Homemade Glazed Donuts – Soft, Fluffy & Bakery-Style

Homemade Glazed Donuts are light, fluffy, and coated in a sweet vanilla glaze that creates that iconic bakery-style shine. Freshly fried and dipped while warm, these donuts have a soft pillowy texture and a melt-in-your-mouth finish that’s impossible to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and fluffy texture
• Classic sweet vanilla glaze
• Bakery-style results at home
• Perfect for breakfast or dessert
• Freshly made flavor
• Beautiful glossy finish
• Great weekend baking project
• Family-friendly recipe
• Freezer-friendly dough
• Better than store-bought donuts

Ingredients

For the Donut Dough

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 3/4 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• Oil for frying

For the Glaze

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Combine milk, sugar, egg, and softened butter.
3. Add yeast mixture and stir.
4. Gradually add flour and salt.
5. Knead until smooth and elastic.
6. Place dough in a greased bowl.
7. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
8. Roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness.
9. Cut donuts using a donut cutter.
10. Place on parchment-lined trays.
11. Let rise for 30 minutes.
12. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
13. Fry donuts until golden on both sides.
14. Drain briefly on a wire rack.
15. Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth.
16. Dip warm donuts into glaze.
17. Allow glaze to set before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use bread flour for extra chewiness
• Add cinnamon to the glaze
• Top with sprinkles while glaze is wet
• Make donut holes from scraps
• Do not overcrowd frying oil
• Use a thermometer for accurate oil temperature
• Let donuts rise fully for best texture
• Add maple extract for variation
• Dip twice for thicker glaze
• Serve fresh the same day

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Store covered at room temperature up to 2 days
• Refrigerate up to 4 days
• Freeze unglazed donuts up to 2 months
• Freeze dough after first rise if desired
• Reheat briefly before serving
• Glaze fresh for best results

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Hot coffee
• Cappuccino
• Latte
• Hot chocolate
• Fresh fruit
• Weekend brunch spreads
• Breakfast platters
• Family gatherings
• Holiday breakfasts
• Afternoon treats

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my donuts dense?

The dough may not have risen long enough. Allow the yeast enough time to fully develop and double the dough size.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, but the texture will be more bread-like and less traditional than fried donuts.

How do I keep the glaze shiny?

Dip the donuts while they are still slightly warm and allow excess glaze to drip off before setting.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. Refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise and shape the donuts the next day.

Ready to Make It?

These Homemade Glazed Donuts are soft, fluffy, and beautifully coated with sweet vanilla glaze. They’re a classic bakery favorite that’s surprisingly easy to make at home and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

You Might Also Like

• Raspberry Lemonade Bars – Sweet & Tangy Dessert.
• Blueberry Pie – Classic Fruit Dessert.
• Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Cake – Soft & Moist Treat.
• Summer Fruit Crostata – Rustic & Fresh Dessert.

Print