Name: glazed donuts recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Ingredients: All-purpose flour (Gives structure and that classic donut texture.); Granulated sugar (Sweetens the dough and helps with browning.); Baking powder (The secret lift! It makes your donuts fluffy without yeast.); Salt (Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.); Milk; Egg ( Binds the dough and adds softness.); Vanilla extract (A splash of warmth and depth.); Butter (melted) (Gives richness and a tender crumb. Swap with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.); Powdered sugar (Creates that smooth, glossy coating.); Milk or cream (Thins the glaze to the perfect dipping consistency.); Vanilla extract ( Again, that comforting flavor boost!)

glazed donuts recipe

Great donuts start with great ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this glazed donuts recipe, and why each one matters:

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 12

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

All-purpose flour Gives structure and that classic donut texture.
Granulated sugar Sweetens the dough and helps with browning.
Baking powder The secret lift! It makes your donuts fluffy without yeast.
Salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Milk Adds moisture and tenderness. Use whole milk for richness, or any plant-based milk (like oat or almond) to keep it dairy-free.
Egg Binds the dough and adds softness.
Vanilla extract A splash of warmth and depth.
Butter (melted) Gives richness and a tender crumb. Swap with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.

For the Glaze:

Powdered sugar Creates that smooth, glossy coating.
Milk or cream Thins the glaze to the perfect dipping consistency.
Vanilla extract Again, that comforting flavor boost!

Glazed Donuts Recipe: The Secret to Bakery-Quality Treats at Home? (Yes, Really!)

Have you ever taken a bite of a store-bought glazed donut and thought… “I could never make this myself—it’s too complicated!”? What if we told you that with just a few pantry staples, one mixing bowl, and less than an hour, you can whip up warm, fluffy, golden glazed donuts that taste even better than the bakery version? No fancy equipment, no stress—just pure, sugary joy. Ready to prove yourself wrong? Let’s dive into the easiest glazed donuts recipe you’ll ever try!

Why This Glazed Donuts Recipe Is a Game-Changer

This glazed donuts recipe is special because it’s simple, fast, and foolproof—perfect for beginners and busy bakers alike. You don’t need a deep fryer or a stand mixer. Most ingredients are already in your kitchen, and the whole process takes about 45 minutes from start to finish.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10–15 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy (seriously—kids can help!)

And yes, it’s homemade, so you control the ingredients—less sugar, better fats, and no mystery preservatives. That means you get all the fun with a little more feel-good.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Glazed Donuts Recipe

Great donuts start with great ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need fo

Substitutions? No problem!

Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Vegan? Use flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) and plant-based milk/butter.

Lower sugar? Reduce powdered sugar by ¼ cup and add a pinch of cinnamon for flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Make Your Glazed Donuts Recipe Like a Pro

Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have gorgeous donuts in no time!

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt

This ensures even rising and flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

In another bowl (or measuring cup), mix:

¾ cup milk
1 egg
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract

Pour this into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay. Overmixing = tough donuts.

Step 3: Shape the Donuts

You have two easy options:

Donut pan: Spoon or pipe batter into a greased donut pan (fills 6 donut molds).
Frying method: Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then use your thumb to poke a hole. Fry in oil at 350°F (175°C) for 1–2 minutes per side until golden.

Pro Tip: If using a donut pan, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 4: Cool Slightly

Let donuts cool for 5–10 minutes. They need to be warm—but not hot—before glazing. Too hot, and the glaze will melt right off!

Assembly: Glaze & Serve Like a Star

Now for the fun part—the glaze!

In a shallow bowl, mix:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk (start with 2, add more for thinner glaze)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Dip the top of each warm donut into the glaze.
Let excess drip off, then place on a wire rack.
Optional: Add sprinkles, crushed nuts, or a dusting of cinnamon right after glazing—before it sets!

Presentation Tip: Serve on a colorful plate with coffee or cold milk. These look adorable stacked on a vintage cake stand!

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Fresh is best, but we get it—you might have leftovers (or want to prep ahead)!

Room temperature: Store glazed donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Fridge: Not recommended—the glaze can get sticky and the donuts dry out.
Freezer: Freeze unglazed donuts in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temp, then glaze fresh!
Reheating: Pop in the microwave for 10 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes to bring back that just-baked feel.

Best served the same day—but honestly, they rarely last that long!

Delicious Recipe Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic glazed donuts recipe, get creative! Here are fun twists:

Chocolate Glaze: Mix 2 tbsp cocoa powder into the glaze.
Maple Glazed: Swap vanilla for 1 tsp pure maple extract + a drizzle of real maple syrup.
Lemon Zest Donuts: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest to the batter and 1 tsp lemon juice to the glaze.
Cinnamon Sugar: Skip the glaze! Roll warm donuts in melted butter, then cinnamon-sugar.
Mini Donut Bites: Use a mini muffin pan or drop small spoonfuls into oil for bite-sized treats.

These ideas make the glazed donuts recipe perfect for birthdays, brunches, or just “because it’s Tuesday.”

Wrap-Up: Your Kitchen, Your Donut Dream

Making glazed donuts at home isn’t just doable—it’s delightful. With this simple glazed donuts recipe, you get soft, sweet, golden rings of joy that beat any box or drive-thru. Plus, you know exactly what’s in them: real ingredients, love, and maybe a little extra vanilla.

So go ahead—pull out that mixing bowl, invite the kids to help, or surprise someone with a fresh-from-the-oven treat. Baking is joy you can taste. And with this recipe? That joy comes with a shiny, sugary finish.

Your turn: Try it, tweak it, and share your favorite version!

FAQs: Your Glazed Donuts Recipe Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this glazed donuts recipe without a donut pan?
A: Absolutely! Fry them on the stove (use a deep pot and thermometer), or bake as donut holes in a mini muffin tin.

Q: Are homemade glazed donuts healthier than store-bought?
A: Yes! You skip artificial flavors, hydrogenated oils, and excess sugar. Use whole wheat flour or reduce sugar for an even healthier twist.

Q: Why are my donuts dry?
A: Overmixing the batter or overbaking are the usual culprits. Mix until just combined and check doneness a minute early.

Q: Can I use oil instead of butter?
A: Yes! Use 2 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or vegetable) in place of melted butter.

Q: How long does the glaze take to set?
A: About 15–20 minutes at room temperature. For faster setting, pop them in the fridge for 5 minutes.

Q: Can I double this glazed donuts recipe?
A: Yes! Just double all ingredients. Keep an eye on baking time—it may increase slightly.

Q: Are these donuts suitable for allergies?
A: With smart swaps (gluten-free flour, plant milk, flax egg), this glazed donuts recipe can fit many dietary needs.

Love this easy glazed donuts recipe but want more quick, oven-baked ideas? Discover another favorite with our Doughnuts Recipe Baked: 10 Best Fluffy Treats In 30 Mins!—perfect for donut lovers who prefer skipping the fryer!

Final Thought:
Life’s too short for sad donuts. With this glazed donuts recipe, you’ve got everything you need to create moments of sweetness—right in your own kitchen. 🍩✨