There are a few reasons these donuts are even better than your favorite donut shop’s glazed donuts. Firstly, small batches are always the way for gourmet baked goods. Secondly, you’ll be frying way fewer donuts in your oil, which yields a much tastier result. Also, you’ll use only natural ingredients – no chemicals, no preservatives. Baker, be warned: These are 100% addictive. Now, I know these take some work, but here’s why they are worth it: (1) They taste amazing. I’m serious; these are probably the best glazed donuts you’ll ever eat in your life. (2) They make for a really fun group activity! Chatting with family and friends in the kitchen while making donuts together is amazing quality time. What better way to enjoy bonding with loved ones than over homemade donuts? 🥰 And don’t sweat it if you haven’t used yeast much; it’s actually pretty effortless. You just put it in warm milk and let it do its thing. As long as the milk is warm and not scalding hot, the yeast will stay alive and bubbly, ready to puff up those donuts beautifully.
Recipe Ingredients
How to Make Glazed Donuts
Make the Donuts
Activate Yeast – Add yeast to warm milk in a bowl and let it activate for 5 minutes until it is frothy. (Photo 1) Add Liquids – Next, add the sugar, salt, eggs, and butter, and mix until well combined. (Photo 2) Add Flour – Then mix in the flour one cup at a time. (Photo 3) Knead – Knead the donut dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes). Or, for an easier way, do it in a stand mixer with the dough hook. (Photos 4-5) Rest – When the dough is ready, place it in a large, greased bowl, then cover it and let rise for an hour. It should have doubled in size. (Photo 6) Punch – Next, punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a ½-inch-thick rectangle. Cut – Then, using a donut cutter or 3½-inch and 1½-inch round cookie cutters, cut out the donuts and holes. (Photo 7) Let Rise – Place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheet as you work. Cover the donuts loosely and let them rise in a warm place for 20 minutes. (Photo 8) Heat oil (about 2 inches) in a Dutch oven until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350℉/177℃. (Photos 9-10) Fry your donuts in the hot oil until a beautiful golden brown (it takes about 1 minute per side for large donuts), and then transfer your delicacies to the wire rack to drain.
Glaze the Donuts
Glaze – Make your glaze by mixing powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl until well combined. (Photo 11) Dip the warm donuts into the glaze, coat both sides, and place them on the wire rack. (Photo 12) Serve – Now, the step you’ve been waiting for: Enjoy them warm with a fresh, hot cup of coffee or tea. 😍
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
Glazed donuts are heavenly when still warm from the fryer, but you can make these a day or two ahead if you wish. Just store them appropriately on the countertop or in your fridge for 1-2 days.
Serving and Storage Instructions
Serve freshly glazed donuts while they are still warm, and make sure you have a pot of coffee brewing to accompany them. Store leftover donuts (🤔) in an airtight receptacle at room temperature or chilled in the fridge. They’ll only stay fresh for a few days, so eat them up quickly! 😅
What Goes with Glazed Donuts
All the cozy drinks! I love serving glazed donuts with coffee or hot ginger tea. A chai tea latte goes amazing with these too. If you’re cooking up a whole dessert bar, serve these beauties alongside other sweets with varying textures and flavors. I think they look sumptuous and taste terrific when paired with no-bake cheesecake bites and chocolate-covered strawberries.
More Delish Donut Recipes to Try
Conclusion
Move over, Krispy Kreme; these donuts are so good you’ll wonder why you ever loved the big box bakery version in the first place. Ready for more insanely good dessert recipes? Give me a follow on Instagram and Facebook for more show-stopping recipes! 🤩
