Homemade glazed donuts have a magical way of transforming an ordinary day into something extraordinary. Picture this: the warm, fluffy goodness of freshly made donuts, generously coated in a glossy, sweet glaze. I remember the first time I made these at home—we woke up to the irresistible scent wafting through the kitchen, and suddenly it felt like a special occasion. This delightful treat is perfect for weekend brunches, after-school snacks, or even a surprise for loved ones on a cozy Sunday morning. What truly makes these donuts special is their light and airy texture, thanks to the unique Tangzhong method that ensures they stay moist longer. Trust me, once you give this recipe a go, you’ll be hooked!

What Makes This Recipe Special

Why should you take the plunge into homemade glazed donuts? For starters, they are surprisingly simple to make, bringing the joy of a bakery to your very own kitchen. The process is not only budget-friendly but also a fantastic way to engage kids in the kitchen. Let them help with the glazing—it’s a fun activity that sparks creativity!

Plus, the satisfaction of biting into a freshly made donut is unmatched. You’ll be treating your family to a delightful experience without needing to leave home. Whether it’s for a casual weekend brunch or a joyful celebration, these donuts will undoubtedly steal the spotlight.

“These donuts are pure heaven! I made them for a brunch with friends, and everyone loved them. They’re soft, sweet, and the glaze is just perfect. I can’t believe I made them myself!”

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making homemade glazed donuts is an enjoyable adventure that requires just a few steps, and I promise it’s worth every minute. Here’s how we’ll approach it: we’ll combine ingredients to create a luscious dough, let it rise, shape our donuts, fry them to golden perfection, and finish with a delightful glaze. This sequence is straightforward, ensuring you know what to expect as you dive into the process.

Everything You Need for This Recipe

Ingredients:

3/4 cup water
1/4 cup bread flour
3 cups + 2 tablespoons bread flour (Important: for the best results, weigh your flour if possible to avoid inconsistencies in texture)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon instant yeast
1 1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt
1/2 cup whole milk (room temperature)
1 large egg (room temperature)
Tangzhong (from the recipe above)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
Neutral oil, for frying (canola, vegetable, or avocado oil)
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon hot water
1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
Pinch of fine sea salt

Feel free to swap out the milk with a non-dairy alternative, like almond or oat milk, if you need to accommodate dietary preferences.

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare the Tangzhong: Begin with your Tangzhong, as it adds moisture and creates a softer texture in your donuts.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the water, milk, and egg. Once combined, add in the Tangzhong and softened butter.
Combine Everything: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, kneading until you create a soft dough.
First Proof: Let the dough rest in a warm place until it doubles in size—about 1 hour.
Shape the Donuts: Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut it into your preferred shapes. Place them on parchment paper for easy access while frying.
Second Proof: Allow the shaped donuts to rise for another 30 to 45 minutes.
Fry: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the donuts, a few at a time, until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Drain: Transfer cooked donuts to a wire rack to drain off excess oil.
Make the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, hot water, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Glaze the Donuts: Dip each warm donut into the glaze and let the excess drip off. Place them back on the wire rack to set.

Perfect Pairings for Homemade Glazed Donuts

Serving homemade glazed donuts can be as creative as you want! They’re exquisite on their own but pair wonderfully with coffee, fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream. Consider serving them alongside a rich, hot chocolate for an indulgent treat, or offer a selection of jams for dipping. For an extra special touch, why not accompany your donuts with a fruit salad drizzled with honey?

Best Way to Store Homemade Glazed Donuts

To keep your homemade glazed donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to keep them longer, consider freezing them without the glaze. Once you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw at room temperature, reheat briefly in the oven, and glaze just before serving to ensure that delightful fresh taste. Always remember, when handling food, ensure your hands and surfaces are clean to prevent contaminants.

Pro Chef Tips

Temperature Matters: Always ensure your milk and egg are at room temperature for optimal mixing, resulting in a smoother dough.
Don’t Overproof: Overproofing can lead to greasy or flat donuts, so keep an eye on the time.
Frying Tips: Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F to ensure your donuts cook evenly without absorbing too much oil.
Glaze Accordingly: For a thicker glaze, add less hot water. For a drizzle effect, simply increase the water.

Creative Twists

Once you master the basic glazed donut, consider trying out variations! Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm twist. You can also play with flavors in the glaze—think chocolate, maple, or even citrus. For a fun decoration, sprinkle with toasted coconut, crushed nuts, or colorful sprinkles to elevate the presentation.

Common Questions Answered

How long does it take to make these donuts from start to finish?

From start to finish, expect about 2-3 hours, including rising time. However, you’ll only be actively working for about an hour of that time.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

While you can, bread flour provides a better texture and chew due to its higher protein content. If you prefer to use all-purpose flour, you might find the donuts a bit denser.

How should I store leftover donuts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them without glaze and thaw when ready to enjoy.

By following this guide, you’ll create scrumptious homemade glazed donuts that everyone will adore. Enjoy the process and relish each bite!

Homemade Glazed Donuts

Total Time: 90
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delicious and fluffy homemade glazed donuts perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

3/4 cup water
1/4 cup bread flour
3 cups + 2 tablespoons bread flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon instant yeast
1 1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt
1/2 cup whole milk (room temperature)
1 large egg (room temperature)
Tangzhong
5 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
Neutral oil, for frying (canola, vegetable, or avocado oil)
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon hot water
1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
Pinch of fine sea salt

Instructions

Prepare the Tangzhong: Begin with your Tangzhong, as it adds moisture and creates a softer texture in your donuts.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the water, milk, and egg. Once combined, add in the Tangzhong and softened butter.
Combine Everything: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, kneading until you create a soft dough.
First Proof: Let the dough rest in a warm place until it doubles in size—about 60 minutes.
Shape the Donuts: Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut it into your preferred shapes. Place them on parchment paper.
Second Proof: Allow the shaped donuts to rise for another 30 to 45 minutes.
Fry: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the donuts until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Drain: Transfer cooked donuts to a wire rack to drain off excess oil.
Make the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, hot water, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Glaze the Donuts: Dip each warm donut into the glaze and let the excess drip off.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add spices to the dough or try different glaze flavors like chocolate or maple.

Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 30
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: donuts, glazed donuts, homemade treats, baking, Tangzhong method