Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe

Irresistible Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe for Sweet Mornings

Every baker dreams of crafting perfect homemade glazed doughnuts that melt in your mouth with sugary bliss.

Soft, pillowy circles of fried dough beckon from bakery windows and kitchen counters.

Crisp exteriors give way to tender, light interiors that whisper sweet promises of indulgence.

Magical moments happen when flour, yeast, and love combine into golden rings of pure comfort.

Creating these delectable treats requires patience and a dash of culinary passion.

Warm, freshly glazed doughnuts emerge from your kitchen like edible treasures waiting to be savored.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and transform simple ingredients into a delightful breakfast or dessert that will make everyone smile.

Why Glazed Doughnuts Are Always Worth the Work

  • Create Bakery-Style Treats at Home: Master the art of crafting professional-grade doughnuts right in your kitchen without needing specialized skills.
  • Customize Your Comfort Dessert: Personalize the glaze with different flavors like chocolate, maple, or add colorful sprinkles to make each doughnut uniquely yours.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Family Dessert: Perfect for weekend breakfast, after-school snacks, or gathering everyone together with a delicious homemade treat that sparks joy and conversation.
  • Skill-Building Baking Adventure: Learn fundamental baking techniques like working with yeast, kneading dough, and creating smooth glazes while enjoying a delectable reward at the end.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Glazed Doughnuts

For the Dough Base:
  • Warm Milk: Creates the perfect environment for yeast activation.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps yeast fermentation.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Enables the dough to rise and develop a light, airy texture.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structural foundation of the doughnuts.
  • Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
For the Enriching Ingredients:
  • Melted Butter: Contributes a smooth, rich flavor and tender texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor to the dough.
For the Frying and Coating:
  • Vegetable Oil, Canola Oil: Creates the crisp, golden exterior when frying.
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Combines to make a smooth, sweet glaze that coats the doughnuts.

How to Fry and Glaze Your Doughnuts Right

Step 1: Activate Yeast Mixture

Blend warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a spacious mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to sit and become wonderfully frothy, watching bubbles develop for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Build Soft Dough

Crack an egg into the yeast mixture and add:
  • Melted butter
  • Vanilla extract

Gradually incorporate flour, stirring until a tender, pillowy dough forms.

Step 3: Knead and Rise Dough

Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface.

Knead thoroughly until the texture becomes silky and smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for approximately one hour.

Step 4: Shape Doughnuts

Roll out the risen dough to half-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter to create circular shapes with perfect centers.

Step 5: Prepare Frying Station

Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot until it reaches 375°F. Maintain a consistent temperature for even cooking.

Step 6: Fry Doughnuts

Carefully lower doughnuts into hot oil, cooking in small batches. Fry until they turn a gorgeous golden brown color.

Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.

Step 7: Create Glossy Glaze

Whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture becomes wonderfully smooth and shiny.

Step 8: Finish with Glaze

Dip each warm doughnut into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place on a wire rack to set and allow glaze to harden slightly.

Tips for Making Soft Glazed Doughnuts at Home

  • Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to activate yeast without killing it, creating a soft, fluffy doughnut texture.
  • Add flour gradually to prevent a tough dough, watching for a soft, slightly sticky texture that's easy to handle.
  • Use a thermometer to keep oil at 375F, preventing doughnuts from absorbing excess oil or burning.
  • Let doughnuts cool slightly before glazing to help the coating stick smoothly and set quickly.
  • Enjoy doughnuts within 1-2 days, storing in an airtight container at room temperature for best taste and texture.

Ways to Customize Homemade Glazed Doughnut Flavor

  • Chocolate Chip Crunch: Fold mini chocolate chips into the dough before rising and sprinkle crushed nuts on top of the glaze for extra texture.
  • Cinnamon Swirl: Spread a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon inside the rolled dough before cutting, creating a warm, spiced interior.
  • Berry Bliss: Pipe a raspberry or strawberry jam filling into the center of each doughnut after frying, then drizzle with a matching fruit-infused glaze.
  • Maple Bacon Dream: Top the glazed doughnuts with crispy, crumbled bacon bits and finish with a drizzle of pure maple syrup for a sweet and savory combination.

