Homemade Olive Garden Donuts – Easy & Delicious!

Olive Garden is famous for its delicious, comforting Italian dishes, but did you know that their dessert menu holds a hidden gem?

The Olive Garden Donuts, a sweet and irresistible treat, has earned its place as a fan favorite.

Warm, fluffy, and coated in a sugary cinnamon glaze, these little bites of heaven are the perfect way to end a meal.

Whether you’re enjoying a cozy dinner with family or celebrating a special occasion, these donuts add a delightful touch of sweetness that’s hard to resist.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of indulging in these warm, sugary bites at the restaurant, you know exactly how addicting they are.

The good news? You can easily recreate this decadent treat at home.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through a simple step-by-step recipe, share tips for achieving the perfect texture, and show you how to make your own Olive Garden-inspired donuts that will impress family and friends.

So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into making this delightful dessert that will transport your taste buds straight to Olive Garden.

What Are Olive Garden Donuts?

Olive Garden Donuts are a delectable dessert served warm and coated with a generous dusting of cinnamon and sugar.

Unlike traditional donuts, these soft, pillowy treats are made using biscuit dough, which creates a slightly different texture—thicker and more biscuit-like, with a soft, airy interior.

The exterior, however, is perfectly golden and crisp, thanks to the frying process, which seals in the sweetness and ensures each bite is an indulgent treat.

Often served with a side of warm chocolate sauce or a drizzle of honey, Olive Garden Donuts have become known for their sweet, melt-in-your-mouth flavor.

The light, fluffy donuts paired with the cinnamon-sugar coating make them the ultimate comfort food, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth after a savory Italian meal.

They are simple but delicious, combining just the right balance of flavors to make each donut a crave-worthy delight.

These donuts are a great option for anyone who loves quick, easy desserts that don’t require an elaborate preparation process, yet still taste like they came straight from the restaurant.

Now, with the right ingredients and a few easy steps, you can enjoy this dessert from the comfort of your own home.

Health Benefits of Olive Garden Donuts

While Olive Garden Donuts are a delightful indulgence, they provide some potential benefits in moderation:

1. Satisfaction of Sweet Cravings: The sugar and cinnamon coating can satisfy your sweet tooth, making it easier to avoid overindulging in more calorie-dense desserts.
   
2. Quick Energy Boost: The carbohydrates from the biscuit dough and sugar can give a quick burst of energy.
   
3. Comfort Food: Warm, sweet donuts can have a soothing effect, helping you unwind and relax after a meal.
   
4. Low in Protein, But Filling: While not a significant source of protein, the donut’s comforting texture and flavors may help you feel full and satisfied, reducing the need for snacking later.
   
5. Homemade Quality: Making the donuts at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients, ensuring a more natural and potentially healthier version compared to processed alternatives.

Ingredients for Olive Garden Donuts

To recreate the warm, cinnamon-sugar goodness of Olive Garden Donuts at home, you don’t need a long list of complex ingredients.

This simple recipe focuses on using store-bought biscuit dough as a base, allowing you to create delicious donuts with minimal effort.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Required Ingredients

• Biscuit Dough – You can use a can of store-bought biscuit dough, which makes the process fast and easy. If you prefer a homemade version, you can prepare your own biscuit dough from scratch.
  
• Cinnamon – Ground cinnamon is key to getting that warm, sweet flavor that complements the donut’s texture perfectly.
  
• Sugar – Granulated sugar is essential for coating the donuts. It forms a sweet, crunchy layer that adds to the overall flavor.
  
• Butter – A little butter will help the cinnamon-sugar coating stick to the warm donuts and provide that rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
  
• Optional: Powdered Sugar – For an extra layer of sweetness, you can dust your donuts with powdered sugar after frying.
  
• Optional: Honey or Chocolate Sauce – For dipping, drizzle some honey or melted chocolate sauce to elevate the flavor even further.

These simple ingredients are all you need to bring this mouthwatering dessert to life.

Now, let’s move on to the fun part—making your very own Olive Garden Donuts!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Olive Garden Donuts

Making Olive Garden Donuts at home is easier than you might think!

With just a few steps, you can have a batch of warm, sugary donuts ready to enjoy.

Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you recreate this fan favorite from the comfort of your kitchen.

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

The first step to creating your Olive Garden Donuts is preparing the dough.

