Homemade Glazed Donuts

There’s something utterly delightful about the soft, fluffy texture of a freshly made donut, especially when it’s coated in a sweet, glossy glaze. Homemade glazed donuts are not just a treat; they are a comforting experience that transports you back to childhood mornings filled with the warm aroma of frying dough. Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack, these donuts are sure to become a favorite in your home. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of homemade glazed donuts that you can easily whip up in your own kitchen.

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

This homemade glazed donuts recipe stands out for several reasons:

• Freshness: There’s nothing like the taste of a warm, homemade donut. You can’t beat the flavor and texture of donuts made from scratch.
• Customizable: The base recipe is versatile, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and toppings.
• Simplicity: Made with everyday ingredients, this recipe is approachable, even for beginner bakers.
• Family-Friendly: Making donuts is a fun activity to do with kids, creating lasting memories in the kitchen.

What Goes In

To make these delicious homemade glazed donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
• 1/2 teaspoon butter extract (optional)

Must-Have Equipment

Before you start, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining the dough ingredients.
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
• Donut Cutter: To cut out the donut shapes, though you can also use two round cutters of different sizes.
• Deep Fryer or Heavy Pot: For frying the donuts.
• Thermometer: To monitor the oil temperature for perfect frying.
• Cooling Rack: To allow the donuts to cool after frying.

Directions: Homemade Glazed Donuts

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of homemade glazed donuts:

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the warm water and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, softened butter, salt, egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Once combined, add the yeast mixture and mix until smooth.

Step 3: Add Flour Gradually

Gradually add the all-purpose flour, starting with 2 cups. Mix until a soft dough forms. You may need to add more flour, about 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is not sticky.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

Step 5: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 6: Shape the Donuts

Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out the donuts and holes. Put them on a floured baking sheet and cover them with the towel again. Let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 7: Heat the Oil

In a deep fryer or heavy pot, heat the vegetable oil to 365°F (185°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature for perfect frying.

Step 8: Fry the Donuts

Carefully drop a few donuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a cooling rack.

Step 9: Make the Glaze

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and optional butter extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.

Step 10: Glaze the Donuts

Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Place them back on the cooling rack to let the glaze set.

Better-for-You Options

If you’re looking to make your homemade glazed donuts a bit healthier, consider these options:

• Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
• Substitute part of the sugar with honey or maple syrup.
• Try baking the donuts instead of frying for a lighter version.
• Use coconut oil for frying, which adds a subtle flavor and can be a healthier fat option.

Avoid These Mistakes

To ensure your homemade glazed donuts turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t rush the rising times. Proper fermentation is crucial for fluffy donuts.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying; too cool oil will lead to greasy donuts.
• Do not overcrowd the pot when frying; this can lower the oil temperature.
• Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature accurately.

Make-Ahead & Storage

If you want to prepare ahead of time, here are some helpful tips:

You can prepare the dough up to the first rise and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before proceeding with shaping and frying. Fried donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. If you have leftovers, consider freezing them without glaze for up to a month. Thaw and glaze just before serving.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

While this recipe calls for instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast. Just remember to activate it in warm water first, as per the package instructions, before adding it to your dough.

What can I substitute for the almond extract?

If you don’t have almond extract, you can simply omit it or replace it with an equal amount of additional vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.

How do I know when my donuts are done frying?

Your donuts should be a golden brown color and should float to the surface of the oil. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature to achieve that perfect fry.

Can I glaze the donuts the night before serving?

It’s best to glaze the donuts just before serving for maximum freshness. However, you can prepare the donuts and store them in an airtight container before glazing.

Desserts to Finish

If you enjoyed making homemade glazed donuts, you might also love:

• Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Red Velvet Cupcakes
• Fudgy Brownies
• Creamy Cheesecake

That’s a Wrap

Creating homemade glazed donuts is not just about satisfying a sweet tooth; it’s about the joy of baking and sharing delicious treats with loved ones. With a few simple ingredients and some love, you can bring the bakery experience right into your home kitchen. Whether enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee or as a delightful dessert, these donuts are sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy the most scrumptious homemade glazed donuts you’ve ever tasted!