Homemade glazed doughnuts are a treat that can be enjoyed fresh out of the fryer, soft, sweet, and irresistibly delicious. This simple recipe walks you through every step needed to create these golden, fluffy doughnuts from scratch in your very own kitchen. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, making doughnuts at home allows you to savor them warm and customize them to your liking.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions:
- Begin by activating the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and stir until dissolved. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Add the activated yeast mixture, eggs, softened butter, and vanilla extract to the well in the flour. Mix everything together using a wooden spoon or dough hook until a sticky dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it into a greased bowl, turning it once to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ½ inch thickness.
- Using a doughnut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one large for the outer circle and one small for the hole), cut out doughnut shapes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large, deep pot or fryer to 350°F. Carefully drop the doughnuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, without overcrowding the pan. Fry each doughnut for about 1-2 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the thickness of the glaze by adding more milk if needed.
- Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly but are still warm, dip each one into the glaze, covering the top. Allow the excess glaze to drip off, then place the doughnuts on a wire rack to set.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade glazed doughnuts fresh and warm.
Making classic glazed doughnuts at home may seem like a lot of work, but the result is so worth it. These doughnuts are soft, pillowy, and coated in a sweet glaze that melts in your mouth. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy this beloved treat from the comfort of your kitchen, providing a perfect indulgence for yourself or your family.