Indulge in the classic delight of homemade glazed doughnuts, soft, sweet, and freshly fried to perfection. This recipe guides you through creating doughnuts with a tender crumb and a sugary glaze, reminiscent of your favorite bakery treats.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

For the Doughnuts:

• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
• 2 and 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
• Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil recommended)

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups (240g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1/3 cup (80ml) whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and nutmeg. Add the yeast mixture to the egg mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead and Rise: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Shape the Doughnuts: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a 3-inch doughnut cutter to cut out doughnuts and a smaller cutter to cut out the centers. Place the cut doughnuts and holes on parchment-lined baking sheets. Cover and let them rest for about 15 minutes as you prepare the oil.
4. Fry the Doughnuts: Heat oil in a large, heavy-duty pot to 375°F (191°C). Carefully add 2-3 doughnuts to the hot oil at a time, frying each side for about 1 minute until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove doughnuts and place them on a wire rack to drain. Repeat with remaining doughnuts and holes, ensuring the oil temperature remains consistent.
5. Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Glaze the Doughnuts: While the doughnuts are still warm, dip each into the glaze, ensuring even coverage. Place glazed doughnuts back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
7. Serve: Enjoy the doughnuts fresh. They are best eaten the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 300
• Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 5g

History and Popularity of Glazed Doughnuts

Glazed doughnuts have a long and rich history, with origins tracing back to Dutch settlers who introduced fried dough treats to America. Over time, these simple fried pastries evolved into the modern doughnuts we know today, thanks to advancements in baking techniques and the introduction of yeast-based recipes. One of the most iconic glazed doughnuts comes from Krispy Kreme, which popularized the light, airy, and sweetly coated treats across the globe. The appeal of glazed doughnuts lies in their perfect balance of texture and flavor. The outer layer is slightly crisp, while the inside remains soft and fluffy. The glaze, made of sugar, milk, and vanilla, adds a glossy, sweet coating that enhances the overall taste. This combination has made them a staple in bakeries, cafes, and homes worldwide.

Why You Should Make Homemade Glazed Doughnuts

While store-bought doughnuts are convenient, homemade versions offer several advantages. First, they allow complete control over the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality. Unlike mass-produced doughnuts that may contain preservatives and artificial flavors, homemade doughnuts are free from unnecessary additives. Another benefit is the customization options. You can adjust the level of sweetness, experiment with different glazes (such as chocolate, maple, or fruit-flavored), and even fill them with custards or jams. Making doughnuts at home also allows you to enjoy them warm, fresh from the fryer, which is an experience that store-bought doughnuts simply cannot replicate.

Tips for Perfecting Your Homemade Glazed Doughnuts

• Use Fresh Yeast: The yeast is responsible for the dough’s rise, which impacts the doughnuts’ texture. Always use fresh yeast, whether active dry or instant, to ensure the best results. If the yeast does not foam when mixed with warm milk, it may be expired.
• Maintain the Right Oil Temperature: The oil should be consistently heated to 375°F (191°C). If the oil is too hot, the doughnuts will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. If the oil is too cool, the doughnuts will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Kneading the dough too much can make it tough, resulting in dense doughnuts. Mix just until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Let the Dough Fully Rise: Allowing the dough to rise properly ensures that the doughnuts will be light and airy. Rushing this step may lead to a denser texture.
• Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place doughnuts on a wire rack with paper towels underneath to absorb any excess oil. This helps keep the texture light without being greasy.
• Glaze While Warm: Dipping the doughnuts in glaze while they are still warm allows the sugar coating to set properly, giving them a classic shiny finish.

Variations of Glazed Doughnuts

Homemade glazed doughnuts serve as a versatile base for countless variations. Some popular options include:

• Chocolate-Glazed Doughnuts: A rich chocolate glaze made from cocoa powder and melted chocolate adds a deeper sweetness to the classic recipe.
• Maple-Glazed Doughnuts: Using maple syrup instead of vanilla in the glaze creates a warm, comforting flavor perfect for fall.
• Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts: Instead of glazing, some prefer rolling their doughnuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a slightly crunchy coating.
• Filled Doughnuts: Instead of cutting out the center, some bakers prefer making round doughnuts filled with custard, jam, or Nutella. The glaze is then drizzled on top for extra sweetness.
• Vegan Glazed Doughnuts: Using dairy-free milk, plant-based butter, and egg substitutes can make this recipe suitable for vegans without compromising taste or texture.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Glazed doughnuts are delicious on their own but can be paired with various beverages and accompaniments to enhance the experience:

• Coffee: The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of the glaze, making for a perfect breakfast or afternoon treat.
• Milk: A classic pairing, a glass of cold milk balances the sugary richness of the doughnuts.
• Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate makes for an indulgent combination, especially during colder months.
• Fresh Fruit: Pairing doughnuts with fresh berries or fruit slices adds a refreshing contrast to the sugary treat.
• Ice Cream: Serving glazed doughnuts with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream transforms them into an extra decadent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Homemade glazed doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store them, follow these tips to maintain their quality:

• Room Temperature: Store doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigerating, as this can dry them out.
• Freezing: If you want to store them for longer, freeze unglazed doughnuts in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature and reheat slightly before glazing.
• Reheating: To restore the freshness, warm doughnuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place them in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes.

Health Considerations and Alternatives

Although delicious, traditional glazed doughnuts are high in sugar and fat due to frying. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider the following alternatives:

• Baked Doughnuts: Instead of frying, bake the doughnuts in a doughnut pan for a lighter version. The texture will be slightly different but still enjoyable.
• Whole Wheat Doughnuts: Using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour adds fiber and nutrients.
• Sugar Substitutes: To reduce sugar content, opt for alternative sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia in the glaze.
• Air-Fried Doughnuts: Air frying reduces oil usage while still achieving a slightly crispy exterior.

Conclusion

Homemade glazed doughnuts offer an unbeatable combination of flavor, texture, and freshness. While making them from scratch requires a bit of time and effort, the results are well worth it. With the ability to customize flavors, control ingredients, and enjoy them warm, homemade doughnuts surpass store-bought versions in every way. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast, a family treat, or a fun weekend baking project, these doughnuts are sure to impress.