There’s something undeniably magical about rolling up your sleeves, dusting the countertop with flour, and crafting those pillowy rings of joy from scratch. Homemade Original Glazed Donuts bring a sense of accomplishment that store-bought treats simply can’t match. As each tender, golden donut emerges from the bubbling oil and takes that first dip into gleaming, sugar-kissed glaze, you’ll feel like you’ve unlocked a secret dessert code. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or an enthusiastic beginner tackling an intermediate-level dessert project, this recipe guides you through every step—from yeast proofing to that satisfying first bite.
Over the course of roughly two hours (30 minutes active prep, 20 minutes frying time, and about 1 hour 30 minutes for dough rising), you’ll transform simple pantry staples into an indulgent course-worthy treat. At about 200 calories per donut, these fluffy wonders strike the perfect balance between a special occasion splurge and an everyday delight. I’ll never forget the first time I shared these with my family: flour under my fingernails, laughter echoing in the kitchen, and the sheer delight on every face as warm, glazed donuts vanished within minutes. It’s moments like those that keep me coming back to this recipe time and again.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN ORIGINAL GLAZED DONUTS
Every ingredient in these Original Glazed Donuts plays a pivotal role in creating that classic, melt-in-your-mouth texture and perfectly sweet coating. From the foundational yeast that gives the dough its airy rise to the glossy powdered sugar glaze that seals in moisture, each component works in harmony. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:
- Active Dry Yeast: The leavening agent that ferments and produces carbon dioxide, giving your dough its characteristic fluff and lift.
- Warm Water: The ideal 110°F temperature activates the yeast quickly, ensuring a lively, frothy starter that jumpstarts the rising process.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and fuels the yeast, contributing to browning and that lightly caramelized crust on each fried donut.
- Whole Milk: Enriches the dough with its creamy fat content, resulting in a softer crumb and more tender bite.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel, helping to create that irresistible meltiness in every donut.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and strengthens gluten structure, keeping the dough from tasting flat while improving its elasticity.
- Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together, contribute to the dough’s moisture, and help with the golden color and structure.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure and chewiness; additional dusting flour prevents sticking.
- Vegetable Oil: Neutral-flavored and stable at high heat, it ensures an even, crisp exterior without overpowering the delicate donut flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: Forms the base of the shiny glaze, dissolving smoothly and coating each donut in a sweet, snowy blanket.
- Milk (for Glaze): Thins the powdered sugar to the perfect consistency, making the glaze glossy and easy to coat.
- Vanilla Extract: Infuses the glaze with warm, aromatic notes that elevate the sweetness and round out the flavor profile.
HOW TO MAKE ORIGINAL GLAZED DONUTS
Now that your ingredients are prepped and ready, let’s dive into the dough-making, frying, and glazing process. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly soft, fluffy donuts with a lusciously sweet coating.
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (110°F), stirring gently until no dry granules remain. Let it sit until it becomes frothy and bubbly—about 5 minutes—to confirm the yeast is active.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, warmed whole milk, melted unsalted butter, salt, and eggs. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
3. Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the bowl and mix well using a spatula or dough hook attachment on a mixer, ensuring an even blend of flavors.
4. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring after each addition until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and springs back when gently pressed.
6. Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
7. After rising, punch down the dough to release trapped air, then roll it out on a floured surface to a ½-inch thickness using a rolling pin.
8. Use a donut cutter to cut out rings and gently transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
9. Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F, using a candy thermometer to maintain a steady temperature.
10. Fry the donuts in batches, gently lowering them into the oil and cooking each side for about 1 minute until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
11. To prepare the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until completely smooth and pourable, adjusting milk as needed for consistency.
