How to Make Stick Donuts at Home – Easy Guide

Craving something sweet, crispy, and fun to make at home? Stick donuts are the perfect answer. These golden, elongated treats are a modern twist on classic donuts, combining a fluffy interior with a lightly crisp exterior. Whether you’re looking for a delicious snack, a creative gift, or a unique breakfast option, stick donuts are versatile, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know from their history and types to step-by-step recipes, variations, toppings, storage, and packaging tips. By the end, you’ll be ready to fry, bake, or air-fry your own perfect stick donuts.

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• How to Make Healthy Air Fryer Donuts at Home – Fast & Tasty

What is a Stick Donut?

A stick donut is an elongated, baton-shaped version of a classic donut. Unlike traditional ring-shaped donuts, stick donuts are easier to hold, dip, and share. They can be made from cake-like, yeast-raised, or biscuit-style dough, and are typically fried or air-fried until golden brown.

Texture & Flavor:

• Crunchy outside with a soft, fluffy center
• Often coated with cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, glaze, or chocolate
• Can be customized with sprinkles, nuts, or other toppings

Why Stick Donuts Are So Popular:

• Fun, easy-to-hold shape perfect for kids and parties
• Quick to fry or bake in batches
• Highly customizable for gifting or themed events
• Ideal for pairing with coffee, hot chocolate, or dipping sauces

History and Origin of Stick Donuts

Stick donuts are a contemporary twist on traditional fried dough, but the concept of long, fried dough stretches back centuries.

Youtiao (China)

One of the earliest forms of fried dough sticks, Youtiao, is a long, golden-brown breakfast staple in China. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, Youtiao is often paired with soy milk or rice porridge. The similarity in shape and texture suggests a global appeal for elongated fried dough.

Churros (Spain & Latin America)

Spanish churros are another type of elongated fried dough, sometimes coated in sugar and cinnamon. Often served with chocolate dipping sauce, churros share a texture and flavor profile with stick donuts.

Zeppole & Malassadas (Italy & Portugal)

Italian zeppole and Portuguese malassadas are small, fried dough treats. While round or irregularly shaped, these pastries showcase regional variations of fried dough that inspired modern stick donuts.

Modern Stick Donuts

Today, stick donuts are a favorite in Western cafés, home baking, and food trucks. Their elongated shape makes them easy to share, dip, and present creatively perfect for breakfast platters, snacks, or gifts.

Stick Donuts vs. Traditional Donuts: What is the Difference Between Stick Donuts and Traditional Donuts?

When it comes to donuts, we often picture the classic ring shape, perhaps with a glaze or filled with cream. But stick donuts offer a fresh twist on tradition both in shape and in experience. So what makes them different from the typical donut? Let’s break it down.

Comparison Table: Stick Donuts vs. Traditional Donuts

Key Takeaway: Stick donuts are easier to eat, share, and customize, making them perfect for modern snacking and gifting trends.

How to Make Stick Donuts at Home 

Ingredients for Stick Donuts

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose or cake flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter or neutral oil
• 1/2 cup milk or sour cream

For Frying:

• 3–4 inches vegetable, canola, or peanut oil

Toppings:

• Cinnamon sugar or simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla)
• Optional chocolate drizzle, caramel, sprinkles, or nuts

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and remove lumps.
• Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in melted butter and milk or sour cream until smooth.
• Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender.
• Rest the Dough: Let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes to hydrate the flour and relax gluten, which helps with rolling and shaping.

Step 2: Roll Out and Cut the Dough

• Lightly flour your work surface with cake flour or all-purpose flour to prevent sticking.
• Roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 8 inches by 12 inches, about 1/2 inch thick.
• Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into rectangular sticks roughly 2 inches wide and 4 inches long.
• Separate the sticks slightly on the surface to prevent them from sticking together. Optionally, gently score the tops with a knife to create a decorative pattern.

Step 3: Heat the Oil for Frying

• Pour 3-4 inches of oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer.
• Heat the oil to 365-375°F (185-190°C), using a candy or deep-fry thermometer to monitor temperature precisely.
• Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial: too low and the donuts absorb excess oil and become greasy; too high and the outside burns before the inside cooks.

Step 4: Fry the Donut Sticks

• Carefully place a few donut sticks into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding to keep oil temperature steady.
• Fry each side for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to turn the sticks halfway through cooking for even browning.
• The sticks will initially sink but should float to the surface within seconds.
• Remove the fried sticks and drain on paper towels or a wire rack to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Coat with Toppings

• While still warm, toss the donut sticks in cinnamon sugar for a classic finish or dip them in a simple powdered sugar glaze made by mixing powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract.
• For extra indulgence, drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce, or sprinkle with chopped nuts or sprinkles.

Popular Variations of Stick Donuts

Chocolate Stick Donuts

• Add 2–3 tablespoons cocoa powder to dry ingredients.
• Glaze with chocolate or dust with powdered sugar.

