Is Freezing Donuts Possible? Absolutely — And Here's Why It's a Great Idea

Donuts are universally adored. Whether it’s the irresistible allure of Krispy Kreme or the seasonal treats from your favorite bakery, it’s easy to overindulge. Maybe you finally tackled that homemade donut recipe you bookmarked forever ago?

Now you have enough donuts to stock your own stand at the local farmer’s market, not just to satisfy your family’s cravings. Don’t stress — just make some room in your freezer and save those extra donuts for later.

Can You Still Enjoy Donuts After Freezing Them?

Frozen donuts can still be a delicious treat. Plain donuts freeze the best, but even glazed, frosted, or filled varieties can be stored — just expect some changes. The glaze might crack, frosting could shift, and the jam might become a bit runny, but they’re still totally tasty.

Donuts You Should Avoid Freezing

Donuts filled with cream or custard don't freeze well because the filling tends to make the dough soggy. It's best to enjoy those fresh.

Steer clear of powdered sugar donuts when freezing. The moisture in both the donut and the freezer’s humidity can cause undesirable results. Those that do freeze well will remain fresh for up to 2-3 months.

The Best Way to Freeze Donuts

Freezing donuts usually happens on a whim — whether you overdid it at the donut shop or a new recipe resulted in more donuts than you planned for. If you can plan ahead, stick to plain donuts and add your own toppings or fillings after freezing with homemade glazes and creams for the freshest taste.

Start by selecting a large freezer bag (1 to 2 gallon size) and two pieces of wax paper, slightly smaller than the bag to ensure they fit easily.

Place one sheet of wax paper in the bag, then arrange the donuts in a single layer on top. Add another sheet of wax paper on top of the donuts. Push out as much air as you can without squishing them, then seal the bag nearly all the way.

Next, insert a straw into the small opening and gently suck out the remaining air. (Extra points if you’ve got that vacuum sealer from the infomercial!)

Additional Freezing Tips

• If your donuts are homemade, the best way to freeze them is unfilled and unglazed, after allowing them to come down to room temperature. Freeze filings like buttercream in their own bags and seal them.
• For frosted donuts, pop them in the freezer on a cookie sheet in a single layer to freeze initially, then place them in a resealable bag. That way, the frosting won't adhere to the bag instead of your tongue.
  
• Freezing the dough before it's cooked will allow you to have that fresh donut experience every time. For yeast dough, allow the first rise to occur, then cut the dough into donut shapes and freeze in a single layer for a few hours. Once they're solid, wrap each ring tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Get the full recipe here: Sour Cream Donuts

How to Defrost Donuts

A good rule of thumb is to microwave your donuts on 50% power for 10 seconds. Since donuts can vary in size and texture, try increasing in 7-second intervals, being careful not to overheat them.

If you froze homemade dough before it had risen, simply unwrap it and let it sit out to rise again. Once it’s ready, fry in hot oil, bake, or even pop it into an air fryer for a crispy finish.

What to Do With Stale Donuts

Put your microwave to work and bring your favorite glazed donut back to life. Just 15 seconds should do the trick to soften it up. It may not taste like it’s straight from the bakery, but it’s much better than tossing it out.