These Homemade Glazed Doughnuts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Homemade Glazed Doughnuts are soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden with a sweet vanilla glaze that melts in your mouth. Freshly fried and dipped in a silky sugar coating, they’re a classic bakery-style treat made right in your own kitchen. Ideal for weekend baking, special mornings, or anytime you crave a warm, melt-in-your-mouth doughnut.

ingredients

this Recipe

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

For the doughnuts:
all-purpose flouractive dry yeastwarm milkgranulated sugareggsunsalted butter (softened)saltvanilla extractvegetable oil (for frying)

For the glaze:
powdered sugarsaltvanilla extractmilk

directions

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, eggs, softened butter, vanilla, and the activated yeast mixture.

Mix and knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms (about 8–10 minutes). Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Roll out dough on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Cut out doughnuts using a doughnut cutter or two round cutters.

Place doughnuts on a parchment-lined tray, cover lightly, and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry doughnuts in batches, flipping once, until golden brown on both sides—about 1–2 minutes per side.

Remove and drain on paper towels.

In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt to make the glaze.

While still warm, dip each doughnut into the glaze, then place on a wire rack to set.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12–14 doughnuts.Preparation time: 20 minutesRising time: 2 hoursFrying and glazing time: 30 minutesTotal time: about 2 hours 50 minutes

Variations

Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced version.

Use chocolate glaze or maple glaze for a fun twist.

Fill with jelly, custard, or cream after frying.

Top with sprinkles, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut.

storage/reheating

Best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.Reheat in the microwave for 8–10 seconds to soften.Doughnuts can be frozen (un-glazed) and reheated as needed.

FAQs

Can I bake them instead?

Yes, but they won’t be quite as fluffy—bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, then glaze.

Can I make the dough ahead?

Yes, refrigerate the dough overnight and bring to room temp before rolling and cutting.

What oil is best for frying?

Use neutral oils like vegetable or canola for best results.

How do I know the oil is hot enough?

Use a thermometer or drop a small piece of dough—if it sizzles and floats, it’s ready.

Can I make mini doughnuts?

Yes, just reduce the frying time slightly.

Why are my doughnuts greasy?

Oil was likely too cool—keep it between 350–365°F.

Do I need a stand mixer?

It helps, but you can knead by hand—just be patient and knead well.

What’s the best flour to use?

All-purpose flour works great, but bread flour can give a chewier texture.

How do I make them extra fluffy?

Let the dough rise fully both times and avoid over-handling before frying.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—perfect for sharing at brunch or parties.

Conclusion

These Homemade Glazed Doughnuts are the ultimate treat—pillowy soft, perfectly sweet, and irresistibly fresh. With a simple yeast dough and glossy vanilla glaze, they’re sure to become a favorite for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you want to indulge. One bite and you’ll never go back to store-bought!

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