Introduction
Lightly crisp on the outside, irresistibly soft on the inside, and coated in a shiny, sweet finish, Glazed Doughnuts deliver pure bakery magic in every bite. The aroma of warm yeast and vanilla drifting through your kitchen makes them impossible to resist. These classic treats stand out because of their pillowy texture and delicate sugar glaze that melts on your tongue. Whether you crave a weekend baking project or a nostalgic comfort treat, this recipe brings donut shop flavor home. You’ll learn…
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade Glazed Doughnuts offer a flavor and texture that store-bought versions rarely match. When you fry them fresh, the exterior turns lightly golden and crisp while the interior stays airy and tender. That contrast creates the perfect bite every time.
This recipe focuses on balance. The dough develops a subtle sweetness with rich buttery notes, while the glaze adds a delicate sugary shell that crackles slightly before dissolving. You control the freshness, thickness of the glaze, and level of sweetness.
You also don’t need complicated equipment. A sturdy pot, thermometer, and rolling pin handle the job. The step-by-step method ensures consistent results, even if you’ve never worked with yeast before. Once you master these Glazed Doughnuts, you can adapt them into chocolate glazed doughnuts or homemade yeast doughnuts with ease.
Ingredients
For the dough:
-
3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
-
2 ¼ tsp (7 g) active dry yeast
-
¾ cup (180 ml) warm whole milk (110°F/43°C)
-
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
-
2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter, melted
-
2 large eggs (room temperature)
-
½ tsp salt
-
½ tsp vanilla extract
-
4 cups (950 ml) vegetable oil for frying
For the glaze:
-
2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
-
¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk
-
½ tsp vanilla extract
Use fresh yeast and room-temperature eggs for the best rise and structure.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
First, control the oil temperature carefully. Keep it between 350°F and 360°F (175°C–182°C). If the oil runs too hot, the outside browns before the center cooks. If it runs too cool, the dough absorbs excess oil and turns greasy.
Second, avoid overworking the dough. Knead just until smooth and elastic. Over-kneading creates dense donuts instead of soft, airy centers. The dough should feel slightly tacky but not sticky.
Third, glaze while warm. Dip each donut while it still holds gentle heat. The glaze sets into a thin, shiny coating that defines classic Glazed Doughnuts. Let them rest on a wire rack so excess glaze drips away cleanly.
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Combine warm milk and sugar in a large bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the surface and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures strong fermentation and light texture.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add melted butter, eggs, salt, and vanilla to the yeast mixture. Stir gently. Gradually incorporate flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. The dough should feel airy and slightly springy when pressed.
Step 4: Shape the Doughnuts
Roll the dough to ½-inch thickness. Cut using a 3-inch round cutter and a smaller cutter for the centers. Place them on parchment paper squares. Cover loosely and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry 2–3 donuts at a time for about 1 minute per side until golden brown. Flip gently to avoid splashing. Transfer to a rack lined with paper towels.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust thickness if needed. Dip each warm donut into the glaze, turning to coat fully.
Step 7: Let Them Set
Place glazed donuts on a wire rack. Allow the glaze to set for 10–15 minutes. Serve fresh for the ultimate bakery-style experience.
Variations
Chocolate glazed doughnuts offer a rich twist. Replace ¼ cup of powdered sugar with cocoa powder and add 1–2 teaspoons extra milk for smoothness.
For maple glazed donuts, swap vanilla for ½ teaspoon maple extract and use pure maple syrup in place of half the milk. This version pairs beautifully with coffee.
If you prefer baked glazed doughnuts, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes instead of frying. While the texture differs slightly from fried homemade yeast doughnuts, you’ll still enjoy a soft interior and sweet coating.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Enjoy Glazed Doughnuts the same day for peak freshness. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigeration, as it can dry them out.
To refresh, warm briefly in the microwave for 8–10 seconds. The glaze will soften slightly and restore that fresh-made texture.
Serve with hot coffee, cold milk, or a creamy latte. Arrange them on a tiered platter for brunch gatherings or weekend breakfasts. You can also stack them and drizzle extra glaze for a bakery-style display.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Refrigerate after the first rise overnight. Let it return to room temperature before shaping.
Why are my donuts dense?
You may have added too much flour or under-proofed the dough. Measure carefully and allow full rise time.
Can I reuse frying oil?
Yes. Strain and store in a sealed container. Use it within one week for best quality.
How do I know the oil is ready?
Use a thermometer. If unavailable, drop a small piece of dough in the oil. It should sizzle and rise quickly.
Can I freeze them?
Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze after warming for best results.
Conclusion
This Glazed Doughnuts is comfort food at its finest — soft, golden, and coated in a glossy vanilla glaze that melts delicately with every bite. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary morning into a special occasion and fills your kitchen with the nostalgic scent of a classic bakery.
Print
Glazed Doughnuts
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Description
Fresh, fluffy, and coated in a sweet glossy glaze, these homemade glazed doughnuts taste just like your favorite bakery. Make a batch and watch them disappear in minutes.
Ingredients
-
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
-
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
-
3/4 cup warm whole milk
-
1/4 cup granulated sugar
-
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
-
2 large eggs
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
-
4 cups vegetable oil for frying
-
2 cups powdered sugar
-
1/4 cup whole milk
-
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Combine warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle yeast over top and let it foam.
-
Mix in butter, eggs, salt, vanilla, and flour to form a soft dough.
-
Knead until smooth and elastic, then let rise until doubled.
-
Roll out dough, cut into donut shapes, and let rise again.
-
Heat oil to 350°F and fry until golden brown on both sides.
-
Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth.
-
Dip warm donuts in glaze and let set before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American