Homemade Glazed Doughnuts – Soft, Sweet & Straight from the Heart
Doughnuts are more than just a sweet treat — they’re a little bite of joy. Whether you grew up eating them from a local bakery, grabbing one on the go with your morning coffee, or making them at home with your family, there’s something incredibly comforting about them. Golden on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and often dipped in a sugary glaze or dusted with cinnamon — they’re a symbol of celebration, comfort, and indulgence.
The Joy of Homemade Doughnuts
There’s something magical about making doughnuts at home. The moment that warm, freshly fried dough hits the glaze, it’s pure joy — soft, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Unlike store-bought ones, homemade doughnuts are tender, rich in flavor, and made with real ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
A Morning Tradition Worth Starting
This recipe is perfect for breakfast or weekend brunch, especially when you want to treat yourself or your loved ones to something truly special. The first bite of a warm, glazed doughnut with a cup of chai or coffee? Absolutely unbeatable. Making doughnuts from scratch might seem intimidating, but with the right steps and a little patience, it’s much easier than it looks — and deeply satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with simple pantry staples
- Buttery soft texture with a light vanilla glaze
- Foolproof method with detailed steps
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or sweet snacking
These doughnuts are soft, fluffy, and taste even better than the ones from your favorite bakery. Once you try them, you might never go back to store-bought again.
Homemade Glazed Doughnuts
Ingredients
For the Doughnuts:
- 1 cup Milk
- 2¼ tsp Yeast
- ⅓ cup Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp Vanilla essence
- ½ tsp Salt
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- Oil for frying
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups Sugar
- ⅓ cup Fresh cream or whole milk
- ½ tsp Vanilla essence
Instructions
Make the Dough
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Cover loosely and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
- Add the remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, salt, and 2 cups of flour.
- Beat on low speed for 1 minute. Scrape down the bowl, then add the remaining 2 cups of flour and beat on medium speed until a sticky dough forms and pulls away from the sides (about 2 minutes). Add more flour 1 tablespoon at a time if needed.
Knead the Dough
- Knead the dough in the mixer for 7-8 minutes, or by hand on a floured surface.
- The dough should be soft, slightly sticky, and elastic. Avoid adding too much flour; we want it light and fluffy!
- Do the poke test (poke with your finger — it should slowly bounce back) or the windowpane test to confirm the dough is ready.
Let the Dough Rise
- Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough inside. Turn to coat, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1.5–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Doughnuts
- Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to ½ inch thickness.
- Cut out doughnuts using a 3–3.5 inch cutter. Re-roll and cut any scraps.
- Place on parchment-lined trays and let rest, loosely covered, for 30 minutes. They will puff up slightly.
Fry the Doughnuts
- Heat oil in a heavy pot to 375°F (191°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Fry 2–3 doughnuts at a time, 1 minute per side, until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack set over a tray. Repeat until all doughnuts are fried.
Make the Glaze
- In a bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla until smooth.
- While doughnuts are still warm, dip each one into the glaze to coat both sides. Let excess glaze drip off onto the rack.
- Allow glaze to set for 15–20 minutes.
Serve
- Homemade glazed doughnuts are best served fresh and slightly warm, right after the glaze sets.
Notes
- Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor oil temperature — consistent heat = perfect doughnuts.
- Don’t skip the resting or rising time — it helps give you that soft, airy texture.
- Glaze them while they’re still warm so it absorbs properly.
Storage
Doughnuts are best the same day. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before eating.
For Guests or Gifting
- Wrap individual doughnuts in wax paper and place them in small boxes or paper bags for a cute homemade gift.
- Serve on a cake stand or tiered tray for brunch parties or celebrations.
