Glazed Donuts – Best Homemade Recipe You’ll Love

There’s something magical about biting into warm, freshly made glazed donuts. Soft, pillowy, and dripping with a sweet vanilla glaze, these homemade donuts rival anything you’ll find in a bakery — and yes, they’re even better than Krispy Kreme. Whether you’re treating your family or impressing guests, this recipe turns your kitchen into a donut haven using simple ingredients and a few tried-and-true techniques.

Why These Glazed Donuts Stand Out

Homemade glazed donuts offer everything you crave in a classic fried treat — a golden crisp outside, an airy soft inside, and a melt-in-your-mouth glaze that finishes each bite with sweetness. Unlike store-bought versions, these donuts use real ingredients and are fried in fresh oil, resulting in a cleaner, richer flavor profile. Plus, making them from scratch is surprisingly easy, making this recipe both family-friendly and ideal for baking enthusiasts ready to explore the joy of yeast dough.

What You Need to Make the Best Glazed Donuts

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure; use just enough to avoid dense donuts
• Granulated Sugar: Adds mild sweetness to the dough
• Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances sweetness
• Instant Yeast: Quick-acting to reduce rising time and ensure fluffy results
• Milk: Scalded to improve dough texture and gluten development
• Egg Yolks: Add richness and a tender crumb
• Vanilla Extract: Boosts aroma and pairs beautifully with the glaze
• Vegetable or Canola Oil: For frying, ensures even crisping
• Powdered Sugar: Key component of the silky glaze
• Water: Adjusts the glaze’s consistency
• Vanilla Extract (again): Infuses the glaze with warm flavor

Ingredient Swaps and Smart Alternatives

If you’re short on ingredients or cooking for specific dietary needs, here are some tested alternatives:

• Flour: Swap with bread flour for a chewier texture
• Instant Yeast: Use active dry yeast but increase proofing times
• Milk: Dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk work when scalded
• Egg Yolks: Replace with whole eggs for a firmer dough or vegan substitutes if needed
• Vanilla Extract: Almond or maple extract can offer a fun twist
• Frying Oil: Peanut oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil all perform well

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Glazed Donuts

1. Scald the Milk: In a saucepan, heat milk until it reaches 180˚F, then let it cool to 115˚F. Scalding enhances the dough’s fluffiness by neutralizing whey proteins.
2. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, oil, egg yolks, and vanilla. Mix until combined. Let sit for 10–15 minutes until bubbles form.
3. Knead the Dough: Add remaining flour gradually until the dough is soft and slightly sticky. Knead for 5 minutes.
4. Let it Rise: Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Donuts: Roll dough to 1/4”–1/3” thickness. Use a donut cutter or round cutters to form 11–12 donuts. Re-roll scraps if needed.
6. Second Rise: Place on parchment, cover with a towel, and let rise for 20 minutes in a warm space.
7. Prepare the Glaze: Mix 4 cups of powdered sugar, 5–6 tbsp water, and 1 tbsp vanilla until smooth and pourable.
8. Fry the Donuts: Heat oil to 375˚F. Fry 2–3 donuts at a time, 45–60 seconds per side, until golden.
9. Glaze Immediately: While still hot, dip donuts into glaze and place on a cooling rack.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Let glaze set and serve fresh for the ultimate glazed donut experience.

Tips to Elevate Your Donut Game

• Scalding the milk is a game-changer — don’t skip it
• Keep your dough slightly sticky for a lighter texture
• Use a thermometer for precise oil temperature — too hot and they burn, too cool and they absorb oil
• Glaze immediately while warm for best absorption
• Set up a workflow station: proofed dough → fryer → glaze → cooling rack

Pairings, Flavor Twists, and Storage Ideas

Pair these glazed donuts with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or cold brew for the perfect breakfast combo. Want more variety?

• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Skip the glaze and roll hot donuts in cinnamon sugar
• Chocolate Glaze: Use a rich ganache to add depth
• Stuffed Donuts: Fill with jam or custard after frying
• Spiced Glaze: Add nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the glaze for seasonal flair
• Mini Donuts: Use smaller cutters and reduce frying time

Make-ahead tip: You can refrigerate shaped donuts overnight. Let them come to room temperature and puff slightly before frying the next morning.

The Sweet Nostalgia of Glazed Donuts

Glazed donuts carry a nostalgic comfort — whether they remind you of childhood treats, morning bakery runs, or late-night dessert cravings, they’re the ultimate feel-good pastry. Making them from scratch connects you to that tradition while allowing full creative control over the ingredients and flavor.

So, whether you’re whipping these up for a weekend brunch or just because you deserve a sweet reward, this glazed donuts recipe is guaranteed to become a household favorite — warm, fluffy, and dripping with love.

Wrapping Up: Homemade Glazed Donuts You’ll Make Again and Again

These glazed donuts are the kind of recipe that becomes a weekend ritual — warm, sweet, and utterly satisfying. With their light, fluffy texture and classic vanilla glaze, they’re proof that making donuts at home is not only doable but totally worth it. Whether you fry them fresh for breakfast, serve them as dessert, or surprise your family with a batch on a lazy afternoon, this recipe delivers every time. And once you try them, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Glazed Donuts

More Relevant Recipes

• Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry: These sweet, flaky cherry danishes are an excellent complement to glazed donuts. Both feature indulgent, bakery-style textures and flavors perfect for breakfast or dessert lovers craving something fruity and rich.
• Cinnamon Rolls – Soft & Gooey Homemade: If you love the tender dough and glaze of glazed donuts, these cinnamon rolls are a must-try. With their gooey centers and vanilla icing, they’re equally comforting and indulgent.
• Authentic Mexican Buñuelos: These crispy, cinnamon-sugar coated fried pastries are flavor cousins to glazed donuts. Buñuelos offer a similar crunchy yet airy experience, making them a delightful and culturally rich alternative.

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