If you’re using store-bought biscuit dough, simply open the can and separate the biscuits.

Use a rolling pin to flatten each biscuit slightly to help them fry evenly and cook through.

If you’re making homemade dough, prepare it according to your recipe instructions and roll it out to a thickness of about half an inch.

For the classic Olive Garden style, you can leave the dough in small rounds or use a round cutter to create perfect donut shapes.

Be sure not to roll the dough too thin; it’s important to maintain that pillowy, soft texture.

Step 2: Frying the Donuts

Now comes the fun part—frying! Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to about 350°F (175°C).

You’ll want enough oil to fully submerge the donuts, so choose a pan with deep sides or use a fryer if you have one.

Test the oil by dropping in a small piece of dough. If it bubbles and rises to the surface, you’re ready to fry.

Carefully add the dough to the hot oil, being mindful not to overcrowd the pan.

Fry each donut for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. They should puff up and turn crispy on the outside while staying soft inside.

Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Repeat with the remaining dough.

Step 3: Coating the Donuts

While the donuts are still warm, it’s time to coat them in the signature cinnamon-sugar mix.

In a shallow bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.

The ratio is usually about 1/2 cup sugar to 1 tablespoon cinnamon, but you can adjust based on your preference.

Roll each warm donut in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure they are coated evenly.

The sugar will adhere to the butter-coated donuts, creating a delicious, sweet crust.

Step 4: Optional Dips & Toppings

While Olive Garden Donuts are delicious on their own, you can make them even more indulgent by adding a sweet dipping sauce.

Drizzle warm honey or melted chocolate sauce over the donuts for an extra layer of flavor.

Alternatively, you can sprinkle powdered sugar over the donuts for a lighter touch.

Serve the donuts immediately while they’re warm for the best experience.

They’re perfect with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or even a dessert wine!

How to Serve Olive Garden Donuts

The way you present your Olive Garden Donuts can elevate the experience and make your dessert feel even more special.

While they’re already a treat on their own, here are a few ideas to serve them that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Serve Warm for the Best Experience

Olive Garden Donuts are best served warm.

The crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior make for a delightful contrast when they’re just out of the fryer.

You can keep them warm by covering them loosely with foil while you finish frying the rest.

If you’re not serving them immediately, you can warm them up in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Family-Style Serving

If you’re hosting a family dinner or a casual gathering, consider serving the donuts family-style.

Arrange the warm donuts on a large plate or platter and set them in the center of the table for everyone to help themselves.

This creates a fun, shareable dessert that everyone can enjoy together.

Individual Plates with Sauces

For a more refined presentation, serve each donut individually on a small dessert plate, drizzling them with a bit of honey, chocolate sauce, or caramel.

You could even dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch.

A small side dish of warm chocolate sauce or honey for dipping will give guests a chance to personalize their experience.

Pair with Beverages

Olive Garden Donuts go wonderfully with a variety of beverages.

For a cozy feel, pair them with hot beverages like coffee, hot chocolate, or even a spiced chai tea.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, serve them alongside a dessert wine or a sweet cocktail.

The combination of sweet, rich donuts with a warm or chilled drink will make for a perfect pairing.

Garnish and Extra Touches

To make your donuts even more appealing, consider garnishing with a sprig of mint or fresh berries.

These little additions can make a simple dessert feel elegant and elevate the overall presentation.

Olive Garden Donuts: Tips and Tricks for Perfection

Making Olive Garden Donuts at home is a breeze, but a few tips and tricks can ensure they turn out just right every time.

Here’s how to perfect this recipe and avoid common pitfalls.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

When frying the donuts, make sure not to overcrowd the pan.

Frying too many donuts at once will lower the temperature of the oil, resulting in greasy, soggy donuts instead of the crispy, golden exterior you want.

Fry them in batches, allowing enough room for each donut to cook evenly.

Monitor Oil Temperature

Oil temperature is crucial for the perfect donut.

Too hot, and the donuts will burn on the outside while staying raw inside; too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil, becoming greasy.

Maintain the oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F for best results. Using a thermometer to check the temperature can be especially helpful.

Achieve a Perfect Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

To make sure the cinnamon-sugar coating sticks to the donuts, always coat them while they’re still warm.

The butter you’ve brushed on the donuts will act as a binding agent for the sugar and cinnamon.

If you’re worried about the sugar clumping, roll the donuts gently to ensure an even coating.

