There’s something magical about biting into a warm, fluffy donut with a sweet glaze that melts in your mouth. This homemade glazed donut recipe brings that magic straight to your kitchen, offering a delightful treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. Glazed Donuts Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it turns simple ingredients into a scrumptious, bakery-quality treat. The donuts are incredibly soft and airy, with a perfectly golden exterior that rivals any donut shop. Plus, the glaze adds a sweet touch that elevates the flavor without being overwhelming. I can play around with different glazes—like vanilla, maple, or even chocolate—each adding its own spin on the classic donut. Whether I’m making them for a special occasion or just as a weekend treat, these donuts never fail to impress.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

1 cup warm milk (between 90°F to 100°F)
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
4 cups bread flour (spooned and leveled)
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon salt
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Vanilla Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes or until the mixture becomes foamy.
Add the flour, eggs, and salt to the bowl. Mix with the dough hook on low speed for 1 minute until the ingredients are incorporated.
Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Continue mixing at medium speed for 2 minutes until the dough starts pulling away from the sides.
With the mixer on medium speed, add the butter one tablespoon at a time. After all the butter is added, the dough will be sticky.
Continue mixing with the dough hook for another 5 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough to about ½ inch thickness.
Using a donut cutter, cut out the donuts and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them rise for another 30 minutes.
In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, about 1 minute per side, until golden brown.
Remove the donuts from the oil and drain on paper towels.
For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
Dip each donut into the glaze, coating the top, and place them on a wire rack to set.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes approximately 16 donuts
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes

Variations

Maple Glaze: Substitute maple syrup for the milk in the glaze for a rich, autumnal flavor.
Chocolate Glaze: Melt 4 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate with 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of milk. Dip the donuts into this mixture for a decadent treat.
Filled Donuts: After frying, inject the donuts with raspberry or custard filling using a pastry bag.
Baked Donuts: For a lighter version, bake the donuts at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, then glaze as usual.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to restore their softness. Note that the glaze may soften upon reheating.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but bread flour yields a softer, chewier texture.

How can I tell if the oil is at the right temperature?

Drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, after the first rise, punch down the dough, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and frying.

Can I freeze the donuts?

Yes, freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container. To serve, thaw and glaze as desired.

What can I use if I don’t have a donut cutter?

Use a large round cookie cutter for the outer ring and a smaller one for the center hole. Alternatively, a drinking glass and a bottle cap can work as makeshift cutters.

Conclusion

This glazed donut recipe brings the joy of bakery-quality donuts into the comfort of your home. With a soft, fluffy texture and a sweet glaze, these donuts are perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with a morning coffee or as a sweet snack, they’re sure to delight. Feel free to experiment with different glazes and fillings to make them your own.