Baked Stick Donuts

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Pipe batter into greased donut sticks molds and bake 12–15 minutes.
• Great for healthier, lower-fat options.

Air Fryer Stick Donuts

• Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Spray sticks lightly with oil and air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Vegan Stick Donuts

• Replace eggs with 1/4 cup applesauce per egg.
• Use plant-based milk and vegan butter.

Gluten-Free Stick Donuts

• Substitute all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour.
• Slightly adjust liquid for batter consistency.

Topping and Flavor Ideas of Stick Donuts

• Classic Cinnamon Sugar: Mix 1/4 cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon.
• Glaze: Powdered sugar + 1–2 tbsp milk + 1 tsp vanilla.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate with 1 tsp butter or cream.
• Caramel & Nuts: Drizzle caramel and sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Fun Colors: Use food coloring in glaze for themed treats.

Tip: Dip sticks immediately after frying for best adhesion of toppings.

Tips & Common Mistakes To Avoid when Making Stick Donuts At Home

• Oil Temperature: Too low → greasy sticks. Too high → burnt outside, raw inside.
• Overmixing Dough: Results in dense, tough donuts. Stir until just combined.
• Don’t Crowd Pan: Fry 2–3 sticks at a time to maintain oil temperature.
• Cooling: Let donuts cool slightly before glazing to prevent melting.

Packaging Ideas for Stick Donut Gifts

• Eco-Friendly Options:
  • Use recyclable cardboard boxes that are sturdy and can be customized with your logo or design. These boxes are durable and environmentally responsible, appealing to eco-conscious recipients.
  • Biodegradable paper bags are perfect for individual donuts or small portions, offering a sustainable alternative to plastic.
    
  • Clamshell boxes allow the beautiful glazed or cinnamon-sugar-coated sticks to be visible, enticing the recipient while keeping the donuts protected and fresh.
  • Opt for recyclable or biodegradable plastic alternatives to align with sustainability goals.
• Individual Sleeves or Mini Boxes:
  • Single-stick sleeves made from parchment or cardboard provide hygienic, easy-to-carry packaging for individual portions, ideal for party favors or small gifts.
  • Mini boxes that hold 2-4 sticks are great for sampler packs or intimate gifting.
• Decorative and Gable Boxes:
  • Use themed or custom-printed boxes for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions to add a personal touch.
  • Gift boxes with compartments or dividers keep each stick separate, preserving toppings and preventing squishing.
  • Add ribbons, bows, or decorative tags to elevate the gift’s presentation and make it feel more special.

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Calories in Stick Donuts

Stick donuts are a tasty treat but can vary significantly in calorie content depending on size, ingredients, and toppings. Here’s an overview to help you understand their nutritional profile:

• Typical Calorie Range:
  A standard 1.75 oz (50g) stick donut contains approximately 200 calories, with about 13 grams of fat and 6 grams of sugar.
• Commercial Variations:
  For example, a Dunkin’ Chocolate Creme Stick Donut can have as much as 460 calories, with 23 grams of fat and 33 grams of sugar. Similarly, Dunkin’ Plain Stick Donuts contain around 410 calories with 30 grams of fat.
• Nutritional Breakdown:
  Most stick donuts are high in fat and carbohydrates, with relatively low protein content. They typically contain saturated fats and sugars from frying oil and sweet coatings like glaze or cinnamon sugar.
• Serving Size Considerations:
  Portion sizes vary, so calorie counts depend on the size and toppings of the donut stick. Smaller homemade or bakery versions may have fewer calories, while larger or cream-filled versions can be significantly higher.
• Calorie Burn:
  To burn off the calories from a typical stick donut (around 400-460 calories), you might need to engage in about 30-50 minutes of moderate exercise such as jogging or cycling.

While delicious, stick donuts are calorie-dense and should be enjoyed in moderation, especially if you are mindful of your daily caloric intake. Opting for smaller portions or homemade versions with controlled ingredients can help balance indulgence with nutrition.

FAQs About Stick Donuts

Q1: Are stick donuts healthier than traditional donuts?

Yes, especially when baked or air-fried. Fewer calories and less oil compared to deep-fried donuts.

Q2: Can I make stick donuts without a deep fryer?

Absolutely. Use a heavy pot or air fryer. Baking is another healthier option.

Q3: Why are my donuts dense?

Overmixing or overbaking can cause dense texture. Check batter consistency and monitor baking/frying time.

Q4: Can I freeze stick donuts?

Yes, freeze cooled donuts in an airtight container up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Q5: Can I make gluten-free or vegan stick donuts?

Yes! Substitute flour with almond or oat flour and use plant-based milk/butter.

Q6: How long do stick donuts last?

1–2 days at room temperature in an airtight container; up to 5 days refrigerated.

Q7: What toppings work best?

Cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, chocolate, caramel, sprinkles, and nuts all work well.

Conclusion  

Stick donuts are a fun, versatile, and delicious treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry them, their golden exterior and fluffy interior make them irresistible. Customize with toppings, package them creatively for gifts, or serve them for breakfast, dessert, or parties.