Name: Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C); 2 and 1/4 teaspoons (7g) instant or active dry yeast (1 standard packet); 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar, divided; 2 large eggs; 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 1 teaspoon vanilla paste; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed; 1–2 quarts vegetable oil (for frying); 2 cups (240g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted; 1/3 cup (80ml) heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla paste

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If you have ever dreamed of biting into a doughnut that tastes like it just came from your favorite bakery, you are in for a treat. This Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe is just that—the perfect combination of fluffy, soft dough and a shiny, sweet glaze that melts in your mouth. From the warm, fragrant dough enriched with vanilla and nutmeg to the silky glaze that coats every bite, these doughnuts bring pure joy to your kitchen and your taste buds. Making them yourself means you can savor fresh, warm doughnuts whenever you want, and trust me, once you try this recipe, store-bought doughnuts will pale in comparison.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, holding a smooth, round ball of dough with a pale light brown color. The dough has a slightly uneven texture and rests in the center of the bowl, showing soft but firm edges and a gentle sheen on its surface. The bowl's edges curve gently upward, and there is a subtle shadow inside the bowl below the dough. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step toward doughnut bliss. The ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a unique role—from the yeast that makes the dough rise to the vanilla paste that adds depth of flavor and the powdered sugar that creates the luscious glaze.

Whole milk (1 cup, warmed to about 110°F/43°C): The warm milk activates the yeast to give the dough its airy texture.
Instant or active dry yeast (2 and 1/4 teaspoons): This magical ingredient makes your dough rise and creates the fluffiness we all love.
Granulated sugar (1/3 cup, divided): Adds sweetness and helps the dough brown beautifully.
Large eggs (2): Bring richness and structure to the dough.
Unsalted butter (6 Tablespoons, melted and slightly cooled): Adds tenderness and flavor, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth amazing.
Vanilla paste (1 teaspoon): A fragrant sweet touch that elevates the dough’s flavor.
Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle hint of spice that warms up the flavor profile.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
All-purpose flour (4 cups, plus more as needed): The foundation of your dough, creating the perfect texture.
Vegetable oil (1–2 quarts): For frying the doughnuts to golden perfection.
Confectioners’ sugar (2 cups, sifted): The star ingredient in your glossy glaze.
Heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk (1/3 cup): Adds richness and smoothness to the glaze.
Vanilla paste (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the glaze a wonderful aromatic sweetness.

How to Make Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by whisking the warm milk, yeast, and one tablespoon of sugar in your stand mixer bowl until combined. Let this sit, covered loosely, for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s frothy on top—this means the yeast is awake and ready! If you don’t have a stand mixer, this can all be done by hand with some muscle and a big spoon or spatula.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients and Form the Dough

Add the remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla paste, nutmeg, salt, and half the flour into your frothy yeast mixture. Mix on low speed for a minute, scraping the bowl as you go. Then add the rest of the flour and mix on medium until the dough pulls away from the sides but still feels slightly sticky. This slight stickiness ensures a tender, light doughnut.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Knead the dough right in your mixer for 5 to 7 minutes or by hand on a lightly floured surface. The goal is a soft, elastic dough that passes the windowpane test—meaning you can stretch a small piece of dough thin enough to see light through without tearing. If the dough seems too sticky, sprinkle flour gradually, but be cautious not to overdo it because a dry dough will lead to dense doughnuts.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Lightly oil a large bowl and place your dough inside, turning it once to coat with oil. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot for 1.5 to 2 hours until doubled in size. This rising step is where all the magic happens as the dough gains volume and flavor.

Step 5: Shape the Doughnuts

Punch down the risen dough to release air, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a 3 to 3.5-inch doughnut cutter to cut your shapes, saving scraps to reroll and cut more doughnuts. Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets and let them rest, loosely covered, for 30 minutes as you prepare to fry. These little resting moments help them puff up before cooking.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-duty pot to 375°F (191°C). Fry doughnuts 2 or 3 at a time for one minute each side, watching closely to maintain oil temperature. Use a slotted spatula to remove the doughnuts and let them drain on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. This careful frying process ensures they cook evenly and get that beautiful golden crust with a soft interior.

Step 7: Make and Apply the Glaze

Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, cream (or milk), and vanilla paste until smooth and glossy. While your doughnuts are still warm (that’s key!), dip them into the glaze, coating both sides generously. Place them back on the rack to let the glaze set, which usually takes about 20 minutes. This glaze is the finishing touch that turns simple doughnuts into an irresistible treat.

How to Serve Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe

A plate filled with seven shiny glazed donuts stacked on top of each other, showing a smooth, light brown surface with a sweet white glaze coating that gives a shiny, slightly wet look; the top donut has a bite taken out of it, revealing a soft, fluffy, light beige interior with a crumbly texture, each donut has a round hole in the middle, and the plate is white with ridged edges placed on a white marbled surface with a small part of a pumpkin blurred in the background; photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the classic glaze is spectacular on its own, a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts, rainbow sprinkles, or even a dusting of cinnamon can add a playful twist. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a few blueberries on the side also brighten up the presentation and flavor profile, turning your doughnuts into an elegant delight for guests.

Side Dishes

Pair your homemade doughnuts with a hot cup of coffee or rich, creamy hot chocolate for a cozy treat. A side of fresh berries or even a dollop of whipped cream can also complement the sweetness without overwhelming the palate, making this a perfect morning or afternoon indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow friends or family? Arrange your doughnuts on a tiered cake stand for a stunning display or stack them in a pyramid shape with drizzles of extra glaze or chocolate sauce. For parties, consider turning them into slider-style doughnut sandwiches filled with cream cheese frosting and fresh fruit. These ideas keep your Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe exciting and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any doughnuts left (which might be unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep their soft texture and delectable flavor intact. Avoid refrigeration unless your kitchen is warm, because fridge air can dry out the doughnuts quickly.

Freezing

To enjoy these doughnuts later, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature, and you’ll have near-fresh doughnuts ready whenever a craving hits.

Reheating

Reheat doughnuts gently in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them briefly in a warm oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes. This quick warming revives their softness and makes the glaze slightly melty—just like fresh from the fryer.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! Both instant and active dry yeast work perfectly in this Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe. Instant yeast tends to activate faster, so your dough might rise a little quicker, but either will give you fluffy doughnuts.

What if I don’t have vanilla paste? Can I substitute it?

If you don’t have vanilla paste, pure vanilla extract is a great substitute. Use the same amount to maintain that wonderful vanilla flavor that makes these doughnuts so irresistible.

How do I know when the oil is the right temperature for frying?

Using an oil thermometer is the best way to ensure oil is at 375°F (191°C). If you don’t have one, test by frying a small piece of dough first—if it sizzles immediately and browns evenly within a minute, your oil is ready!

Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying them?

This recipe is designed for frying to get that classic crispy exterior and soft inside. While you can bake doughnuts, the texture and glaze experience will differ from the traditional fried version. If you want to bake, search for a recipe specifically adapted for baking doughnuts.

Why is my doughnuts’ glaze not setting?

If your glaze remains sticky or runny, it might be too thin. Try adding a little more sifted confectioners’ sugar to thicken it. Also, dipping the doughnuts while they are still warm helps the glaze to set properly as it cools on the doughnuts.

Final Thoughts

Making your own doughnuts from scratch is one of those small but deeply rewarding kitchen adventures. This Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe takes time and care, but the result is a batch of doughnuts so tender, flavorful, and glossy you’ll wonder why you ever bought them from the store. Trust me, once you experience the joy of creating these from your own kitchen, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, sharing that happiness with everyone lucky enough to taste them.