If there’s one recipe that brings pure joy and nostalgia into my kitchen, it’s Homemade Glazed Doughnuts. These doughnuts are the epitome of comfort food: pillowy soft, perfectly sweet, and crowned with a luscious, glossy glaze that catches the light and makes your mouth water. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, a special celebration, or just because, there’s no resisting their airy, golden charm. With simple, honest ingredients and a hands-on process as much fun as the delicious payoff, these doughnuts deliver a bakery-level treat right at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Homemade Glazed Doughnuts is how a handful of pantry basics become something so delightfully indulgent. Each ingredient plays a key role in crafting that signature fluffy texture, rich flavor, and irresistible glaze—let’s break down why these picks matter.

All-purpose flour: This is the foundation—gives structure and the soft crumb everyone expects from a real doughnut.
Active dry yeast: The secret to fluffy, risen doughnuts! It brings that light, airy bite.
Whole milk (warmed): Provides richness and softens the dough, making it extra tender.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and even helps the yeast along during that first bloom.
Large eggs: Add flavor, structure, and keep the dough moist.
Unsalted butter (softened): Contributes to that melt-in-your-mouth softness and a touch of buttery flavor.
Salt: Just a teaspoon balances all the sweetness and brings out every other flavor.
Vegetable oil (for frying): A neutral oil keeps the doughnuts beautifully golden without overpowering their flavor.
Powdered sugar: The base for an ultra-smooth, classic glaze.
Milk: Loosens the glaze for perfect dipping—use whole for extra richness!
Vanilla extract: A splash brings warmth and that classic sweet bakery aroma to the glaze.

How to Make “Homemade Glazed Doughnuts

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by waking up your yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm whole milk, active dry yeast, and just a spoonful of the sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes—watch for it to get frothy and bubbly. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, promising fluffy, bakery-style doughnuts.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the remaining sugar, eggs, softened butter, and salt. Pour in your yeast mixture, then slowly add the flour, mixing as you go. You’re looking for a soft, slightly sticky dough that’s easy to handle. This is really where those Homemade Glazed Doughnuts start to take shape and the kitchen begins to fill with anticipation.

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it by hand for 5 to 7 minutes, until it becomes silky and elastic. Take a moment to enjoy the transformation here—it’ll go from sticky and shaggy to smooth and unified. That’s the key to springy, luscious doughnuts.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it up, and find a warm, cozy spot for it to rest. Let it rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it’s doubled in size. This patient wait is essential for perfect Homemade Glazed Doughnuts—the slow rise gives them their light, airy texture and gentle yeast flavor.

Step 5: Shape the Doughnuts

After the dough has risen, turn it out and gently roll it to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter (or a big glass and a small one for the holes) and cut out those classic rounds. Place them carefully on parchment-lined baking sheets, then cover lightly and let them rise again for another 30 minutes. This second rise creates that signature puffiness.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat your vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F—use a thermometer for best results. Fry the doughnuts in batches, about 1 to 2 minutes per side, until they’re beautifully golden brown. The aroma in your kitchen at this point is pure bliss! Remove each doughnut as soon as it’s cooked and drain it on paper towels.

Step 7: Make and Dip the Glaze

While the doughnuts cool ever-so-slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and luscious. Dip each warm doughnut into the glaze, letting the excess drip off before placing them on a wire rack to set. Watching the glaze set into a shiny shell is deeply satisfying—this is when your Homemade Glazed Doughnuts truly come alive.

How to Serve “Homemade Glazed Doughnuts

Garnishes

The classic, vanilla glaze is pure heaven on its own, but you can dress up your doughnuts with sprinkles, finely chopped nuts, or a dusting of cinnamon while the glaze is still tacky. For a fun twist, try a drizzle of melted chocolate or even a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness. The beauty of Homemade Glazed Doughnuts is how easy it is to make them your own with a little creativity.

Side Dishes

Serve your warm doughnuts alongside fresh fruit for a light, refreshing contrast, or pair with a big mug of coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced chai. If you’re going all out for brunch, a platter of crispy bacon or a savory egg dish makes the perfect complement, turning your Homemade Glazed Doughnuts into a showstopping breakfast spread everyone will remember.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange them on a pretty cake stand or stack them high on a rustic wooden platter for a dramatic centerpiece. For parties, you can string doughnuts onto skewers or make a “doughnut wall”—guaranteed to make guests smile. And don’t forget: those donut holes are a bite-sized treat all on their own, perfect for filling up a little bowl for snacking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Homemade Glazed Doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have a few left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid stacking them directly on top of each other to keep the glaze pristine and dough tender.

Freezing

You can freeze unglazed doughnuts! Once cooled, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Just remember to make a fresh batch of glaze after reheating for that just-dipped shine.

Reheating

If your doughnuts have cooled or come out of the freezer, you can warm them up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. Reheat unglazed doughnuts, then dip them in glaze right before enjoying for the true Homemade Glazed Doughnuts experience.

FAQs

Can I make the dough the night before?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough up to the first rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let it come back to room temperature and continue with shaping, rising, and frying. This makes fresh Homemade Glazed Doughnuts an easy morning treat!

What if I don’t have a doughnut cutter?

No worries! Use a large round glass or biscuit cutter for the outer circle and a smaller cutter (like a bottle cap) for the center. The rustic look just adds to their homemade charm.

How do I know the oil is the right temperature?

A deep-fry thermometer is the easiest way—350°F is your sweet spot. No thermometer? Drop in a scrap of dough: it should sizzle and brown in about a minute, but not burn.

Can I make a chocolate glaze?

Yes! Replace 1/4 cup of powdered sugar with cocoa powder in your glaze recipe. Dip and let set—chocolate fans will be in heaven with this variation on classic Homemade Glazed Doughnuts.

Why did my doughnuts turn out dense?

If they’re too heavy, it’s often because the dough didn’t rise enough, the flour wasn’t measured correctly, or the oil was too cold. Give your yeast plenty of time and keep your oil temperature in check for those signature pillowy results.

Final Thoughts

I can’t think of a happier way to treat yourself or loved ones than with a warm batch of Homemade Glazed Doughnuts. There’s just something magical about making them with your own hands, from seeing the dough rise to that first bite of soft, sweet perfection. Give them a try, share the joy, and don’t be surprised if they become your new favorite way to start a special day!

“Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 12 doughnuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightfully sweet and fluffy goodness of Homemade Glazed Doughnuts with this easy-to-follow recipe. These classic treats are perfect for breakfast or a delicious dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Doughnuts:

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm whole milk (110°F)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups vegetable oil for frying

Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Mix remaining sugar, eggs, butter, and salt in a bowl. Add yeast mixture and flour to form a dough. Knead until smooth.
Rise the Dough: Let the dough rise until doubled in size.
Shape and Fry: Roll out dough, cut with a doughnut cutter, let rise again, then fry until golden brown.
Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Dip warm doughnuts in the glaze.

Notes

For a chocolate glaze, substitute 1/4 cup powdered sugar with cocoa powder.
Best enjoyed fresh the same day or refrigerate the dough overnight for convenience.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 1/2 hours rising time)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert, Breakfast
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American