Can You Freeze Donuts? (Yes, Here’s How!)

If you’ve ever gotten over excited at Dunkin, you might wonder, “Can you freeze donuts?”

The answer is yes! But there are a few tricks to make sure they thaw properly.

Colorful donuts on a tray. Pink, purple, and mini marshmallow covered donuts

There’s something about donuts that’s just so hypnotizing.

Whenever I see a donut shop, I can’t help but buy at least a dozen. Donut judge me!

There are just so many drool-worthy varieties and donut flavors to choose from, there’s no stopping at one or two.

If that sounds like you, you might want to know if you can freeze donuts. That way, they’ve safely stored away until the next craving.

Ready to find out? Let’s get to it.

How Long Do Donuts Last?

Donuts can last for 2 to 3 months in the freezer. But you have to follow certain steps to make sure you’re storing and defrosting them properly.

All of us know that donuts have a short lifespan.

Since they contain a lot of oil, they’re often prone to bacterial contamination, especially at room temperature.

And as you may have guessed, bacteria will cause the donuts to spoil.

So, if you store them on the counter, they will only last for 1-2 days.

They’ll keep fresh longer in the fridge, about 5 days. Any longer than that and they’ll turn dry and hard.

That’s why I think freezing is the best option to store donuts. If stored properly, donuts can keep well for up to three months!

How to Freeze Donuts

Freezing donuts is an easy process. Here’s the rundown:

  1. Arrange the donuts in a single layer – Place the donuts in a single layer on a metal cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Place them glaze side up and arrange them with a gap between each.
  1. Freeze until solid – Pop the cookie sheet in the freezer and let it sit there for 3 to 5 hours. They need to be solid so they don’t get damaged later on.
  1. Transfer the donuts to another container. Take the donuts out of the freezer and transfer them into a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out any excess air from the bag and seal it.

Label the bag with the current date, that way you’ll know how much time the donuts have left.

Frozen donuts will keep well for up to three months. If you keep them around longer, the donuts will dry out and won’t taste as good.

How to Thaw Donuts

To thaw frozen donuts, just leave them on the counter and let them warm to room temperature.

It will take about 1 to 1 ½ hours to defrost the donuts completely. And be sure to arrange them in a single layer so the glaze doesn’t smush.

Another defrosting method is to place them in the fridge for a few hours. You can also give them a super quick (10 to 15 seconds) in the microwave or oven.

Any longer than that and the donuts will toughen. Make sure the temperature is at the lowest because high heat will dry the donuts out.  

Do not re-freeze defrosted donuts, as they will have already become more prone to bacteria and will probably spoil soon.

Tips & Tricks

  • Freeze donuts the same day you bought them to keep them as fresh as possible.
  • Use resealable freezer-safe bags to store them, that way, you can easily take out however many donuts you want.
  • If you want to protect your donuts further, you can wrap them individually in wax paper, aluminum foil, or plastic wrap before storing them in the freezer bag. Stored this way, you’ll protect them from freezer burn.
  • Frozen and thawed donuts may have possibly lost some of their gorgeous glaze, so sprinkle them with powdered sugar before serving or eating.
  • Don’t place the donuts in the freezer door as this area is the warmest section and is prone to temperature changes. You’ll want to store them all the way at the back of the freezer, that way they get a consistent temperature.

How to Freeze Donuts

Ingredients

  • Donuts

Instructions

  • Line a cookie sheet with parchment or wax paper. Arrange the donuts face-up in a single layer on the lined sheet.
  • Freeze the donuts for 3 to 5 hours, or until frozen solid.
  • Place the donuts in freezer-safer bags. Squeeze out excess air before sealing the bags.
  • Label the bags accordingly and freeze. Frozen donuts will keep well for up to 3 months.
Can You Freeze Donuts?

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