Irresistibly Light Fluffy Glazed Doughnuts Recipe For Beginners

Sweet mornings call for homemade glazed doughnuts that melt in your mouth with their incredible fluffy texture.

These classic golden-brown doughnuts with their perfectly smooth glaze will transport you to bakery bliss.

Every bite of these soft, pillowy doughnuts promises pure comfort and indulgence.

The delicate dough rises beautifully, creating a light and airy treat that beats store-bought versions.

Rich with hints of vanilla and a silky sugar glaze, these doughnuts offer a nostalgic flavor that feels like a warm hug.

Whipping up this simple recipe takes less than an hour, making it perfect for weekend breakfast or surprising loved ones with a delectable homemade treat.

You’ll fall in love with every sweet, tender morsel of these irresistible doughnuts.

How to Make Glazed Doughnuts That Are Soft Inside

• Activate Yeast Mixture

Combine yeast with warm water and let it bubble up and become frothy for a few minutes.

• Create Dough Base

Blend warm milk, sugar, salt, melted butter, egg, and activated yeast into a smooth liquid mixture.

• Form Soft Dough

Slowly fold in flour until a soft, pliable dough emerges. Knead the dough on a lightly dusted surface until it becomes smooth and stretchy.

• Let Dough Rise

Place dough in a greased container, cover, and allow it to expand in a cozy spot until it doubles in size.

• Shape Doughnuts

Roll out the risen dough and cut into classic circular shapes using round cutters.

• Prepare for Frying

Let cut doughnuts rest and puff up slightly. Heat oil in a deep pan until it reaches the perfect frying temperature.

• Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully lower doughnuts into hot oil, cooking each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

• Glaze and Serve

Dip warm doughnuts into sweet glaze, letting excess drip off, and set on a cooling rack to set.

Add-Ins for Unique Doughnut Dough or Coatings

• Create a warm, draft-free environment by placing the dough in an oven with the light on, which provides gentle, consistent heat for optimal rising.
• Use a candy thermometer to maintain precise oil temperature, ensuring doughnuts are crispy outside and perfectly soft inside without absorbing excess oil.
• Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum to maintain texture and structure for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Prepare dough the night before and refrigerate for a slow, overnight rise, developing deeper flavor and making morning preparation easier.
• Experiment with different glaze variations like chocolate, maple, or cream cheese, or roll warm doughnuts in cinnamon sugar for a classic twist.

Serve Homemade Doughnuts Warm for Best Results

• Breakfast Bliss: Pair these golden doughnuts with a steaming cup of coffee for a delightful morning treat.
• Dessert Decadence: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent after-dinner surprise.
• Brunch Spread: Create a stunning doughnut platter with various toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or chocolate drizzle to impress guests.
• Family Fun: Set up a doughnut decorating station where everyone can add their favorite glazes and toppings, making mealtime interactive and enjoyable.

Storing Glazed Doughnuts for Sweet Days Ahead

• Store glazed doughnuts in an airtight container lined with paper towels at the bottom. Refrigeration keeps them fresh for 2-3 days, preventing moisture buildup and maintaining texture.
• Wrap individual doughnuts separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen doughnuts stay delicious for up to 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.
• Keep unglazed doughnuts on the counter in a sealed container for maximum 24 hours. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crispness.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen doughnuts in a preheated oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. This method restores their original soft texture and brings back that freshly fried warmth without making them greasy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 13

Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Ingredient Rundown

• Yeast: Magical rising agent that gives doughnuts their fluffy texture, choose fresh active dry yeast for best results.
• Warm Water: Activates yeast and helps create perfect dough consistency, ensure temperature is between 100-110°F.
• Milk: Adds richness and helps create soft dough, use whole milk for deeper flavor.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps yeast activate, select granulated white sugar.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine table salt.
• Butter: Contributes rich taste and tender texture, select unsalted butter for better control.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure, use room temperature egg.
• Flour: Creates dough structure, use all-purpose flour with consistent protein content.

• Vegetable Oil: Creates crispy exterior and golden color, choose neutral-flavored oil with high smoke point.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet coating, sift to remove lumps.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aroma to glaze, use pure vanilla for best flavor.
• Milk: Helps create perfect glaze consistency, add gradually.

Tools for Frying and Glazing Homemade Doughnuts

• Mixing Bowls: Large and small bowls for combining ingredients and preparing dough.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Doughnut Cutter or Round Cutters: 3-inch and 1-inch cutters to shape perfect doughnuts.
• Deep Skillet or Pot: For deep-frying doughnuts in oil.
• Kitchen Thermometer: To check oil temperature at 350F.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For mixing and stirring dough.
• Flour Sifter or Strainer: To dust work surface and prevent sticking.
• Wire Rack: For draining and setting glazed doughnuts.
• Towel: To cover rising dough and prevent drying.
• Paper Towels: To drain excess oil from fried doughnuts.

Fluffy Glazed Doughnuts Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Irresistible homemade glazed doughnuts promise pure delight with their golden-brown exterior and silky sweet coating. Crisp yet tender pastries invite indulgence, delivering comfort from first delectable bite to last satisfying crumb.

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Ingredients

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• 1 large egg
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsps) active dry yeast
• 2 tbsps warm water (about 110°F)
• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: Dissolve yeast in warm water, allowing it to bloom and become frothy for about 5-10 minutes.
2. Create Dough Base: Blend warm milk, sugar, salt, melted butter, egg, and activated yeast in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. Develop Dough Texture: Incorporate flour gradually, kneading on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
4. First Proofing: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm environment for 1-1.5 hours until the volume doubles.
5. Shape and Prepare: Roll out dough to 1/2-inch thickness, cut into classic doughnut shapes using round cutters, and arrange on a floured tray.
6. Second Proofing: Allow cut doughnuts to rest and rise for an additional 30 minutes, ensuring a light, airy texture.
7. Frying Process: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep skillet, carefully frying doughnuts in small batches until they achieve a golden-brown exterior, approximately 1 minute per side.
8. Finishing Touch: Drain fried doughnuts on paper towels, then promptly glaze while still warm, placing them on a wire rack to set and cool.

Notes

• Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to properly activate yeast without killing it; lukewarm water helps yeast bloom correctly.
• Add flour gradually to achieve soft, elastic dough without becoming too dry or sticky; consistency is key for perfect texture.
• Use a thermometer to keep oil at steady 350°F during frying; fluctuating temperatures result in greasy or undercooked doughnuts.
• Place dough in warm, draft-free area around 80-85°F for optimal rising; covering with damp cloth helps prevent dough from drying out.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg