If you have a sweet tooth and love the comforting aroma of fresh doughnuts in your kitchen, then this homemade glazed doughnuts recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. There is something truly magical about sinking your teeth into soft, fluffy doughnut layers coated with a shiny, sugary glaze that melts just a little with each bite. Crafted with simple pantry staples and a little patience, these doughnuts celebrate classic flavors and a beloved texture that will transport you straight to your childhood mornings or weekend coffee treats. The Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe combines a tender, yeast-risen dough with a luscious vanilla glaze that’s both nostalgic and delightfully satisfying. It’s a perfect project for anyone looking to add homemade goodness and a touch of joy to their day.

Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe relies on ingredients you likely already have on hand, each playing a pivotal role: yeast brings the dough to life, butter adds richness, and the glaze delivers that iconic glossy finish. Every element contributes to the flavor and texture that make these doughnuts so irresistibly good.

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): The essential leavening agent that makes the dough rise light and fluffy.
2 tablespoons warm water (110°F): Activates the yeast, starting the fermentation and rising process.
3/4 cup warm milk (110°F): Adds moisture and slight sweetness to the dough for tenderness.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with browning during frying.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
1 egg: Adds richness and structure to the dough.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a luscious texture and flavor depth.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting): The base that forms the dough’s structure.
Vegetable oil for frying: Creates that golden crust and tender interior by frying at the perfect temperature.
Glaze Ingredients:

2 cups powdered sugar: The foundation of the sweet, glossy glaze.
1/4 cup milk: Thins the glaze to just the right consistency.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that elevates the glaze flavor.

How to Make Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm water. This step is crucial because it wakes up the yeast, making sure it’s alive and ready to create those beautiful, airy pockets in the dough. Let the yeast mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy—that’s your sign the yeast is active and ready for action.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients and Dissolved Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, pour the warm milk, granulated sugar, salt, egg, softened butter, and your activated yeast mixture. Mixing these together first ensures even distribution of all the flavors and the necessary fats and sugars that help tenderize the dough. It also creates the perfect environment for the yeast to keep working.

Step 3: Stir in the Flour and Knead

Add the flour gradually into the wet mixture, stirring until it begins to form a soft dough. The key here is to get a dough that’s not too sticky but still soft to the touch. Then, turn it onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes. This kneading develops gluten, giving your doughnuts that perfect chewy but tender texture you crave.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours. During this time, the dough will double in size—the yeast is busy creating air bubbles which make those doughnuts delightfully airy.

Step 5: Roll and Cut the Doughnuts

Once risen, gently roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick on a floured surface. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters to shape the doughnuts and their classic holes. This step is fun and creative—feel free to save the doughnut holes for frying too, as they make the best little treats!

Step 6: Second Rise

Place the cut doughnuts on a floured baking sheet, cover, and let them puff up for another 30 to 45 minutes. This second rise ensures the doughnuts become soft and airy inside, setting the stage for their golden crust when fried.

Step 7: Frying to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a heavy pot. Fry the doughnuts a few at a time for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side, turning them once they reach a gorgeous golden brown color. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain them on paper towels so they stay crisp and not oily.

Step 8: Prepare and Apply the Glaze

While the doughnuts are still warm but not too hot, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a smooth glaze. Dip the tops of each doughnut into the glaze for that addictively shiny coat, then place them on a wire rack to let the glaze set just enough to lick your fingers afterward.

How to Serve Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe

Garnishes

While the classic glaze is divine on its own, try sprinkling some colorful nonpareils, chopped nuts, or even a dusting of cinnamon sugar over the glaze before it sets. These finishing touches add fun texture and a burst of visual appeal perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Side Dishes

Pair these doughnuts with a fresh cup of coffee, a rich hot chocolate, or a tall glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort combo. For brunch, a side of fresh berries or a fruit salad can provide a refreshing balance to the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe into a showstopper by stacking them into a doughnut tower or serving them alongside a dip like cream cheese frosting or a chocolate sauce. You can also sandwich them with flavored jams or nut butters for a fun twist that your guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any doughnuts left (and good luck with that), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and maintains the glaze’s shine without making them soggy.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze unglazed doughnuts wrapped individually in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them at room temperature before glazing and serving fresh.

Reheating

Reheat doughnuts gently in a microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or in a warm oven at low temperature to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-fryer softness without melting the glaze too much. This little step revives their delightful texture perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use about 25% less instant yeast and mix it directly with the flour rather than dissolving it in water first, but this recipe’s activation step ensures better results with active dry yeast.

What if my doughnuts absorb too much oil while frying?

Make sure your oil stays consistently at 350°F and don’t overcrowd the pot. Hot oil seals the doughnuts’ surface quickly, preventing excess oil absorption. Also, draining them on paper towels right after frying helps remove any lingering oil.

Can I make these doughnuts gluten-free?

Substituting gluten-free flour can be tricky since yeast dough relies on gluten development. If you try a gluten-free mix, look for one specially designed for yeast baking and expect some texture differences, but the glaze will still be luscious!

How long do homemade glazed doughnuts stay fresh?

For the best taste and texture, enjoy your homemade glazed doughnuts within 1 to 2 days. They’re simply too good and best when fresh, but storing properly helps maintain their delightful softness for a short time.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The glaze can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before dipping your doughnuts to restore its smooth consistency.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the joy of biting into a warm, perfectly glazed doughnut that you made yourself. This Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe makes the process approachable and fun, turning simple ingredients into an unforgettable treat. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend breakfast or to impress at a gathering, these doughnuts bring a little extra happiness with every delicious bite. Give it a try—you might find it becomes a treasured family tradition or a sweet new weekend ritual!

Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe

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4.2 from 31 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 12 doughnuts (plus holes) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Classic homemade glazed doughnuts made from scratch with a soft yeast dough, fried to golden perfection, and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a delightful dessert treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
2 tablespoons warm water (110°F)
3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
Vegetable oil for frying

Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
Mix Dough Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, salt, egg, softened butter, and the activated yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the flour until a soft dough forms.
Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Shape Doughnuts: Once risen, roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a doughnut cutter or a large round cutter with a smaller cutter for the holes to cut out doughnuts.
Second Rise: Place the cut doughnuts on a floured baking sheet, cover, and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
Heat Oil: In a heavy pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F, preparing it for frying.
Fry Doughnuts: Fry the doughnuts in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn golden brown. Remove and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Prepare Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth.
Glaze Doughnuts: While still warm, dip the tops of the doughnuts into the glaze and place them on a wire rack to set.

Notes

For a chocolate glaze, substitute 1/4 cup of powdered sugar with unsweetened cocoa powder.
Doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh on the same day they are made.
You can also fry the doughnut holes as a tasty extra treat.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 to 1.5 hours rising time twice)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert, Breakfast
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American