If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying bakery-quality treats fresh from your own kitchen, you’re going to be absolutely delighted by this Homemade Glazed Donuts Recipe. These donuts boast a tender, pillowy crumb with a slightly crisp, shiny vanilla glaze that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re craving a weekend indulgence or planning to impress your friends, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite. Get ready to savor the magic of homemade goodness that’s satisfying, sweet, and oh so addictive!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a shiny metal pot with thick, creamy white sauce inside. The sauce has a smooth, slightly glossy texture and is being swirled in the center by a black whisk with a plastic handle. The pot is held on a surface with a white marbled texture visible around it. There are no layers or other colors, just the single creamy white sauce inside the metal pot with the whisk. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Homemade Glazed Donuts Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that work in perfect harmony. Each one plays a key role: from the flour and milk creating that soft, elastic dough, to the butter adding richness, and the glaze bringing that irresistible shine and sweet balance.

Water (3/4 cup): Essential for activating the flour mixture in the tangzhong for that delicate donut texture.
Bread flour (3 cups + 2 tablespoons): Gives these donuts their chewy, sturdy structure while still staying fluffy inside.
Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with browning during frying.
Instant yeast (1 tablespoon): The secret to light, airy donuts that rise perfectly every time.
Fine sea salt (1 1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Whole milk (1/2 cup, room temperature): Brings moisture and richness to the dough.
Large egg (1, room temperature): Provides structure and helps with dough binding.
Tangzhong: A cooked flour-water mixture that gives your donuts that signature soft, tender crumb.
Unsalted butter (5 tablespoons, room temperature): Infuses the dough with a lovely richness and moistness.
Neutral oil: Like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil, perfect for frying without adding extra flavor.
Powdered sugar (3 1/2 cups): The base of the smooth, shiny glaze that makes these donuts irresistible.
Hot water (1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon): Helps dissolve the powdered sugar for a perfect glaze consistency.
Vanilla paste or extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, aromatic flavor to the glaze.
Pinch of fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness in the glaze beautifully.

How to Make Homemade Glazed Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tangzhong Starter

Start with something that might sound fancy but is pure genius: the tangzhong. By cooking water and bread flour into a smooth paste, you create a magic ingredient that locks in moisture, leaving your donuts soft, fluffy, and incredibly tender. Whisk constantly over medium heat until it thickens, then set it aside to cool.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In your stand mixer’s bowl fitted with a dough hook, combine the bulk of the bread flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Adding the milk, egg, and the cooled tangzhong next, you’ll start to see the dough come together into a sticky mass. Knead at low speed just until it forms a rough ball.

Step 3: Incorporate the Butter and Knead

With the mixer running, slowly introduce softened butter a tablespoon at a time, allowing the dough to really absorb the richness. Increase speed and knead for about 12 minutes until the dough is silky smooth and elastic. You’ll know it’s ready when it passes the windowpane test, stretching thin without tearing.

Step 4: First Rise

Shape your dough into a ball and place it into a lightly greased bowl, covering it up to rest at room temperature. This rest time, roughly 30 to 45 minutes, allows the yeast to activate, creating air pockets that will give your donuts their signature lightness.

Step 5: Shaping the Donuts

Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 3/4-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or a large round cutter to shape your donuts, then arrange them on squares of parchment paper to prevent sticking during frying and proofing later. Don’t toss the scraps — gently knead them and cut out more donuts after a brief rest.

Step 6: Final Proof

Cover your shaped donuts loosely to prevent drying out and let them rise until they look puffy and have at least doubled in size. This last proof can take between 45 and 65 minutes. Keep a close eye on them for that perfect fluff.

Step 7: Frying to Golden Perfection

Heat neutral oil to 350°F (180°C), enough for your donuts to float as they cook. Carefully lower a few donuts at a time (along with their parchment squares) into the oil, peeling the paper away once submerged. Fry for about 2 and a half minutes total, flipping once, until golden brown. Drain them on a wire rack to keep the crust crisp.

Step 8: Making the Vanilla Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, hot water, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until silky smooth. Adjust the thickness so it’s glossy but dips well. This glaze is what gives these donuts their classic, shiny finish and that delicate vanilla sweetness.

Step 9: Glazing the Donuts

Dip each warm donut into the glaze, flipping to coat both sides. Let the excess drip back into the bowl before placing them back on the rack. The glaze will need about 45 to 60 minutes to set fully, creating that glossy, slightly crackly surface you know and love.

How to Serve Homemade Glazed Donuts Recipe

A close-up view of a large glass mixing bowl filled with smooth, light beige dough forming one thick layer. Inside the bowl, a silver metal dough hook is partially submerged, twisting and lifting the dough with soft, creamy texture. The mood is warm and focused on the dough inside the clear bowl, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these glaze-covered beauties stand proudly on their own, why not add a personal twist? Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes, colorful sprinkles, or crushed nuts to amp up the visual appeal and introduce some surprise texture. A light dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder can add subtle warmth and depth, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs better with freshly glazed donuts than a comforting cup of coffee or tea. For a brunch spread, serve alongside freshly squeezed orange juice, or a simple fruit salad to balance the sweetness with some bright, refreshing notes. