These homemade glazed donuts are the ultimate treat – soft, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Made with yeast dough, these donuts rise to perfection and are glazed with a sweet, glossy coating that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re making them for breakfast or as a sweet afternoon snack, this recipe will help you make the BEST yeast donuts, just like the ones from your favorite bakery!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 2 hours (includes rising time)
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (420 g)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar (240 g)
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions
Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and foamy.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine 3 ½ cups of flour, ½ cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add in the yeast mixture, 2 large eggs, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes a smooth dough.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape and Fry the Donuts:
- Shape the donuts: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out to about ½-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 3 inches) to cut out the donuts and a smaller cutter (about 1 inch) to make the holes. Gather the dough scraps, reroll, and cut additional donuts.
- Second rise: Place the donuts on a floured baking sheet and cover them with a clean towel. Let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they puff up.
- Heat the oil: In a deep skillet or a Dutch oven, heat about 3-4 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make the Glaze:
- Prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and glossy. Add more milk if the glaze is too thick.
Glaze the Donuts:
- Dip the donuts: While the donuts are still warm, dip each one into the glaze, covering it completely. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to set the glaze. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your glazed donuts fresh with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Try adding sprinkles or chopped nuts to the glaze for added crunch.
- Pair with a side of fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a delicious breakfast.
- For an extra treat, stuff the donuts with whipped cream or chocolate ganache.
- Make mini donuts for a fun party or family gathering treat.
Cooking Tips
- Be sure the milk is warm (not too hot) when activating the yeast. It should feel warm to the touch, not scalding.
- Don’t skip the first rise—it’s essential for developing the light, fluffy texture of the donuts.
- When frying, don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the oil temperature to drop and result in greasy donuts.
- For best results, use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature.
- Let the donuts cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
Nutritional Benefits
- Protein: Eggs in the dough provide a good source of protein.
- Iron: The flour used in the dough helps provide iron.
- Calcium: Milk in both the dough and the glaze adds a bit of calcium to your diet.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Gluten-Free: No (contains wheat flour)
- Dairy-Free: No (contains milk and butter)
Nutritional Facts (per donut, based on 12 donuts)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 14g
- Sugar: 15g
Storage
- Room temperature: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the donuts for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven for a few minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and fluffy: These donuts have a light and airy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Homemade taste: Nothing beats the taste of fresh, homemade donuts.
- Perfectly glazed: The sweet glaze adds a delicious finish that complements the soft donut interior.
- Simple ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients, you can make delicious donuts at home.
- Customizable: You can add your own twist by experimenting with different glazes or toppings.
Conclusion
These Melt-In-Your-Mouth Glazed Donuts are the perfect homemade treat that’s sure to impress family and friends. Soft, fluffy, and coated in a glossy, sweet glaze, they’re a real crowd-pleaser. Whether for breakfast or dessert, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. Enjoy making these donuts fresh at home and indulge in the ultimate donut experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Just skip the step of proofing the yeast in warm milk and mix it directly into the dry ingredients. - Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature and complete the second rise before frying. - Can I bake the donuts instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown, but they will not have the same texture as fried donuts. - Can I make these donuts without milk?
Yes, you can use a dairy-free milk like almond milk or soy milk as a substitute for regular milk. - 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, freeze them for up to 1 month