Homemade Glazed Donuts Recipe – Soft, Fluffy & Irresistibly Sweet

Glazed Donuts Recipe – Few treats are as universally loved and comforting as a warm, fluffy glazed donut. Whether served with a hot cup of coffee in the morning or as an indulgent afternoon snack, a classic glazed donut hits the spot every time. This Glazed Donuts Recipe brings the magic of your favorite donut shop right into your kitchen—no drive-thru required!

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These donuts are made from a soft, yeast-leavened dough that fries to golden perfection, then dipped in a simple sweet glaze that hardens into that irresistible glossy coating. The result? A light, airy interior with a delicate chew, wrapped in a sugary shell that melts in your mouth. If you’ve never made donuts at home, don’t worry—this recipe guides you step-by-step so you can enjoy fresh, homemade glazed donuts any time.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Active Time: 30 minutes

• Resting Time (Rising & Cooling): 1 hour 45 minutes

• Cuisines: American

• Course: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert

• Servings: 12 donuts

• Calories: 290 per donut

• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowls

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Stand mixer with dough hook (or hands for kneading)

• Rolling pin

• Donut cutter or two round cutters

• Baking sheet

• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap

• Thermometer (for oil)

• Deep skillet or Dutch oven

• Slotted spoon or spider strainer

• Wire cooling rack

• Small mixing bowl (for glaze)

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling)

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 large eggs

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• ¼ cup whole milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
   If the mixture doesn’t foam, the yeast might be inactive. Try again with fresh yeast.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour and salt.

2. Add in the yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

3. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5–8 minutes by hand (or 4–5 minutes with a dough hook) until the dough is smooth and elastic.

4. Form into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Donuts

1. Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer to a floured surface.

2. Roll it out to about ½-inch thickness.

3. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (about 3″ and 1″) to cut out donut shapes.

4. Place donuts and holes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with a towel and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.

Step 4: Heat the Oil & Fry

1. In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.

2. Fry the donuts in batches, 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown.

3. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, then to a wire rack to cool slightly.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

2. Adjust consistency by adding more milk (for thinner) or sugar (for thicker) as needed.

Step 6: Glaze the Donuts

1. While the donuts are still warm but not hot, dip each one into the glaze.

2. Allow excess glaze to drip off, then set on a wire rack so the glaze can set.

3. Let sit for 10–15 minutes before serving (if you can wait that long!).

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	290 kcal
Carbohydrates	37 g
Protein	4 g
Fat	14 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Cholesterol	35 mg
Sodium	160 mg
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	14 g
Calcium	25 mg
Iron	1.3 mg

Tips & Variations

• Don’t skip the resting times: Proper rising is key for airy donuts.

• No donut cutter? Use a drinking glass and a bottle cap.

• Make ahead: Dough can be made the night before and refrigerated after the first rise.

• Flavored glaze options: Add cocoa powder, maple syrup, or citrus zest to change things up.

• Fill them: Skip the center hole and fill with jam or custard after frying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Better than store-bought: Fresher, softer, and no preservatives.

• Customizable: Change the glaze or fillings to suit your mood.

• Satisfying: The process is fun and rewarding.

• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for brunches, holidays, or special breakfasts.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your homemade glazed donuts with:

• Hot coffee or espresso

• A glass of cold milk

• Fresh berries or fruit

• A light dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair

Conclusion

This Glazed Donuts Recipe is your ticket to bakery-quality donuts right from your own kitchen. With a bit of patience and a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have golden, fluffy donuts covered in a dreamy vanilla glaze that will rival anything from a donut shop. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a weekend kitchen warrior, this recipe is approachable, rewarding, and absolutely delicious