Enjoy bakery-style donuts at home with this Easy Copycat First Watch Holey Donuts Recipe. Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, these donuts are perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack anytime.
If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy First Watch’s famous Holey Donuts without leaving your kitchen, this copycat recipe is your golden ticket.
Soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, these donuts are easy to make at home and taste just like the originals.
Whether you’re treating yourself for breakfast, brunch, or a midday snack, they’re guaranteed to satisfy your donut cravings—and they’re fun to make too!
More Easy Copycat First Watch Recipes
- Easy Copycat First Watch Avocado Toast Recipe
- Easy First Watch Copycat Granola Recipe
- First Watch Copycat Market Hash Recipe
- Easy First Watch Waffle Recipe
- First Watch’s Frittata Rustica Recipe
- Easy First Watch Iced Coffee Recipe
- Easy First Watch Potato Recipe
- Easy Million Dollar Bacon (First Watch Copycat)
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Soft, fluffy donuts just like the restaurant version.
- Sweet, golden exterior with a tender, airy inside.
- Quick and easy to make at home.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a fun treat.
- A fun recipe to make with family or friends.
First Watch Holey Donuts Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Creates soft, tender donut texture every time.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness without overpowering the flavor.
- Baking powder: Helps donuts rise and stay fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Eggs: Provides structure and richness to the batter.
- Milk: Keeps the dough soft and easy to work.
- Butter: Adds flavor and tenderizes the donuts.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor to the donuts.
- Oil for frying: Ensures donuts cook evenly and crisp exterior.
How To Make First Watch Holey Donuts
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
Step 2: Pour oil into a deep fryer or large pot to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for best results.
Step 3: Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small) to cut out donut shapes and holes.
Step 4: Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: While still warm, dip the donuts in your favorite glaze or sprinkle with powdered sugar. Let them cool slightly, then serve fresh and enjoy!
Easy Copycat First Watch Holey Donuts Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the oil: Fry a few donuts at a time to ensure even cooking and a perfectly golden crust.
- Maintain consistent oil temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil at 350°F (175°C); too hot burns the outside before the inside cooks.
- Work quickly with dough: Keep your work surface lightly floured and shape donuts immediately to prevent sticking or tearing.
- Glaze while warm: Dip donuts in glaze or sprinkle powdered sugar immediately after frying for best adherence and flavor.
- Customize toppings: Cinnamon sugar, chocolate drizzle, or sprinkles all work for a fun twist.
Storing Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store cooled donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for 3–4 days; warm slightly before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
Easy Copycat First Watch Holey Donuts Recipe Faqs
Can I make these donuts ahead of time? These donuts are best enjoyed fresh. You can make them a few hours in advance and store at room temperature in an airtight container, but they’ll be fluffiest when served immediately.
Can I bake these instead of frying? Yes! Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), lightly grease a donut pan, and bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden. They won’t be as crispy as fried, but still delicious.
How do I store leftover donuts? Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 1 month.
Can I make a glaze or chocolate coating? Absolutely! A simple powdered sugar glaze, chocolate drizzle, or cinnamon sugar coating works perfectly. Dip or drizzle while donuts are slightly warm for best results.
Can I use non-dairy milk? Yes, substitute the milk with almond, oat, or soy milk in equal amounts. The donuts will still be soft and flavorful.
Can I make mini donuts? Definitely! Just use a smaller donut cutter and adjust frying time to 1–1.5 minutes per side. Mini donuts cook faster and are perfect for snacking.
More Easy First Watch Recipes
- Easy Copycat First Watch Avocado Toast Recipe
- First Watch’s Frittata Rustica Recipe
- Easy First Watch Copycat Granola Recipe
- Easy First Watch Iced Coffee Recipe
- Easy Million Dollar Bacon (First Watch Copycat)
- Easy First Watch Potato Recipe
- First Watch Copycat Market Hash Recipe
- Easy First Watch Waffle Recipe
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Easy Copycat First Watch Holey Donuts Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour,
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk, can use dairy-free alternative
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Oil for frying, vegetable or canola, about 2 inches depth
- Powdered sugar or glaze – for coating
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In another bowl, beat the 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup milk melted 1/4 cup butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
- Pour oil into a deep fryer or large pot to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for best results.
- Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small) to cut out donut shapes and holes.
- Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- While still warm, dip the donuts in your favorite glaze or sprinkle with powdered sugar. Let them cool slightly, then serve fresh and enjoy!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Nutrition
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