-drizzled, or even filled—for a beautiful and crowd-pleasing breakfast spread.
- Add a Savory Side: Balance the sweetness with a side of crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a fruit and yogurt parfait for a well-rounded brunch.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Try crushed nuts, rainbow sprinkles, shredded coconut, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra texture and fun.
- Serve for Dessert: Top donuts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel for a decadent donut sundae.
Nutrition, Calories Information about Shipley Donut
| Nutrient | Per Donut |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 60mg |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
Note: These values are approximate and based on standard serving sizes. Nutritional content may vary depending on ingredient brands and preparation methods.
Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions
Want fresh donuts all week or prepare ahead like a pro? Here’s how:
Make-Ahead Dough
After kneading, place the covered dough in the fridge and let it rise overnight. In the morning, bring it to room temperature, roll and cut out the donuts, then fry and glaze. This slow rise adds complexity to the flavor and trims your morning prep.
Storing Leftovers
Cool donuts completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days long enough to savor a few each morning.
Freezer-Friendly Option
Freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They stay fresh for up to 1 month. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and then glaze them for that fresh-baked feel.
Reheating for Freshness
Warm donuts in a preheated 350 °F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for just 5–10 seconds for that just-made softness and warmth.
Conclusion
If you’re craving the irresistible taste of Shipley Donuts, this recipe is your golden ticket! Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, these donuts will become a family favorite in no time. Whether you make them for breakfast, a special occasion, or just because, your homemade Shipley donuts are sure to delight everyone. Grab your ingredients, fire up the fryer, and enjoy the delicious taste of freshly made Shipley donuts!
FAQs
Here the most asked question about Shipley Donuts…
Can I use a different type of flour for Shipley Donuts?
Yes, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture or whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative, but this may affect the texture.
How long can I store these donuts?
Store your donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They’re best when fresh but can be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds.
Can I freeze Shipley Donuts?
Yes, you can freeze the donuts before glazing. Place them in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm in the oven and glaze afterward.
Can I make Shipley Donuts without yeast?
While this recipe uses yeast for the classic rise, you can try making a non-yeast donut by using baking powder, but the texture will differ.
Can I add fillings to the donuts?
Absolutely! You can fill your donuts with jam, cream, or chocolate before frying for a delicious twist.