12. Working quickly while the donuts are still warm, dip each one into the glaze, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl. Place on a wire rack to set before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR ORIGINAL GLAZED DONUTS
Enjoying these homemade gems goes beyond the obvious bite-and-savor. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, crafting a cozy morning ritual, or surprising loved ones, a thoughtful presentation enhances every moment. Here are four irresistible ways to serve your freshly glazed donuts:
- Serve alongside a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a frothy cappuccino. The contrast between the warm, slightly bitter brew and the sweet, pillowy donut is a match made in breakfast heaven.
- Lightly dust with cinnamon sugar for an extra layer of spice and sweetness. Simply mix cinnamon into granulated sugar, sprinkle it on the rack while the glaze is setting, and watch the magic happen.
- Turn them into a luscious treat by filling each donut with homemade jam or vanilla custard. Use a piping bag fitted with a filling tip to inject the center, creating a delightful surprise in every bite.
- Host a colorful donut board with an assortment of glazes, sprinkles, and drizzles. Invite guests to customize their own creations by setting out small bowls of toppings—think crushed nuts, mini chocolate chips, or edible flowers.
HOW TO STORE ORIGINAL GLAZED DONUTS
While these donuts are at their absolute best when devoured fresh from the fryer, there are ways to keep them tasty for days. Proper storage will help maintain their soft texture and prevent the glaze from becoming too sticky or damp. Here’s how to extend their shelf life while preserving that just-made charm:
- Room Temperature Storage: Place cooled donuts in an airtight container or resealable bag. Store at room temperature (away from direct sunlight) for up to 24 hours. This method retains their pillowy texture without drying them out.
- Refrigeration: For storage up to 2 days, layer donuts between pieces of parchment paper in an airtight container. Refrigeration slows moisture buildup in the glaze, but bring them to room temperature or warm them briefly before serving to restore softness.
- Freezing: To keep donuts for up to a month, freeze them individually on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer frozen treats to a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in a low oven for a freshly made feel.
- Reheating Tips: Revive the fresh-from-the-fryer texture by microwaving a donut for 10–15 seconds or warming them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This method reawakens the dough’s loft and re-melts the glaze into a glossy finish.
CONCLUSION
What began as a handful of simple pantry staples has blossomed into a timeless dessert recipe that brings joy to the kitchen and delight to every palate. From mastering the art of yeast activation to the satisfying rhythm of kneading and rising, these Original Glazed Donuts offer a hands-on, intermediate-level baking experience that’s as rewarding as it is delicious. You’ll find that every stage—proofing the dough, frying to golden perfection, whisking the shiny glaze—culminates in a treat that’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or an anytime pick-me-up. Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder so you can revisit these steps whenever a craving strikes. If you’re craving different flavors, explore the notes on adding sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or even turning these into filled donuts for variety.
We’ve covered everything from ingredient roles to storage strategies and serving flair, and you’ll even find a FAQ section below to address common questions. Now it’s your turn to transform your kitchen into a mini donut shop! If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear about your triumphs, tweaks, or any questions that pop up as you go through the process. Drop a comment, share your feedback, or let me know how you personalized these donuts to suit your taste. Happy frying—and even happier tasting!
Original Glazed Donuts
Description
Experience the joy of biting into warm, fluffy donuts glazed to perfection. With just the right amount of sweetness, they are a treat that's hard to resist any time of day.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit until frothy, about 5 minutes.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, warm milk, melted butter, salt, and eggs.
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Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and mix well.
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Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
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Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
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Punch down the dough to release air, then roll it out to 1/2-inch thickness on a floured surface.
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Use a donut cutter to cut out the donuts and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
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Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F.
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Fry the donuts in batches until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
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To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
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Dip each warm donut into the glaze, covering completely, and place on a wire rack to set.
Note
- If you do not have a donut cutter, a large and small cookie cutter can work fine.
- Be sure not to overheat the oil as it can burn the donuts quickly.
- The dough can be prepared in advance and kept in the refrigerator overnight.
- Donuts taste best when eaten fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Experiment with adding different toppings like sprinkles or chocolate drizzle for variety.
