These homemade glazed donuts are the ultimate treat, with a soft, fluffy texture and a sweet glaze that melts in your mouth. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special snack, this recipe shows you how to make yeast donuts from scratch, complete with a delicious vanilla glaze. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and incredibly rewarding.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Donuts:

• 280g All-Purpose Flour (2 cups + 3 tbsp): The base of your donut dough, providing structure and softness.
• 40g Sugar (3 tbsp): Adds sweetness and helps to tenderize the dough.
• 1/2 tsp Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• 1/4 tsp Nutmeg: Gives the donuts a warm, classic flavor.
• 1 Egg: Adds richness and helps to bind the ingredients together.
• 120g Whole Milk (1/2 cup): Hydrates the dough and adds a slight creaminess.
• 40g Melted Butter (1/3 stick): Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• 7g Dry Yeast (1 packet): Leavens the dough, making the donuts light and fluffy.

For the Glaze:

• 250g Powdered Sugar (2 cups): The base of the glaze, creating a sweet and smooth coating.
• 75g Butter (2/3 stick): Adds richness and a silky texture to the glaze.
• 3-5 tbsp Milk: Thins the glaze to your desired consistency.
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the glaze.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Whisk together to blend the dry ingredients.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with the warm milk and melted butter until well combined.
   • Sprinkle the dry yeast over the wet ingredients and let it sit for 5 minutes to activate.
   • Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Shape the Donuts:
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
   • Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness.
   • Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small) to cut out donut shapes. Save the donut holes for frying as well.
   • Place the donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until puffy.
3. Fry the Donuts:
   • Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
   • Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
   • Fry each side for about 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.
   • Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Glaze:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
   • Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
   • If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Glaze the Donuts:
   • Dip each warm donut into the glaze, making sure both sides are coated.
   • Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set. For a thicker glaze, you can dip the donuts a second time.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve the glazed donuts warm for the best flavor and texture. They are perfect on their own, or with a cup of coffee or tea.

Cooking Tips:

• Test the Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at the correct temperature. If it’s too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. If it’s too cool, the donuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If the dough doesn’t rise, your yeast may be expired.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer: Fry only a few donuts at a time to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.

Nutritional Facts (per donut, based on 12 donuts):

• Calories: Approximately 250
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20g

Possible Questions:

1. Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
   • Yes, you can bake the donuts at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. However, they will have a different texture compared to fried donuts.
2. How do I store leftover donuts?
   • Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, avoid glazing until ready to serve.
3. Can I freeze the dough?
   • Yes, you can freeze the dough after cutting out the donut shapes. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw and let rise before frying.

Conclusion:

These melt-in-your-mouth glazed donuts are a true indulgence, perfect for any occasion. The fluffy, airy dough paired with the sweet, smooth glaze creates a treat that is simply irresistible. Once you try making these at home, you’ll never want to buy store-bought donuts again. Enjoy these donuts fresh, and watch them disappear in no time!