Use Fresh Oil

Old or reused oil can affect the flavor and texture of the donuts.

For the best taste, use fresh oil when frying the donuts, especially if you’re frying in multiple batches.

This ensures that the donuts fry up with a clean, crisp taste, rather than absorbing any residual flavors.

Don’t Skip the Resting Period

Once fried, allow the donuts to rest on a paper towel-lined plate for a minute or two to drain excess oil.

This will help ensure they aren’t too greasy and will keep the coating from becoming soggy.

Customize Your Flavor

While cinnamon-sugar is the classic choice for coating Olive Garden Donuts, you can get creative with your flavor combinations.

Try using pumpkin pie spice for a fall twist, or add a pinch of vanilla extract to the sugar mixture for a more fragrant coating.

You could also swap out the cinnamon for cocoa powder for a chocolatey variation or try flavored syrups for dipping.

Store Leftovers Properly

If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

They’re best enjoyed within a day or two. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for later.

Just reheat them in the oven to bring back the crispiness before serving.

Recipe Variation:

1. Pumpkin Spice Donuts: For a fall twist, add 1-2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
   
   This will give your donuts a warm, seasonal flavor that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of cider or coffee.
   
2. Chocolate-Coated Donuts: Instead of cinnamon-sugar, melt chocolate and dip the donuts into it for a rich, indulgent dessert.
   
   You can even sprinkle some crushed nuts on top for added texture.
   
3. Maple Glazed Donuts: For a sweet and savory flavor, drizzle the donuts with maple syrup after frying.
   
   You can mix powdered sugar into the maple syrup for a thicker glaze, or keep it light and drizzly for a more subtle flavor.
   
4. Coconut Sugar Donuts: Replace the granulated sugar in the coating with coconut sugar for a slight caramel flavor and added depth.
   
   For extra coconut flavor, you can also sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the donuts.
   
5. Nutella-Filled Donuts: Before frying, make small cuts in the center of each donut and fill them with Nutella.
   
   After frying, coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a decadent twist on the classic.

Storage Instructions:

• Room Temperature: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days.
  
  However, for the best taste, these donuts are best enjoyed the same day.
  
• Freezing: To keep your donuts fresh longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag.
  
  To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
  
• Reheating: If stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator, reheat the donuts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore the crispness and warmth.
  
  Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

Final Thoughts

Recreating Olive Garden Donuts at home is a fun and rewarding experience that brings the irresistible sweetness of the restaurant’s beloved dessert right into your kitchen.

With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can make these warm, cinnamon-sugar coated treats that are perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a special dessert, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.

What makes this recipe so special is how easy it is to customize.

You can play around with different dips, toppings, and flavor combinations to make the donuts uniquely your own.

And because they are quick to prepare, they’re perfect for any occasion.

So, go ahead—give it a try and enjoy these little bites of heaven from the comfort of your own home!

We hope this recipe helps you create the perfect batch of Olive Garden-inspired donuts.

Don’t forget to share your results with us and let us know how your donuts turned out!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought biscuit dough?

Yes, you can absolutely make your own dough!

If you prefer to use homemade biscuit dough, follow your favorite biscuit recipe and roll it out to about half an inch thick.

You’ll still get that soft, fluffy texture and golden crispness after frying.

• How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

The ideal frying temperature for Olive Garden Donuts is between 350°F and 375°F.

To check the temperature, you can use a kitchen thermometer.

If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.

Just be careful not to let it get too hot, as this can cause the donuts to burn on the outside while remaining raw inside.

• Can I make the donuts ahead of time?

While these donuts are best served fresh and warm, you can make them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two.

If you have leftovers, you can also freeze them for later.

Just reheat them in the oven to restore their crispy texture before serving.

• Can I make these donuts in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make Olive Garden Donuts in an air fryer!

Simply preheat your air fryer to 350°F, lightly coat the dough with oil or butter, and fry them in batches for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.

This method is a healthier alternative to deep frying while still delivering a crisp and delicious result.

• What can I dip these donuts in?

While the classic pairing is cinnamon-sugar, Olive Garden Donuts taste fantastic with various dipping sauces.

Try pairing them with warm honey, chocolate sauce, caramel, or even a sweet fruit compote for a fun twist.

If you prefer something lighter, a dusting of powdered sugar is always a great option.