Name: Glazed Homemade Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm whole milk (90°F to 100°F); 1 tablespoon instant yeast (or active dry yeast); ¼ cup granulated sugar; 4 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour); 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 teaspoon salt; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature); Vegetable oil (about 2 quarts, for frying); 2 ½ cups powdered sugar; 6 tablespoons whole milk; ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 6 reviews

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If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a soft, pillowy treat with a shiny, sweet finish, then this Glazed Homemade Donuts Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Freshly fried and coated in a luscious vanilla glaze, these donuts have that perfect balance of tenderness, sweetness, and just a hint of buttery richness that will make your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, this recipe invites you to create a batch of irresistible donuts that feel like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large piece of light beige dough with a soft, uneven texture rests on a white marbled surface. On the right side, there is a small block of pale yellow butter placed next to the dough. The background shows a faint edge of a clear glass bowl at the top left corner. The scene is simple and clean, focusing on the main dough and butter with natural light highlighting their textures photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Glazed Homemade Donuts Recipe plays a starring role, creating that perfect harmony of flavor and texture. From the richness of the butter to the lightness brought by fresh yeast, each element contributes to the tender crumb and golden color you’ll love.

1 cup warm milk (whole milk preferred, 90°F to 100°F): This adds moisture and richness, helping activate the yeast.
1 tablespoon instant yeast (or active dry yeast): Essential for that fluffy, airy texture.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and fuels the yeast.
4 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour): Gives structure with just the right chewiness.
2 large eggs (room temperature): Adds protein and richness for a tender crumb.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and enhances sweetness.
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature): Brings moisture and buttery goodness.
Vegetable oil (about 2 quarts): For frying—choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
2 ½ cups powdered sugar: For making the signature sweet glaze.
6 tablespoons whole milk: Thins out the glaze to a perfect drizzling consistency.
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic notes to the glaze.

How to Make Glazed Homemade Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Start the Dough

Begin by whisking the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until combined. Let it sit for about five minutes until it becomes foamy on top—this means the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic for your Glazed Homemade Donuts Recipe. If it doesn’t foam, don’t worry; it’s just a sign to start fresh with new yeast.

Step 2: Combine Dough Ingredients

Next, add the bread flour, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Using a dough hook or your hands, mix everything together on low speed for a minute until it’s incorporated. Then turn the mixer to medium for two minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides, showing it’s coming together nicely. This initial mixing sets the foundation for your soft and fluffy donuts.

Step 3: Add Butter and Knead the Dough

Scrape down the bowl and gradually add the softened butter one tablespoon at a time with the mixer still running. The dough will become sticky and wet, but keep going! Continue mixing for about five more minutes until the dough feels smooth, elastic, and just slightly tacky. It’s okay to finish kneading by hand on a lightly floured surface if you don’t have a stand mixer. This ensures your donuts will have that tender yet sturdy bite.

Step 4: First Rise

Transfer your dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover it with greased plastic wrap. Find a warm spot to let it rise until doubled in size, about 60 to 90 minutes. Watching the dough slowly puff up like this is one of those satisfying baking moments that make the Glazed Homemade Donuts Recipe so rewarding.

Step 5: Shape the Donuts

Once risen, punch the dough down to release air bubbles and roll it out on a floured surface to about ⅜-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (3-inch for the donut and ½-inch for the hole) to stamp out your donuts. Don’t forget to gather and re-roll scraps so nothing goes to waste! Place your cut donuts on parchment-lined sheets, leaving space to rise again.

Step 6: Second Rise

Lightly cover the donuts with greased plastic wrap and let them rise until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes. This final puffing is what will give you those light, airy centers that make homemade donuts so heavenly.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

While the donuts are resting, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and pourable. The glaze should be thin enough to coat the donuts with a glossy finish but thick enough to cling—this delicious topping is the signature of your Glazed Homemade Donuts Recipe.

Step 8: Fry the Donuts

Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy pot or dutch oven to between 330°F and 350°F. Carefully place a few donuts at a time into the hot oil, frying them for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Use a spider or slotted spoon to flip and remove them, letting excess oil drain on a cooling rack. Donuts fry best in small batches to maintain the right oil temperature, giving you that perfect crunch outside with a melt-in-your-mouth center.

Step 9: Glaze and Cool

Once your donuts are fried, dunk them in the glaze on both sides and return them to the rack to set for 15 minutes or until the glaze hardens slightly. This is the moment when your newly crafted donuts transform into irresistible treats, ready to enjoy warm and fresh from the kitchen.

How to Serve Glazed Homemade Donuts Recipe

A stack of three round glazed donuts is shown close up. Each donut has a shiny light orange glaze that looks smooth with some crystalline sugar bits on top. The donuts have a soft, fluffy texture and a light golden-brown color under the glaze. The stack sits on a white round plate with a small rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The background is bright and softly blurred, creating a clean and fresh feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these donuts are divine on their own, you can elevate them with a dusting of cinnamon, chopped nuts, or colorful sprinkles right after glazing. Fresh berries or a light drizzle of melted chocolate can add an extra splash of indulgence, giving your guests more than one way to fall in love with the flavors.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Glazed Homemade Donuts Recipe with a steaming cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate is pure magic. For brunch, consider serving them alongside fresh fruit and whipped cream for a balanced spread where sweetness and freshness meet perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your donuts in a layered tower on a pretty platter for a festive feel or wrap individual donuts in parchment with twine as delightful gifts. For a playful twist, create donut sandwiches by slicing them and adding cream cheese or flavored jams between the halves—comfort food redefined.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This way, they stay soft and delicious without drying out. Keep them out of the fridge to avoid any unwanted sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze plain donuts before glazing by wrapping each individually in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer bag. When ready, thaw overnight at room temperature and glaze just before serving for that fresh-made taste anytime you crave the Glazed Homemade Donuts Recipe.

Reheating

To bring your donuts back to life, warm them gently in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in an oven set to 350°F for about 5 minutes. Avoid overheating, so the glaze remains glossy and the inside stays soft and inviting.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While bread flour adds extra chewiness and structure, all-purpose flour works well too and will still give you soft, tender donuts.

What happens if the yeast doesn’t foam?

If the yeast fails to foam after mixing with warm milk and sugar, it likely means the yeast is inactive. It’s best to start over with fresh yeast to ensure your donuts rise properly.

Is there a way to make these donuts healthier?

You can try baking the donuts instead of frying for a lighter version, though the classic fry creates that signature crispy exterior and tender inside that make this Glazed Homemade Donuts Recipe so special.

How can I store the glaze if I make it ahead?

Keep the glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Stir gently before using, and if it thickens, add a splash of milk to reach the proper consistency.

Can I add flavors to the glaze?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding citrus zest, cinnamon, or even a splash of coffee or almond extract to the glaze for a fun twist on the classic recipe.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the warm, comforting experience of homemade donuts fresh from the fryer, especially when they’re coated in a shiny vanilla glaze that melts on your tongue. This Glazed Homemade Donuts Recipe is simple enough to try any day but special enough to impress anyone lucky enough to taste them. Give it a go, and prepare to make your kitchen the happiest place in the house!

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