Description

These homemade Glazed Donuts are soft, fluffy, and lightly golden with a simple vanilla glaze that dries into a smooth, sweet coating. The yeast-raised dough gives the donuts a tender texture inside while the outside becomes lightly crisp after frying.

This easy glazed donut recipe is perfect for weekend breakfasts, brunches, family gatherings, or a homemade dessert. Serve them fresh with coffee, milk, or hot chocolate for a classic treat that is hard to resist.

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Rest Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Servings: 12 donuts

Difficulty: Easy

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Soft and fluffy inside.
• Lightly golden fried exterior.
• Smooth, sweet vanilla glaze.
• Made with simple baking ingredients.
• Great for breakfast or dessert.
• Perfect with coffee or milk.
• Easy to customize with different toppings.
• Excellent for weekend baking.

How to Make Glazed Donuts

1. Activate the Yeast

Warm the whole milk to about 105–110°F (40–43°C).

Stir in the granulated sugar and active dry yeast.

Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

Add the yeast mixture, egg, softened butter, and vanilla extract.

Mix until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.

Knead for about 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.

Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

5. Cut the Donuts

Roll the dough to about ½-inch thickness.

Cut out donuts using a donut cutter or two round cutters.

Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Cover and let them rest for another 20–30 minutes.

6. Fry the Donuts

Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).

Carefully fry the donuts in batches for about 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.

Transfer them to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain.

7. Make the Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt together until smooth.

Add a little more milk if needed to reach a smooth dipping consistency.

8. Glaze the Donuts

Dip the slightly cooled donuts into the glaze.

Let excess glaze drip off, then place them on a wire rack.

Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Tips for Perfect Glazed Donuts

• Make sure the milk is warm rather than hot when activating the yeast.
• Let the dough rise until it has visibly doubled in size.
• Do not add too much flour or the donuts can become dense.
• Keep the frying oil close to 350°F (175°C).
• Fry donuts in small batches to maintain the oil temperature.
• Allow excess oil to drain before glazing.
• Dip the donuts while they are slightly warm for a smooth glaze.
• Let the glaze set before stacking the donuts.

Delicious Recipe Variations

Chocolate Glazed Donuts

Add 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder to the glaze and replace a little of the milk with melted chocolate.

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Skip the glaze and toss the warm donuts in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.

Strawberry Glazed Donuts

Replace some of the milk in the glaze with strained strawberry puree.

Lemon Glazed Donuts

Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the glaze.

Sprinkled Glazed Donuts

Add colorful sprinkles immediately after dipping the donuts in the glaze.

What to Serve with Glazed Donuts

• Fresh berries
• Strawberries
• Fresh fruit
• Coffee
• Iced coffee
• Hot chocolate
• Black tea
• Cold milk
• Vanilla latte

How to Store Glazed Donuts

Store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For the best texture, keep them in a single layer so the glaze does not become damaged.

If needed, warm them gently for a few seconds before serving.

Can Glazed Donuts Be Frozen?

Yes, but it is best to freeze the donuts before glazing.

Allow the fried donuts to cool completely, then wrap them individually and place them in a freezer-safe container.

Freeze for up to 2 months.

Thaw at room temperature, then prepare fresh glaze and dip the donuts before serving.