Homemade Filled Donuts – Bakery-Style and Easy To Make!

Learn how to make soft, fluffy filled donuts made from scratch and stuffed with peanut butter and marshmallow fluff. This easy filled donuts recipe delivers bakery-style results at home.

Soft, fluffy filled donuts with a rich, creamy center are one of those treats that feel extra special every single time. These homemade filled donuts are fried until golden, coated in sugar, and stuffed with a dreamy combination of peanut butter and marshmallow fluff. The texture is light and pillowy, while the filling melts perfectly into the warm dough.

Making filled donuts at home may sound intimidating, but this recipe breaks everything down into easy, approachable steps. The result is a batch of bakery-style filled donuts that taste fresh, indulgent, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a weekend treat, a celebration, or just because, these filled donuts are always worth the effort.

Why You’ll Love These Filled Donuts

• Ultra-soft, fluffy dough made with egg yolks for richness
• Perfectly sweet filling with peanut butter and marshmallow fluff or filling of choice
• Classic donut shop flavor without leaving your kitchen
• Great make-ahead option for parties and gatherings
• Customizable fillings to suit any craving

These filled donuts strike the perfect balance between comforting and indulgent, making them a favorite for both kids and adults.

What Makes These Filled Donuts So Good

The secret to amazing filled donuts lies in the enriched dough. Using egg yolks instead of whole eggs creates a softer crumb, while melted butter adds richness without making the dough heavy. Frying the donuts gives them that classic crisp exterior while keeping the inside light and airy.

The filling takes these filled donuts to the next level. Peanut butter brings a creamy, nutty flavor, while marshmallow fluff adds sweetness and lightness. Together, they create a nostalgic, irresistible center that pairs perfectly with the sugar-coated exterior.

Ingredients for Filled Donuts

Dough

• ¾ cup warm milk
• 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup sugar
• 3 cups all-purpose flour

Filling Choices

• Marshmallow Fluff
• Peanut Butter
• Jam
• Nutella
• Cream
• The fillings are endless!

How to Make Filled Donuts from Scratch

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir briefly and let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy. Proper yeast activation is essential for soft, fluffy filled donuts. No foam means the yeast did not bloom and should be restarted.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Preheat your oven to 170°F or the warm setting. In a large bowl, add the flour, melted butter, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and sugar. Stir lightly to combine.

Slowly pour in the milk mixture while stirring. The dough will look clumpy and slightly shaggy at this stage, which is exactly what you want.

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth

Transfer the dough to a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Knead on speed 2–4 for 5 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading by hand works as well and takes about 7 minutes.

Well-kneaded dough helps create the airy texture that makes filled donuts so irresistible.

Step 4: First Rise

Lightly grease a bowl with oil and place the dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Crack open the oven door slightly and place the bowl near the warmth of the oven. Let the dough rise for 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Donuts

Turn the dough onto a clean surface and gently punch it down. Roll it out to about 2-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out donut rounds.

Place the dough rounds on a baking sheet, cover with a tea towel, and allow them to rise again for 45 minutes. This second rise ensures light, fluffy filled donuts.

Step 6: Fry the Donuts

Heat frying oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry the donuts for 2–3 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and immediately coat in sugar while warm.

Step 7: Fill the Donuts

Fill a piping bag with peanut butter and marshmallow fluff. Using a finger or chopstick, poke a hole into the side of each donut. Pipe the filling inside until generously filled.

Freshly filled filled donuts are best enjoyed slightly warm.

Tips for Perfect Filled Donuts Every Time

• Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F to prevent greasy donuts
• Avoid over-flouring the dough to maintain softness
• Let donuts cool slightly before filling to avoid leaks
• Use a piping tip or narrow nozzle for clean filling

Following these tips helps ensure consistently delicious filled donuts.

FAQ

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Yes, bake at 375°F until golden, then fill once cooled.

Q: How long do filled donuts stay fresh?
A: Store in an airtight container ~2–3 days; best when fresh.

Q: Can I use other fillings?
A: Absolutely, try jam, vanilla custard, chocolate ganache, or lemon curd.

Filling Variations for Filled Donuts

This dough works beautifully with many fillings, making it easy to customize your filled donuts. Try:

• Vanilla pastry cream
• Chocolate ganache
• Strawberry or raspberry jam
• Sweetened cream cheese
• Chocolate hazelnut spread

Each filling creates a completely new flavor experience while using the same donut base.

How to Store Filled Donuts

Filled donuts are best enjoyed the same day they’re made. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, keep unfilled donuts and add filling just before serving to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts on Homemade Filled Donuts

These homemade filled donuts are soft, rich, and filled with creamy goodness in every bite. The process is simple, rewarding, and perfect for anyone who loves classic bakery treats made at home. Once you make filled donuts from scratch, they quickly become a go-to recipe for special moments and sweet cravings alike.

Serve these donuts with a warm cup of coffee and try our Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Cake or pair with our Cinnamon Rolls!