🍩 Portuguese Donuts Recipe (Filhós / Malasadas)
Enjoy the fluffy and golden Portuguese Donuts, known as Filhós or Malasadas, deep-fried to perfection and coated with cinnamon sugar — a beloved treat during holidays and festivals in Portugal!
🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
⏲️ Resting Time: 1 hour
🔥 Cook Time: 15 minutes
🍴 Servings: 10–12 donuts
🧂 Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Cinnamon sugar for coating
👩🍳 Instructions:
-
Activate Yeast:
In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. -
Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, lemon zest, and melted butter. Add eggs and the yeast mixture.
Mix until a sticky dough forms. -
Knead and Rise:
Knead on a floured surface for 5–6 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. -
Shape Donuts:
Punch down the dough, roll it out to about ½ inch thick, and cut into circles (use a donut cutter or a cup). -
Fry:
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry 2–3 donuts at a time for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown. -
Coat:
Remove and drain on paper towels. Roll immediately in cinnamon sugar for that classic Portuguese flavor.
🍋 Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with coffee or espresso for a classic Portuguese breakfast.
- For a festive twist, drizzle with honey or Portuguese caramel sauce.
- Pair with Pastel de Nata for a full Portuguese dessert spread.
❄️ Storage Tips:
- Store leftover donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
- Avoid refrigerating — it can make the donuts dense.
❓ FAQs
Q1: What is the difference between Filhós and Malasadas?
A: Filhós are typically made during Christmas in Portugal, while Malasadas are popular in Madeira and the Azores — both are Portuguese-style donuts, but malasadas are slightly denser and rounder.
Q2: Can I bake instead of fry?
A: Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, though the texture will be less crispy.
Q3: Can I fill these donuts?
A: Absolutely! Fill with custard, jam, or chocolate cream using a piping bag.
Q4: Are Portuguese donuts similar to American donuts?
A: They’re similar but lighter, less sweet, and often flavored with lemon zest or orange for a Mediterranean touch.
🍰 Similar Recipes You’ll Love:
- Portuguese Custard Tarts (Pastel de Nata)
- Portuguese Almond Cake (Bolo de Amêndoa)
- Portuguese Sweet Bread (Pão Doce)
- Portuguese Rice Pudding (Arroz Doce)
- Portuguese Honey Cookies (Broas de Mel)

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