These cottage cheese donuts are soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet with a delicious cinnamon-sugar coating. They are baked instead of fried, making them a lighter treat that still tastes comforting and indulgent. With simple pantry ingredients and no yeast required, these homemade donuts come together quickly and are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• These donuts are baked, making them lighter than traditional fried donuts.
• Cottage cheese adds extra protein and keeps the texture moist and fluffy.
• No yeast or rising time is needed, so the recipe is quick and beginner-friendly.
• The cinnamon-sugar coating gives every bite a classic bakery-style flavor.
• The recipe uses simple ingredients you may already have at home.
• They are easy to customize with different toppings and flavors.
• Perfect for meal prep because they store well and reheat beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the donuts:

• 2 1/2 cups self-rising flour
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cinnamon-sugar coating:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-count donut pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour and sugar.
3. Add the cottage cheese, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until a thick dough forms. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky.
4. If the batter feels too thick, add one extra tablespoon of milk at a time until smooth. If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a little more flour.
5. Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each section about three-quarters full.
6. Bake the donuts for 15 to 17 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and spring back when touched.
7. Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
8. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar together.
9. Brush each warm donut lightly with melted butter, then dip into the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
10. Serve warm or allow them to cool completely before storing.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12 donuts
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–17 minutes
• Total Time: About 25 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Version: Add 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweeter dessert-style donut.
• Glazed Donuts: Skip the cinnamon sugar and drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
• Berry Flavor: Fold fresh blueberries into the batter for a fruity twist.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cottage cheese and plant-based milk.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace the self-rising flour with a gluten-free self-rising flour blend.
• Maple Cinnamon: Add 1 teaspoon maple extract for a warm fall-inspired flavor.
• Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan and reduce the baking time to 8–10 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To freeze, place the cooled donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

To reheat, warm the donuts in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This helps restore their soft texture.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, you can use a muffin tin instead. The texture will stay similar, though they will look more like donut muffins.

Do the donuts taste like cottage cheese?

No, the cottage cheese blends into the batter and mainly adds moisture and softness.

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well in this recipe.

What type of milk works best?

Any milk works, including dairy milk, almond milk, or oat milk.

Can I air fry these donuts?

Yes, bake them in silicone donut molds inside the air fryer at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes.

How do I know when the donuts are done?

They should be lightly golden and spring back when touched gently.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It is best to bake the batter immediately for the fluffiest texture.

Can I freeze the donuts?

Yes, these donuts freeze very well for up to 2 months.

What other toppings can I use?

You can use powdered sugar, vanilla glaze, chocolate glaze, or crushed nuts.

Are these donuts good for breakfast?

Yes, they are lightly sweet and contain extra protein from the cottage cheese, making them a satisfying breakfast treat.

Conclusion

These cottage cheese donuts are a simple and delicious homemade treat that combines fluffy texture with warm cinnamon-sugar flavor. Since they are baked instead of fried, they are lighter while still tasting rich and comforting. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven, as a quick breakfast, or as a sweet afternoon snack, this recipe is easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

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