Cardamom Spiced Donuts

Featured in: Sweet Slow Moments

These fluffy donuts are gently infused with warm cardamom and fried to golden perfection. After frying, they’re dipped in a luscious honey glaze that balances sweetness and spice. The dough requires a rising period to develop a tender, airy texture, with ingredients like yeast, whole milk, and butter creating richness. Perfect for breakfast or as an indulgent snack, these donuts bring a delightful aroma and a hint of exotic spice to familiar comfort.

Updated on Mon, 16 Feb 2026 05:41:43 GMT
Golden cardamom-spiced donuts with a glossy honey glaze, topped with crushed pistachios for extra crunch. Save
Golden cardamom-spiced donuts with a glossy honey glaze, topped with crushed pistachios for extra crunch. | meanwhilerecipe.com

Fluffy, aromatic donuts infused with warm cardamom and finished with a luscious honey glaze—perfect for breakfast or an indulgent treat. These Cardamom-Spiced Donuts offer a sophisticated twist on a classic favorite, combining a soft, airy texture with the exotic fragrance of ground spices.

Golden cardamom-spiced donuts with a glossy honey glaze, topped with crushed pistachios for extra crunch. Save
Golden cardamom-spiced donuts with a glossy honey glaze, topped with crushed pistachios for extra crunch. | meanwhilerecipe.com

Whether you're looking for a special weekend project or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these donuts are a rewarding bake. The process of making the dough from scratch and seeing it rise into golden, delicious rings is a culinary joy that leads to an even better tasting result.

Ingredients

  • For the Donut Dough: 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour, 2¼ tsp (7 g) active dry yeast, ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar, ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp ground cardamom, ¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk (lukewarm), 2 large eggs (room temperature), ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter (melted)
  • For Frying: 1 quart (1 L) vegetable oil
  • For the Honey Glaze: ½ cup (120 g) honey, 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (sifted), 2 tbsp (30 ml) milk, ¼ tsp ground cardamom, Pinch of salt
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Instructions

Step 1
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and ground cardamom.
Step 2
In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm milk; let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 3
Add the eggs and melted butter to the yeast mixture and whisk to combine.
Step 4
Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 5
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Step 6
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 7
Punch down the dough and roll out to ½-inch (1.25 cm) thickness.
Step 8
Cut out donuts using a donut cutter or two round cutters (about 3-inch/7.5 cm and 1-inch/2.5 cm for the hole).
Step 9
Place donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes until slightly puffy.
Step 10
Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts in batches, 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and drain on a wire rack.
Step 11
For the glaze, whisk together honey, powdered sugar, milk, cardamom, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Step 12
Dip warm donuts into the honey glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place on rack to set.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (175°C) to ensure the donuts cook through without absorbing too much oil. Be sure to drain the donuts on a wire rack after frying to keep them from becoming soggy.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For an extra layer of flavor and texture, sprinkle finely chopped pistachios over the glazed donuts. For a dairy-free alternative, substitute the whole milk and butter with almond milk and a plant-based butter substitute.

Serviervorschläge

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made. They pair beautifully with a warm cup of chai tea or a spiced coffee for a cozy and indulgent treat.

Fluffy homemade donuts infused with aromatic cardamom and drizzled with sweet honey glaze, perfect for brunch. Save
Fluffy homemade donuts infused with aromatic cardamom and drizzled with sweet honey glaze, perfect for brunch. | meanwhilerecipe.com

With their enticing aroma and soft, sugary finish, these Cardamom-Spiced Donuts are a guaranteed favorite for any brunch or special occasion. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

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Recipe FAQ

How do I achieve a fluffy texture in these donuts?

Allowing the dough to rise twice ensures a light and airy texture. Kneading the dough until smooth and elastic also helps develop gluten, giving the donuts structure.

What is the purpose of cardamom in this dish?

Cardamom adds a warm, aromatic spice that enhances the sweetness and adds an exotic touch to the donuts.

Can I substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative?

Yes, almond milk or any other plant-based milk can be used to make this suitable for dairy-free preferences without losing moisture.

How should the oil temperature be maintained for frying?

Maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for even frying, ensuring golden, crispy donuts without absorbing excess oil.

What is the best way to store these donuts?

Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to preserve freshness and texture.

Cardamom Spiced Donuts

Fluffy, aromatic donuts scented with cardamom and topped with a smooth honey glaze.

Time to Prepare
25 mins
Time to Cook
20 mins
Complete Time
45 mins
Created by Meanwhilerecipe Clara Bennett

Recipe Category Sweet Slow Moments

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type International

Makes 12 Number of Servings

Diet Considerations Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

Donut Dough

01 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
03 ¼ cup granulated sugar
04 ½ teaspoon salt
05 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
06 ¾ cup whole milk, lukewarm
07 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Frying

01 1 quart vegetable oil

Honey Glaze

01 ½ cup honey
02 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
03 2 tablespoons milk
04 ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
05 Pinch of salt

Steps

Step 01

Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and ground cardamom. Set aside.

Step 02

Activate Yeast: In a separate bowl, dissolve yeast in lukewarm milk and allow to sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 03

Combine Wet Ingredients: Add eggs and melted butter to the yeast mixture and whisk until fully combined.

Step 04

Form Dough: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 05

Knead Dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 06

First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 07

Shape Donuts: Punch down dough and roll out to ½-inch thickness. Cut donuts using a 3-inch donut cutter or two round cutters for the centers.

Step 08

Second Rise: Place donuts on parchment-lined baking sheets, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes until slightly puffy.

Step 09

Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F.

Step 10

Fry Donuts: Fry donuts in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on wire rack.

Step 11

Prepare Glaze: Whisk together honey, powdered sugar, milk, cardamom, and salt until smooth.

Step 12

Apply Glaze: Dip warm donuts into honey glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place on rack to set.

Tools Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rolling pin
  • Donut cutter or round cutters
  • Deep pot or fryer
  • Slotted spoon
  • Wire rack
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Notes

Examine all food items for allergens and consult your doctor for concerns.
  • Contains wheat gluten
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains milk
  • Contains butter
  • Processed in facilities that may handle tree nuts

Nutrition Info (per portion)

These details are meant for reference, not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 290
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Proteins: 5 g