Homemade Glazed Doughnuts

Homemade glazed doughnuts are soft, fluffy, and delightfully sweet treats that are perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack. Made from a rich yeast dough and finished with a shiny vanilla glaze, these doughnuts rival anything from your favorite bakery.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The doughnuts are light and airy, with a classic tender bite.
• Perfectly sweet without being overwhelming.
• Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
• They’re surprisingly fun and easy to make from scratch.
• Customizable with different glazes and toppings.
• Fresh doughnuts at home mean no waiting in line at the bakery.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Whole milk
• Active dry yeast
• Unsalted butter
• Eggs
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

directions

1. Warm the milk slightly and dissolve the active dry yeast in it. Let it sit until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and eggs.
3. Add the yeast mixture and softened butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1–2 hours.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out doughnut shapes using a doughnut cutter or round cutters.
7. Let the cut doughnuts rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
8. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
9. Fry the doughnuts in batches until golden brown on each side, about 1–2 minutes per side.
10. Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel-lined tray.
11. Dip warm doughnuts into glaze and let them set on a wire rack.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes about 12 doughnuts
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 2–3 hours total
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: About 3.5 hours

Variations

• Chocolate Glaze: Swap the vanilla glaze with a chocolate ganache or cocoa glaze.
• Filled Doughnuts: Leave out the center hole and fill with jam, custard, or cream.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Toss freshly fried doughnuts in a cinnamon-sugar mixture instead of glazing.
• Maple Glaze: Add maple extract to the glaze for a cozy twist.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk, butter, and egg substitutes.

storage/reheating

Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To reheat, place in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. Avoid glazing doughnuts you plan to store for more than a day—add glaze just before serving.

FAQs

What’s the best oil for frying doughnuts?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are great for frying due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors.

Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling and cutting.

Why are my doughnuts greasy?

Oil that’s too cold can cause the doughnuts to absorb too much fat. Make sure your oil stays around 350°F during frying.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, but they won’t have the same texture. Baked doughnuts are more cake-like and less airy.

How do I know when the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough should be smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. You can also perform the “windowpane test.”

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, freeze the dough after the first rise and shaping. Thaw and let rise again before frying.

What if I don’t have a doughnut cutter?

Use a round cookie cutter and a smaller cutter (or bottle cap) for the center.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to scale ingredients evenly and have enough oil for frying.

How long do the glazed doughnuts stay fresh?

They’re best eaten the day they’re made but will stay soft for about 1–2 days if stored properly.

Can I make mini doughnuts with this recipe?

Yes, simply cut them smaller and reduce frying time slightly.

Conclusion

Homemade glazed doughnuts are a delicious labor of love that reward you with bakery-style results in your own kitchen. With a few basic ingredients and some patience, you’ll enjoy light, fluffy, and sweet doughnuts any time you like. Try out different toppings and fillings to make them your own—once you go homemade, you might never go back to store-bought.

Print