Fluffy Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe: Sweet Morning Joy

Sweet memories of childhood bakery visits dance through my mind whenever I think about homemade glazed doughnuts.

Neighborhood cafes never matched the warm, pillowy magic I could create in my own kitchen.

Soft clouds of golden dough beckon with irresistible charm and nostalgia.

Light and airy textures promise delectable moments that melt on your tongue.

Crisp edges sealed with sugary glaze signal pure breakfast bliss.

Cinnamon whispers from the kitchen will draw everyone near these delightful treats.

Grab a mixing bowl and prepare to craft something spectacular that connects generations through simple, delicious comfort.

Answers to Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Questions

• Why does the yeast need to sit for 5-10 minutes?

The yeast needs time to activate and become foamy, which indicates it’s alive and ready to help the dough rise properly, creating a light and fluffy texture for the doughnuts.

• How do I know the dough has risen enough?

The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and looks puffy. When you gently press the dough with your finger, it should slowly spring back, showing it’s perfectly proofed.

• What's the best way to cut doughnut shapes?

Use a doughnut cutter if you have one, or two different-sized round cutters. The larger cutter makes the outer circle, and the smaller one creates the hole in the center, giving you that classic doughnut shape.

• Can I tell if the oil is hot enough without a thermometer?

Drop a small piece of dough into the oil – if it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready for frying. If it burns quickly or doesn’t sizzle, adjust the heat.

Homemade Glazed Doughnuts That Always Hit the Spot

• Homemade doughnuts transform a regular weekend into a special family baking adventure, creating delicious memories together with minimal kitchen stress.
• This recipe welcomes novice bakers with clear, step-by-step instructions that break down complex pastry-making into simple, manageable stages perfect for building confidence.
• From start to finish, these doughnuts take roughly 2.5 hours, with most time dedicated to rising and resting, allowing busy home cooks to multitask while waiting for the delectable result.
• Easily adaptable for different flavor variations and glazes, these doughnuts can suit every taste preference, making them ideal for family gatherings, brunches, or spontaneous dessert cravings.

What Goes into Homemade Glazed Doughnuts

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for creating a soft, tender doughnut texture with perfect structure.
• Warm Milk: Helps activate yeast and provides richness to the dough.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds sweetness to the dough.

• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for making dough rise and creating a light, airy texture. Fresh and unexpired yeast is crucial.
• Warm Water: Helps activate and bloom the yeast.

• Egg: Provides structure, richness, and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Melted Butter: Adds flavor and tender texture to the doughnuts.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep-frying doughnuts to golden brown perfection. Neutral-flavored oil works best.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet coating for the doughnuts.
• Milk or Water: Helps create the right glaze consistency.
• Vanilla Extract (Optional): Adds depth of flavor to the glaze.

Steps to Make Homemade Glazed Doughnuts at Home

Step 1: Activate Yeast Magic

• Warm water
• Yeast

Sprinkle yeast into warm water and let it bubble and wake up for 5-10 minutes until it looks frothy and alive.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

• Warm milk
• Sugar
• Salt
• Melted butter
• Egg
• Activated yeast

Blend all ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl until perfectly combined and smooth.

Step 3: Introduce Flour Power

Slowly incorporate flour into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft, pillowy dough emerges.

Step 4: Knead and Shape

Transfer dough onto a lightly dusted surface. Massage and stretch the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes silky and elastic.

Step 5: First Rise

Place dough in a greased bowl, shield with a clean cloth, and let it rest in a cozy spot for 1-1.5 hours until it doubles in volume.

Step 6: Roll and Cut

Spread dough to half-inch thickness. Use doughnut cutters or two circular cutters to create perfect doughnut shapes.

Step 7: Second Rise

Arrange cut doughnuts on a floured tray, cover with a light towel, and allow them to puff up for 30 minutes.

Step 8: Heat Oil

Fill a deep skillet with vegetable oil to about 2 inches. Warm oil to 350°F.

Step 9: Fry to Golden Perfection

Gently slide doughnuts into hot oil, cooking each side for approximately 1 minute until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Step 10: Glaze and Celebrate

While doughnuts are still warm, dunk them in sweet glaze and place on a wire rack to set.

