There’s something truly special about biting into a warm, fluffy donut that’s just been glazed. The sweet coating glimmers in the light, inviting you in for just one more bite. It’s a symphony of textures—the soft, pillowy interior meets the glossy, sweet exterior, creating an indulgently delightful experience. I find myself making these sweet treats whenever I’m looking to create a moment of joy, whether it’s a weekend brunch, a cozy gathering with friends, or just a little pick-me-up on a rainy day.
Making these homemade glazed donuts comes together surprisingly fast, making it perfect for those moments when you want to impress but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. They are incredibly versatile too—serve them warm with coffee for breakfast, or offer them at your next gathering as a sweet treat that everyone will adore. And rest assured, if there are any leftovers (a rare occurrence in my house!), they are still delicious the next day—just warm them up slightly, and you’re good to go!
WHY I LOVE HOMEMADE GLAZED DONUTS
Homemade Glazed Donuts are a true winner at my table. They’re incredibly easy to make and undeniably delicious! I love how they hit that sweet spot of being just the right amount of sweet, perfectly complemented by a rich vanilla glaze. With a simple list of ingredients and basic techniques, you can create a bakery-level treat right in your own kitchen, elevating any occasion with their charm and flavor!
HOMEMADE GLAZED DONUTS INGREDIENTS
The magic of this donut recipe truly lies in the harmony of its ingredients. Each one plays a critical role in crafting the perfect treat. Don’t worry about exact measurements just yet; those are all in the recipe card for you!
CORE INGREDIENTS AND THEIR ROLES:
- 3/4 CUP WATER: This combines with other ingredients to form a soft dough.
- 1/4 CUP BREAD FLOUR: Adds a chewier texture that contrasts beautifully with the airy donuts.
- 3 CUPS + 2 TABLESPOONS BREAD FLOUR: The star of the show! It provides the main structure.
- 1/3 CUP GRANULATED SUGAR: Sweetness is key, and this sugar helps give that lovely caramelized flavor.
- 1 TABLESPOON INSTANT YEAST: This little gem works wonders, giving the donuts their fluffy rise.
- 1 1/4 TEASPOON FINE SEA SALT: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 CUP WHOLE MILK (ROOM TEMPERATURE): Ensures the dough is tender and moist.
- 1 LARGE EGG (ROOM TEMPERATURE): Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
- TANGZHONG (FROM RECIPE ABOVE): Don’t underestimate this; it makes the donuts incredibly soft!
- 5 TABLESPOONS UNSALTED BUTTER (ROOM TEMPERATURE): Richness and flavor—who could resist?
- NEUTRAL OIL, FOR FRYING: Creates that perfect crisp on the outside while keeping the inside fluffy.
For the glaze:
- 3 1/2 CUPS POWDERED SUGAR: Total sweetness that creates that glossy finish.
- 1/3 CUP + 1 TABLESPOON HOT WATER: Helps dissolve sugar and creates a pourable glaze.
- 1 TEASPOON VANILLA PASTE OR EXTRACT: Adds aromatic depth to the glaze.
- PINCH OF FINE SEA SALT: Balances the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND TIPS
Need a swap? If you’re in a pinch, here are a few ideas you can consider:
- All-Purpose Flour can replace bread flour, but it might yield a slightly less chewy texture.
- Almond Milk or any milk alternative could be swapped for whole milk, though it won’t be quite as rich.
- For the glaze, you can experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon for a fun twist.
One pro tip: don’t rush the rising times! Letting the dough rise properly is key for those fluffy donuts. Trust me, it’s a game changer.
KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Doughnut cutter (or two round cookie cutters)
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot (for frying)
- Candy thermometer (to monitor oil temperature)
- Baking sheet (for cooling)
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE GLAZED DONUTS
Let’s dive into creating these wonderfully delicious Homemade Glazed Donuts. I’ve broken down the process into simple steps, so follow along, and you’ll have these delights ready in no time! We’re aiming for that perfect golden-brown exterior with a soft, tender interior bathed in a luscious glaze.
Bring the Dough Together
Start by combining the water and both types of flour in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth. This will form the base for your dough and is a great moment to get those arm muscles working!
Activate the Yeast
In another bowl, gently mix the sugar, instant yeast, and fine sea salt into the flour mixture. The yeast needs that sugar to get going, and the salt is essential for balancing flavors. Give it a good stir!
Mix in the Wet Ingredients
Now, toss in the whole milk, egg, and tangzhong. Mix until everything is combined. You want a nice, sticky dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. This step is key for a fluffy donut!
Knead Until Smooth
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth, elastic texture. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle a bit of flour, but not too much! We want that lovely soft dough.
Let It Rise
Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a warm kitchen towel, and let it rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This patience will reward you with fluffy donuts!
Roll and Cut
Once the dough has doubled, punch it down (it’s oddly satisfying, isn’t it?) and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick. Use your donut cutter to cut out those perfect rings. Don’t forget to cut the holes too!
Fry to Perfection
Heat your neutral oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to about 365°F (185°C). Gently drop the donuts into the hot oil, frying them for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Watch them closely; you don’t want to burn them!
Prepare the Glaze
While they’re cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, hot water, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth in a bowl. The consistency should be pourable, yet thick enough to coat the donuts beautifully.
Dip in Sweet Bliss
Now, while the donuts are still slightly warm, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. This part is so satisfying! Set them on a cooling rack over a baking sheet to catch any drips.
HOW TO STORE HOMEMADE GLAZED DONUTS
Leftovers? Believe it or not, these donuts stay delightful even after a day or two! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a zip-lock bag for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to defrost them at room temperature, and warm them slightly in the microwave or oven for that fresh-out-of-the-fryer taste.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Always use ingredients at room temperature for better mixing and rising.
- Don’t overcrowd the frying oil; this can lower the temperature, resulting in oily donuts.
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying (use a thermometer if you have one!).
- Allow donuts to cool slightly before glazing; this prevents the glaze from melting away.
- Use the freshest ingredients possible, as quality counts when it comes to flavor.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve warm with a bold cup of coffee for a delightful breakfast.
- Pair with fresh berries for a vibrant brunch spread.
- Just sprinkle with some cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of flavor.
- Fancy a little twist? Drizzle with chocolate ganache as an alternative glaze.
- For a fun presentation, stack on a beautiful plate and dust with additional powdered sugar.
Homemade Glazed Donuts are truly the epitome of comfort food, and I hope you’ll find as much joy in making and sharing them as I do. Happy baking!
