HomeBlogBlog15 Tasty Things to Make in a Donut Maker (Sweet & Savory)

15 Tasty Things to Make in a Donut Maker (Sweet & Savory)

What else can I make in a donut maker?

A donut maker is basically a compact countertop griddle with small round molds, which means it can handle far more than classic cake donuts. Anything that bakes quickly, releases cleanly, and benefits from a crisp outside with a tender center is a good candidate—especially batters and soft doughs that don’t need deep rise time.

Unexpected (and genuinely tasty) things to try

Muffin-bite rings: Use blueberry, banana, or chocolate chip muffin batter for mini “muffin donuts.” They come out snackable and freezer-friendly.

Brownie batter donuts: Scoop thicker brownie batter into the wells for chewy chocolate rings. Finish with powdered sugar or a quick glaze.

Pancake donut rings: Pancake batter works great for fast breakfasts. Add cinnamon, mini chips, or a swirl of peanut butter before closing the lid.

Churro-style rings: Use a simple thick batter with cinnamon and sugar. After cooking, brush with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.

Cornbread mini rings: Cornbread batter bakes up with crisp edges—perfect with honey butter or a little jam.

Savory ideas (yes, really)

Pizza-ring bites: Use a thick pizza dough or biscuit dough, add a pinch of mozzarella and pepperoni bits, and cook until browned. Dip in warm marinara.

Cheddar-jalapeño cornbread rings: Stir shredded cheddar and diced jalapeño into cornbread batter for a spicy side.

Egg-and-cheese “omelet” rings: Beat eggs with a little milk, pour carefully, and add chopped ham or spinach. Cook until set for a quick protein snack.

Tips so non-donut recipes work better

Lightly grease the plates even if they’re nonstick, don’t overfill (aim for about 2/3 full), and let items set before opening the lid to avoid tearing. For more guidance on batches, timing, and nonstick-friendly techniques, see the full guide here: mini donut maker quick homemade batches.

FAQ

How do you keep a donut maker from sticking?

Preheat fully, then apply a thin layer of neutral oil or cooking spray before each batch. Avoid overfilling, and let the donuts set for a moment before lifting them out.