Glazed Donuts Recipe
There’s something special about biting into a fresh, warm glazed donut. The soft, fluffy texture combined with a sweet, sugary glaze makes for a delightful treat any time of the day. Making these donuts at home can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to enjoy delicious, homemade goodness straight from your kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
Making glazed donuts from scratch is not only fun, but it also allows you to customize them to your taste. Instead of store-bought options, you can enjoy fresh, warm donuts that are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Plus, it’s an excellent activity for families or anyone who loves to bake. And best of all, the smell of freshly fried donuts will make your home feel warm and inviting!
How to Make Glazed Donuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (whole milk preferred, 90°F to 100°F)
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast or active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups bread flour (spooned and leveled; all-purpose flour can be used instead)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- Vegetable oil (enough to fry the donuts, about 2 quarts)
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 6 tablespoons whole milk
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes or until it becomes foamy. If the mixture doesn’t foam, start over with fresh yeast.
Add the flour, eggs, and salt to the mixture and mix with a dough hook on low speed for one minute until the ingredients are incorporated.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl and increase the speed to medium for 2 minutes. The dough should start pulling away from the sides of the bowl.
Add the butter, one tablespoon at a time, and continue mixing until smooth and elastic. If the dough is still sticky, continue mixing until it feels soft and dry to the touch.
Lightly grease a large bowl, transfer the dough, and cover with greased plastic wrap. Let the dough rest in a warm place for 60 to 90 minutes or until it doubles in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough out to a thickness of about ⅜ inch.
Use a donut cutter (or a 3-inch round cutter and a ½ round cutter for the center hole) to cut out the donuts. Gather any scraps and re-roll them. You should have about 16 donuts and 16 donut holes.
Place the donuts on parchment-lined baking sheets, ensuring they have space to rise. Cover loosely with greased plastic wrap and let them rest for about 30 minutes.
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth. Set aside for glazing.
Pour the vegetable oil into a large pot or Dutch oven and heat to 330°F to 350°F. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature.
Carefully place the donuts in the hot oil, frying 3 to 4 at a time. Fry for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
Use a spider strainer to lift the donuts out of the oil and place them on a metal cooling rack.
Once all donuts are fried, dunk them into the glaze on both sides and return them to the cooling rack. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Glazed Donuts
Glazed donuts are delicious on their own but can also be served with a cup of coffee or milk. You can arrange them on a platter or stack them up for a fun presentation. They make a great addition to breakfast or a sweet treat for afternoon tea.
How to Store Glazed Donuts
Store your glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days for maximum freshness. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them without the glaze. Just thaw and glaze them before serving.
Tips to Make Glazed Donuts
- Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
- Don’t skip the resting times; they are crucial for fluffy donuts.
- If the dough feels too sticky, dust it with a little more flour when rolling.
- Use a thermometer to get the oil temperature right for frying.
Variation
You can customize your glazed donuts by adding different flavors or toppings. Try adding chocolate glaze, sprinkles, or even filling them with jelly or cream for a special treat!
FAQs
1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but bread flour gives a better texture and chewiness to the donuts.
2. How long do these donuts last?
Glazed donuts are best eaten fresh, but they can last for 1 to 2 days at room temperature. For a longer shelf life, consider freezing them.
3. Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?
While frying gives the traditional texture, you can bake the donuts at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes as an alternative. They won’t be as rich, but they’ll still be delicious!
Enjoy making your glazed donuts and sharing them with friends and family!