Smart Tips for Homemade Glazed Doughnuts

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water is lukewarm (around 110°F) to help yeast bloom without killing it, creating a soft, airy texture.
• Control Dough Consistency: Add flour gradually to prevent a dry, tough dough – the mixture should be soft and slightly sticky but not wet.
• Master Frying Temperature: Use a candy thermometer to maintain steady 350°F oil, preventing doughnuts from absorbing excess grease or burning.
• Achieve Smooth Glaze: Sift powdered sugar and add liquid gradually for a silky, lump-free coating that sets beautifully on warm doughnuts.
• Handle Dough Gently: Avoid overworking the dough when kneading and cutting to keep doughnuts tender and light, preserving delicate air pockets.

Storing Homemade Glazed Doughnuts the Right Way

• Store glazed doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources to maintain freshness.
• Wrap plain, unglazed doughnuts individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They'll stay good for 2-3 weeks. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Warm doughnuts briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
• Best enjoyed fresh on the day of making. Reheated doughnuts might lose some of their original crispy texture and softness.

Best Matches for Homemade Glazed Doughnuts

• Brew a rich, medium-roast coffee that complements the sweet glaze and provides a robust contrast to the doughnut's sugary richness.
• Create a creamy vanilla latte that mirrors the doughnut's sweetness while adding a smooth, aromatic layer to each bite.
• Serve chilled whole milk to balance the warm, crispy texture of freshly fried doughnuts and provide a classic, nostalgic drinking experience.
• Choose a light, slightly sweet sparkling apple cider that cuts through the doughnut's richness and offers a refreshing palate cleanser.

Ways to Reinvent Homemade Glazed Doughnuts

• Gluten-Free Doughnuts: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains a soft, tender texture.
• Vegan Doughnut Delight: Swap dairy milk with coconut milk, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and replace butter with coconut oil to create a plant-based alternative that's equally delicious.
• Whole Wheat Wellness: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to boost nutritional value and add a subtle nutty flavor to the classic doughnut recipe.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and create a lighter glaze with reduced powdered sugar for a diabetic-friendly treat that doesn't compromise on taste.

Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful homemade glazed doughnuts bring pure comfort from grandma’s kitchen, melting hearts with golden-brown perfection. Crisp exterior and pillowy center promise sweet satisfaction that connects hungry souls to classic American baking tradition.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Leavening and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt

Glaze Ingredients:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for frying

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it in tepid water, allowing it to bloom and become frothy for approximately 5-10 minutes.
2. Create a rich liquid base by whisking together warm milk, granulated sugar, salt, melted butter, egg, and the activated yeast mixture until thoroughly combined.
3. Gradually incorporate flour into the liquid mixture, gently folding until a cohesive, soft dough emerges.
4. Transfer the dough onto a lightly dusted work surface and knead methodically for 5-7 minutes, developing gluten and achieving a smooth, elastic consistency.
5. Nestle the dough into a lightly greased bowl, envelop with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to proof in a draft-free, warm environment until it doubles in volume, approximately 1-1.5 hours.
6. After proofing, roll out the dough to a uniform 1/2-inch thickness and utilize circular cutters to shape doughnuts, creating distinctive rings and centers.
7. Arrange the cut doughnuts on a floured tray, loosely drape with a soft cloth, and permit a secondary rise for 30 minutes to enhance their airiness.
8. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to precisely 350°F, ensuring an optimal frying temperature.
9. Gently lower doughnuts into the hot oil, frying in small batches and turning once to achieve a uniform golden-brown exterior, approximately 1 minute per side.
10. Drain the freshly fried doughnuts on absorbent paper towels to remove excess oil.
11. While still warm, immerse each doughnut into the prepared glaze, allowing excess to drip off before placing on a wire rack to set and develop a glossy finish.

Notes

• Activate yeast precisely by using water at the exact 110-115°F temperature to ensure proper proofing and prevent killing the yeast.
• Knead dough gently but thoroughly to develop gluten structure, creating a soft and tender doughnut texture with consistent elasticity.
• Let doughnuts rise in a draft-free, warm environment like a slightly heated oven to guarantee optimal volume and pillowy softness.
• Monitor oil temperature carefully during frying, using a candy thermometer to maintain consistent 350°F, preventing greasy or undercooked centers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg