Save Fluffy, savory donuts with sharp cheddar, spicy jalapeños, and a festive touch are perfect for celebrating with a twist and bringing surprise to any snack spread.
I first made these cheddar jalapeño biscuit donuts for my partner's birthday, and the rainbow sprinkles made everyone smile. Their fluffy texture and spicy bite have made them a must-have for our celebrations ever since.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Baking powder: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Granulated sugar: 2 tbsp
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed: 4 tbsp (60 g)
- Sharp cheddar cheese, grated: 1 cup (120 g)
- Whole milk: 3/4 cup (180 ml)
- Jalapeños, seeded and finely diced: 2 medium
- Rainbow sprinkles (for garnish): 2 tbsp, optional
- Vegetable oil, for frying: As needed
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in Butter:
- Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Cheese & Jalapeños:
- Stir in grated cheddar and diced jalapeños.
- Make Dough:
- Gradually add milk, just until a soft dough forms. Do not overwork.
- Shape Donuts:
- Turn out dough and gently pat to about 3/4-inch (2 cm) thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to cut out donuts and holes. Gather scraps and repeat.
- Heat Oil:
- Heat 2 inches (5 cm) vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Donuts:
- Fry donuts in batches, 1 to 2 minutes per side, until golden and puffed.
- Drain & Decorate:
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined rack. While warm, sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles.
- Serve:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Save Last summer, my cousin helped me fry up batches for our backyard birthday brunch. The donuts were gone in minutes and our family joked about making them a new tradition!
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, pastry blender or fork, donut cutter or round cutters, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, slotted spoon, and paper towels.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (milk, butter, cheese), and possibly traces of soy if using store-bought sprinkles.
Nutritional Information
Each donut has about 210 calories, 12 g fat, 21 g carbohydrates, and 6 g protein.
Save Serve these cheddar jalapeño birthday biscuits warm for the best flavor. The colorful sprinkles add a festive touch your guests will love.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of cheese works best for these donuts?
Sharp cheddar is recommended as it adds robust flavor and melts smoothly into the dough.
- → Can the donuts be baked instead of fried?
Yes, brush the dough with melted butter and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.
- → How spicy are the jalapeños in the donuts?
Seeded jalapeños lend mild heat. For more spice, leave some seeds in or add pepper jack cheese.
- → Are these donuts suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these donut ingredients are vegetarian-friendly and use dairy products for richness.
- → What toppings enhance the festive touch?
Rainbow sprinkles add a colorful, party-ready appearance to the finished donuts.
- → What side dips pair well with these donuts?
A dollop of sour cream or chive dip is perfect for accentuating the savory taste.