06/03/2026
National Donut Day is almost here! 🍩 This year, on June 5, we’ll celebrate Donut Day across the nation.
Donut Day was created to honor the Salvation Army’s “Donut Lassies,” who served fresh donuts and support to soldiers during World War I.
Feeling inspired? Here’s the original WWI-style donut recipe to try for yourself:
Yield: approximately 12 donuts
Ingredients:
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• pinch of salt
• ⅓ cup milk
• oil for frying
Directions:
Combine all ingredients (except the oil) to make the dough.
Thoroughly knead the dough, roll smooth, and cut into rings less than 1/4 inch thick. (Get creative—Salvation Army Donut Lassies used whatever they could find, from baking powder cans to coffee percolator tubes!)
Drop the rings into hot oil, turning slowly several times until golden brown.
Remove the donuts and allow excess oil to drip off.
Dust with powdered sugar, let cool, and enjoy!
If you give this historic recipe a try, tag us in your post—we’d love to see your creations! 🍩