What to Serve With Homemade Glazed Doughnuts

  • Pair with Creamy Coffee Delight: Rich, velvety espresso or cappuccino perfectly complements the sweet, sugary glaze of homemade doughnuts. The coffee's bold flavor cuts through the pastry's richness, creating a harmonious breakfast experience.
  • Enhance with Fresh Berry Burst: Serve alongside a vibrant mixed berry smoothie or fresh strawberry compote. The tart, bright fruit notes beautifully balance the doughnuts' sweetness and add a refreshing contrast to the rich, fried treat.
  • Match with Spiced Chai Magic: Warm, aromatic chai tea brings out the vanilla undertones in the doughnuts. The complex blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger creates a delightful flavor symphony that elevates the simple doughnut to a gourmet experience.

How to Store Glazed Doughnuts and Keep Them Soft

Seal glazed doughnuts in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, maintaining best texture and flavor.

Wrap individual doughnuts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Store frozen for 2-3 weeks, preserving their delightful taste and soft texture.

Store unglazed doughnuts at room temperature in a sealed container for 1-2 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Warm refrigerated or frozen doughnuts in a preheated oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes, restoring their fresh-baked warmth and slight crispness.

FAQs

  • How do I know if my yeast is active?

Mix yeast with warm milk (around 110°F) and wait 5 minutes. If it becomes foamy and bubbly, your yeast is alive and ready to use.

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

Yes, all-purpose flour works fine. Bread flour has slightly more protein, which makes doughnuts a bit chewier, but both will produce delicious results.

  • What's the best way to handle sticky dough?

Dust your hands and work surface with flour. Avoid adding too much extra flour, which can make doughnuts tough. Use a light touch when kneading.

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Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe

Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe


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4.9 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Crispy, golden Homemade Glazed Doughnuts promise a delightful journey through sweet, pillowy perfection. Warm from the fryer and kissed with sugary glaze, these treats will transport you to pastry paradise with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups (270 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk, warmed
  • 2 teaspoons (8 grams) active dry yeast
  • 1 egg, beaten

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

Frying and Coating Ingredients:

  • Oil for frying
  • 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
  • 34 tablespoons (4560 milliliters) milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast by dissolving it in warm, slightly tepid milk mixed with granulated sugar. Allow the mixture to develop a frothy appearance for approximately 5 minutes.
  2. Incorporate beaten egg, melted butter, and aromatic vanilla extract into the yeast mixture. Gradually fold in flour, creating a supple, elastic dough.
  3. Transfer the dough onto a lightly dusted work surface. Knead methodically until achieving a smooth, uniform texture. Nestle the dough into a generously greased container, drape with a clean kitchen towel, and permit rising in a draft-free zone for roughly 60 minutes.
  4. Using a rolling pin, gently flatten the dough to a half-inch thickness. Utilize a specialized doughnut cutter or circular cutters to craft precise doughnut shapes.
  5. Prepare for frying by heating vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed vessel to precisely 375°F. Maintain a consistent temperature throughout cooking.
  6. Carefully lower doughnuts into the sizzling oil, cooking in small batches. Rotate once to ensure even, golden-brown coloration. Transfer to absorbent paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
  7. Craft a silky glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until achieving a luxurious, smooth consistency.
  8. Delicately immerse each freshly fried doughnut into the glossy glaze, allowing excess to drip away. Position on a wire cooling rack to set and solidify the coating.

Notes

  • Check yeast freshness by ensuring it creates a foamy surface, which indicates active fermentation and guarantees soft, fluffy doughnuts.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to help dough rise evenly and create consistent texture throughout the doughnuts.
  • Allow dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area like inside a turned-off oven to promote optimal yeast development and prevent drying out.
  • Maintain consistent oil temperature between 365-375F to prevent greasy or undercooked doughnuts, using a digital thermometer for precision.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 275 kcal
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Sodium: 110 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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