Warm, Fluffy Homemade Glazed Donuts
There’s something undeniably comforting about the first bite of a warm, freshly glazed donut. The way it melts in your mouth, sweet and fluffy, takes me back to my childhood days spent wandering through bustling bakeries, the aroma of sugar and cinnamon wrapping around me like a warm hug. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon treat or a cheerful connection over coffee on a sunny Saturday morning, these homemade glazed donuts are sure to bring joy to your kitchen.
This is an “easy cozy recipe” that will surely become a family favorite, and you’ll want to pin it for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Tender: Each bite offers a tender, creamy texture that feels like a warm embrace.
- Easy Homemade Glaze: The simple vanilla glaze is a show-stopper that takes these donuts to the next level.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a breakfast treat or a sweet afternoon snack, these donuts are perfect for any time.
- Family Fun: Making donuts at home is the perfect activity to enjoy together, creating lasting memories in the kitchen.
- Customization: Endless possibilities to customize your donuts with various flavors and toppings!
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup bread flour
- 3 cups + 2 tablespoons bread flour (See notes below for measuring)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- Tangzhong (from recipe above)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- Neutral oil, for frying (like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil)
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon hot water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
- Pinch of fine sea salt
How to Make Homemade Glazed Donuts
Let’s Make It Together:
Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3/4 cup of water, 1/4 cup of bread flour, and 1/3 cup of sugar. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Then add the 3 cups + 2 tablespoons of bread flour, 1 1/4 teaspoons of fine sea salt, room temperature whole milk, egg, tangzhong, and softened butter. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Donuts: Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air. Roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness, then use a round cutter to cut out donuts. For donut holes, use a smaller cutter.
Second Rise: Place the cut-out donuts on parchment paper, cover lightly with a towel, and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat about 2 inches of neutral oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Donuts: Carefully add the donuts to the hot oil, frying in batches. Fry each side for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the Vanilla Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon of hot water, vanilla extract, and a pinch of fine sea salt until smooth.
Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts are slightly cooled, dip each one into the glaze and let excess drip off before placing them on a wire rack to set.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Chocolate Glazed: Stir in cocoa powder into your glaze for a rich, chocolatey topping.
- Cinnamon Sugar: After frying, toss the donuts in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for a cozy twist.
- Lemon Zest Glaze: Add a touch of lemon zest to your vanilla glaze for a zesty kick that brightens up the flavor.
- Maple Icing: Infuse your glaze with maple syrup for a deliciously indulgent flavor.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise overnight in the fridge, and shape it in the morning for quick frying.
- Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at 350°F for perfectly fried donuts without being greasy.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.
- Sweet Some More: For an extra indulgent touch, add sprinkles on top of the glaze while it’s still wet!
Nutrition Information per Serving
Calories: 220
Carbohydrates: 29g
Sugar: 14g
Fat: 10g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 156mg
Serving size: 1 donut
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight.
Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with nut milks, different sugars, or even gluten-free flour for your dietary needs.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
How long does it last?
Best enjoyed fresh, but if stored properly, they’ll last for a couple of days at room temperature.
A Cozy Closing Note
These Homemade Glazed Donuts are more than just a treat; they are a journey back to childhood, a way to savor the present, and a delightful recipe to share with loved ones. The comforting aroma of sweet, sugary goodness wafting through your home will make it all the more special. Save this Homemade Glazed Donuts recipe to your “cozy treats” Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a little sweetness in your day!
Warm, Fluffy Homemade Glazed Donuts
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious homemade glazed donuts that are warm, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion. A family-friendly recipe that brings joy to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup bread flour
- 3 cups + 2 tablespoons bread flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- Tangzhong (from recipe above)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- Neutral oil, for frying
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon hot water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
- Pinch of fine sea salt
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the water, bread flour, and sugar. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Then add the remaining bread flour, sea salt, whole milk, egg, tangzhong, and softened butter. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air. Roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness, then use a round cutter to cut out donuts.
- Place the cut-out donuts on parchment paper, cover lightly with a towel, and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
- Heat the oil: In a large pot, heat about 2 inches of neutral oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the donuts to the hot oil, frying in batches. Fry each side for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, hot water, vanilla extract, and a pinch of fine sea salt until smooth.
- Once the donuts are slightly cooled, dip each one into the glaze and let excess drip off before placing them on a wire rack to set.
Notes
For customization, try chocolate glaze, cinnamon sugar, or lemon zest variations.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 156mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
