Nothing compares to the taste of fresh, homemade glazed doughnuts—soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet with a glossy, melt-in-your-mouth glaze. Whether you’re making them for a weekend treat, a special occasion, or just to satisfy your cravings, our comprehensive guide will help you create bakery-quality doughnuts from the comfort of your home.
Ingredients for Homemade Glazed Doughnuts
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
Start by warming the milk until it reaches around 110°F (45°C). In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This step is crucial to ensure the yeast is active and will help the dough rise properly.
2. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Slowly add in the yeast mixture and mix well. Gradually incorporate the flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms. If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and knead for about 5 minutes on medium speed. If kneading by hand, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size. A warm oven (turned off) or a sunny spot in your kitchen works best for this step.
4. Roll and Cut the Doughnuts
Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to 1/2-inch thickness. Using a doughnut cutter (or a round cookie cutter with a smaller cutter for the center), cut out the doughnuts. Place them on a parchment-lined tray, cover loosely, and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes.
5. Fry the Doughnuts
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully add the doughnuts in batches, frying for 1-2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.
6. Make the Glaze
While the doughnuts cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
7. Glaze the Doughnuts
Dip each doughnut into the glaze, ensuring an even coating. Place them on a wire rack to set for about 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Doughnuts
- Use fresh yeast: Always check the expiration date of your yeast. If it doesn’t foam during activation, it may be inactive.
- Control the oil temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain the oil at 375°F (190°C). Too hot, and the doughnuts will burn outside while remaining raw inside; too cool, and they will absorb excess oil.
- Don’t over-knead: Overworking the dough can lead to dense doughnuts instead of light and airy ones.
- Let them rest after frying: Allow the doughnuts to cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from running off.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate-Glazed Doughnuts
For a chocolate twist, replace the vanilla glaze with a chocolate glaze by mixing:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts
Instead of glazing, roll warm doughnuts in a mixture of:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Filled Doughnuts
Skip the hole in the center and fill the fried doughnuts with jam, custard, or Nutella using a piping bag.
How to Store and Reheat Doughnuts
Homemade doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying?
Yes! Place the cut doughnuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Brush them with melted butter and glaze.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling and cutting.
Why are my doughnuts dense?
Dense doughnuts can result from over-kneading, under-proofing, or using expired yeast. Ensure the dough rises properly before frying.
Can I freeze homemade doughnuts?
Yes, you can freeze unglazed doughnuts for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before glazing.
Final Thoughts
Homemade glazed doughnuts are a delightful treat that’s easy to master with the right technique. Whether you enjoy them classic, chocolate-dipped, or cinnamon-coated, these doughnuts will become a favorite in your home.