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Homemade Glazed Donuts: A Sweet, Cozy Treat

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked donuts wafting through the kitchen. As the golden dough begins to rise, it reminds me of lazy Sunday mornings spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where laughter and sweetness filled the air. Those moments of her sliding a warm, sugary donut onto my plate, each bite tender and delightful, have kept that nostalgia alive in my heart. Today, I’m sharing my homemade glazed donuts recipe, which is not just delicious but also a heartfelt reminder of those cherished mornings.

Biting into these donuts is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a chilly day; they are soft, sweet, and just the right amount of indulgent. I know you and your family will love them as much as I do! This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and Cozy: Perfect for a leisurely breakfast or a delightful afternoon snack.
Family-Friendly Fun: Gather the kiddos for a joyful kitchen adventure creating sweet treats.
Easy-to-Follow Instructions: Even novice bakers will find success with these simple steps.
Customizable Glaze: Personalize your donuts with various flavors or toppings to match any occasion.
Nostalgic Treat: Every bite transports you back to those cherished moments in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Glazed Donuts

Gather these simple ingredients to create your own batch of homemade glazed donuts:

3/4 cup water
1/4 cup bread flour
3 cups + 2 tablespoons bread flour (See notes below for measuring)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon instant yeast
1 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 cup whole milk (room temperature)
1 large egg (room temperature)
Tangzhong (from recipe above)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
Neutral oil, for frying (like 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

Let’s Make It Together

Make the Donuts

In a small saucepan, combine 3/4 cup water and 1/4 cup bread flour to make a tangzhong. Heat over medium, whisking until it thickens—about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together 3 cups + 2 tablespoons bread flour, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon instant yeast, and 1 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt.
In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup whole milk, 1 large egg, and the cooled tangzhong.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients along with 5 tablespoons of room temperature unsalted butter. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Once risen, roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out donuts and holes. Place them on a floured baking sheet to rise for another 30 minutes.
Heat your neutral oil in a deep pan over medium heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C). Fry the donuts a few at a time, about 1-2 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on paper towels to drain.

Make the Vanilla Glaze

While the donuts cool slightly, whisk together 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon hot water, 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract, and a pinch of fine sea salt until smooth.
Dip the warm donuts into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them on a wire rack to set, and enjoy the heavenly aroma!

Delicious Variations to Try

Chocolate-Glazed Donuts: Mix cocoa powder into the glaze for a rich, indulgent treat!
Cinnamon Sugar: After frying, toss your donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a cozy spiced flavor.
Fruit Toppings: Add a hint of zest with a drizzle of lemon or orange glaze that gives it a fresh, fruity kick.
Bacon Maple: For a sweet-and-savory twist, top with a maple glaze and sprinkle crispy turkey bacon on top.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough a day before and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling.
Measuring Flour: For precise measuring, aerate the flour before scooping, then spoon it into the measuring cup and level off with a knife.
Downsized Donuts: If you prefer mini donuts, simply use a smaller cutter and watch them carefully while frying to adjust the cooking time.
Storage: Keep any leftover donuts in an airtight container for up to two days. You can also freeze them for up to a month; just reheat them before enjoying!

Nutrition Information per Serving

Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories: 215
Carbohydrates: 31g
Sugar: 18g
Fat: 9g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 130mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight.

Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of flour or milk for unique flavors.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days for the best texture.

How long does it last?
Enjoy your homemade glazed donuts within two days for the softest flavor or freeze them for longer storage.

A Cozy Closing Note

Homemade glazed donuts are not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; they carry the warmth of cherished moments, rich conversations, and comforting flavors. As you gather your loved ones around your kitchen table, these delightful treats will surely become a timeless favorite in your home.

Save this Homemade Glazed Donuts recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!