Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of biting into pillowy, soft doughnuts coated in a shiny, sweet glaze made right from your own kitchen, then this Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe is going to be your new obsession. These doughnuts taste every bit as spectacular as those from your favorite bakery, with a tender crumb, just the right amount of sweetness, and a glaze that perfectly balances richness and lightness. Even though it takes a little time, the process is straightforward, and the reward is a batch of warm, irresistible doughnuts that everyone will rave about. So, roll up your sleeves and indulge in this heartfelt, joy-filled recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s amazing about this recipe is how simple and essential each ingredient is to the final product. From the richness of whole milk to the sweet kiss of sugar, each component plays a key role in creating that soft doughnut texture and luscious glaze.

• Whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C): The warmth activates the yeast gently and helps keep the dough tender and moist.
• Instant or active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The magic agent that makes your doughnuts rise beautifully and become airy inside.
• Granulated sugar (1/3 cup, divided): Adds sweetness and also feeds the yeast in the dough for a perfect rise.
• Large eggs (2): Provide structure and richness, making the dough soft but sturdy.
• Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons, melted and cooled): Adds deep flavor and a tender crumb to the dough.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a lovely aromatic sweetness that complements the glaze perfectly.
• Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Just a hint gives warmth without overwhelming the doughnuts.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• All-purpose flour (4 cups, plus more as needed): The foundation of your dough, it dictates the texture and structure.
• Vegetable oil (1–2 quarts): For frying – a neutral oil with a high smoke point ensures crisp, golden doughnuts without heavy flavors.

Donut Glaze Ingredients

• Confectioners’ sugar (2 cups, sifted): For that smooth, glossy coating that feels like a sweet hug.
• Heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk (1/3 cup): Balances the glaze’s sweetness with richness and fluidity.
• Pure vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds extra depth to the glaze’s flavor.

How to Make Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by whisking warm milk, yeast, and a bit of sugar together. The warmth wakes up the yeast, causing it to foam and become beautifully frothy—a sure sign your doughnuts will rise perfectly. Whether you use a stand mixer or mix by hand, combining the rest of your wet ingredients with half the flour sets the stage for soft, stretchy dough. Beat until the dough just begins to pull away from the bowl, then add the rest of the flour carefully. The goal is a supple dough that’s a bit sticky but manageable—this balance is key for tender doughnuts.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

The kneading process develops gluten, giving your dough that elastic texture so the doughnuts puff up tenderly without being dense. Use your mixer’s dough hook or your hands on a lightly floured surface, kneading about 5-7 minutes. If sticky, dust a little flour, but don’t go overboard—you want a soft dough that bounces back when poked. The windowpane test is a baker’s secret to check if the dough’s ready: stretch a small piece thinly and see if light shines through without tearing. If it does, your dough is perfect!

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Lightly oil a bowl and nestle your dough inside, rolling it gently so all sides get coated. Cover it and place in a warm spot, allowing 1.5 to 2 hours for it to double in size. This patient step is where the magic happens as the yeast creates those airy pockets inside your doughnuts.

Step 4: Shape the Doughnuts

Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release excess air. Roll it out on a floured surface to about half an inch thick, then cut out doughnuts using a 3 to 3.5-inch cutter. Don’t forget to save and reroll the scraps for more delicious bites. Place the cut doughnuts on parchment-lined baking sheets, cover loosely, and let them rest for 30 minutes to puff up again just before frying.

Step 5: Fry the Doughnuts

Heat your oil to a steady 375°F (191°C) and fry the doughnuts in small batches, about a minute on each side until they bloom into golden, crisp clouds. Carefully remove with a slotted spatula and place on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain and cool slightly. The heat at this stage is critical—too hot and the doughnuts burn outside but stay raw inside; too cool and they soak up too much oil.

Step 6: Make and Apply the Glaze

Whisk confectioners’ sugar, cream (or milk), and vanilla until smooth and glossy. While the doughnuts are still warm, dunk them into the glaze, flipping to coat both sides evenly. Set them back on the rack to let the excess glaze drip and harden slightly, creating that signature shiny finish everyone loves.

How to Serve Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe

Garnishes

While these doughnuts are heavenly on their own, you can dress them up with a sprinkle of colorful nonpareils, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a light drizzle of melted chocolate. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a scattering of chopped nuts add texture and pop that make these doughnuts even more special for sharing.

Side Dishes

Pair your homemade glazed doughnuts with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte for the ultimate breakfast or snack treat. They also go well with fresh fruit salad, yogurt, or even a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness and make the experience feel like a cozy café morning at home.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your doughnuts on a wooden board with little bowls of toppings such as sprinkles, crushed nuts, or cinnamon sugar so guests can customize their own. You can stack minis or holes in pretty jars or baskets lined with parchment paper for a delightful party display. The Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe lends itself beautifully to being the star of any brunch, breakfast, or dessert table with endless presentation possibilities.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover doughnuts stay best at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. You can pop them in the fridge if your kitchen is warm, but bring them back to room temperature before enjoying so they regain their tender texture and the glaze isn’t too firm.

Freezing

You can freeze the shaped doughnuts before frying for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature for several hours before frying. Alternatively, freeze fully cooked and cooled doughnuts (without glaze) in airtight bags. Thaw as needed and reheat before glazing to enjoy fresh-tasting doughnuts whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To bring your doughnuts back to life, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds or warm them briefly in a low oven. This step softens the dough and slightly melts the glaze to revive that fresh-out-of-the-fryer indulgence. It’s a quick rescue for any leftover doughnuts heading toward more than a day old!

FAQs

Can I use milk alternatives for this Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe?

Whole milk is recommended for its richness, which gives doughnuts their tender crumb and deep flavor. You can try buttermilk for a slight tang and softness, but lower-fat or non-dairy milks may result in less tender and less flavorful doughnuts.

Do I have to use a doughnut cutter for shaping?

Not necessarily! If you don’t have a doughnut cutter, using two different size round cookie cutters works perfectly. Just cut a large circle for the outer shape and a smaller one for the hole in the middle—it’s a simple substitution that works well.

How long should I let the dough rise?

The dough should rise until it doubles in size, usually about 1.5 to 2 hours in a warm environment. You can refrigerate the dough overnight to develop flavor more slowly, then bring it to room temperature and let it rise before shaping.

Is it possible to bake instead of fry the doughnuts?

While frying creates the signature crisp exterior and tender interior, you can bake doughnuts as a lighter alternative. There are specific recipes for baked doughnuts because the texture and dough composition need to differ. For this recipe, frying is the best way to get that classic doughnut experience.

Can I add different flavors to the glaze?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in a little lemon zest, a splash of coffee, or a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze for a unique twist. The base glaze is wonderfully versatile and easy to customize to your taste.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite as satisfying as pulling warm, freshly glazed doughnuts from your own kitchen, and this Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe makes it wonderfully approachable. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you’re just steps away from a batch of doughnuts that taste like a special treat you bought from a gorgeous bakery but with love baked in. Give them a try, share with friends and family, and watch how these sweet little rounds bring joy to every bite and every smile!

Print