Glazed Donuts are the ultimate treat. They are the perfect combination of fluffy dough, golden crispiness, and a glossy, sweet glaze. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast, a weekend baking project, or simply to satisfy your donut cravings, these homemade delights are well worth the effort.
With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy fresh, warm donuts that taste better than anything from a bakery.
Why Yeast is Key to Perfect Donuts
The use of yeast is what gives these donuts their signature light and airy texture. Unlike quick bread or cake-style donuts, yeast donuts rise twice, allowing the dough to develop its characteristic softness and elasticity. This process also creates the little air pockets that make every bite so satisfying. If you’re looking for that classic, fluffy texture, yeast is an absolute must.
Tips for Perfect Glazed Donuts
Homemade donuts might seem intimidating, but with these tips, you’ll nail them every time. From working with the dough to frying safely, a few small details make a big difference:
- Measure Your Ingredients Precisely: For the dough to rise properly, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately, especially the yeast and flour.
- Watch the Yeast: The yeast mixture should foam and bubble after a few minutes. If it doesn’t, your yeast may be inactive or the water too hot or cold.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the frying oil steady at 350°F. This ensures the donuts cook evenly and absorb minimal oil.
- Work Quickly with Warm Donuts: Dip the donuts in the glaze while they’re still warm for the best coverage and flavor.
Make It Your Own
Glazed Donuts are a classic, but you can easily put your own twist on them. Here are a few ideas to customize your batch:
- Flavored Glaze: Add cocoa powder, maple extract, or even fruit juice to the glaze for a unique flavor.
- Toppings: Sprinkle the donuts with crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or colorful sprinkles for added texture and visual appeal.
- Filled Donuts: Skip the center hole and fill the donuts with jam, custard, or cream using a piping bag after frying.
- Shape Them Differently: Cut the dough into fun shapes like hearts or stars for holidays or special occasions.
What to Serve with Glazed Donuts
These donuts shine on their own, but pairing them with complementary drinks or sides can enhance your experience. Consider these options:
- Coffee or Latte: The bitterness of coffee perfectly balances the sweetness of the glaze.
- Hot Chocolate: A rich, creamy mug of hot chocolate pairs beautifully with warm donuts.
- Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad offers a fresh contrast to the richness of the donuts.
- Milkshake: A vanilla or chocolate milkshake turns these donuts into an extra-decadent dessert.
If you love donuts, be sure to check out these fluffy pink donuts!
Storing and Reheating Donuts
Fresh donuts are best enjoyed the same day, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back their warmth and softness. Avoid refrigerating them, as it can dry out the dough.
A Treat Worth Every Bite
There’s nothing quite like biting into a freshly made Glazed Donut. The soft, airy dough and sweet glaze come together in a way that feels indulgent yet comforting. Whether you’re enjoying them warm out of the fryer or sharing them with family and friends, these homemade donuts are guaranteed to be a hit.
Glazed Donuts
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk divided
- ½ cup plus 3 tablespoons granulated sugar divided
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 2 packages active dry yeast 0.25 ounces each, 0.5 ounce total
- 2 eggs at room temperature
- 9 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for kneading
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Heat 1 ½ cups of milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup granulated sugar, salt, and butter until melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, mix warm water with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and the yeast packets. Stir and let sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine the yeast mixture and the cooled milk mixture. Add the eggs and mix until smooth using an electric mixer or the paddle attachment of a stand mixer.
- Gradually add 1 cup of flour at a time, mixing with the dough hook or by hand as the dough becomes thicker. Continue until all the flour is incorporated.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding small amounts of flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough, cover it again, and let it rise a second time for 60 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and ½ cup of milk until smooth. Set aside.
- Roll out the risen dough on a clean, floured surface to about 1-inch thickness. Cut out donut shapes using a donut cutter or two differently sized round cutters for the centers.
- Arrange the cut donuts on cookie sheets and let them rest while preparing the frying oil.
- Fill a large pot, Dutch oven, or deep fryer with at least 2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat the oil to 350°F, using a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature.
- Carefully lower one or two donuts into the hot oil at a time, frying for about 1 minute per side until golden brown. Remove and place on a cooling rack over a baking sheet.
- Dip warm donuts into the prepared glaze, ensuring even coverage, and return them to the cooling rack to set.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.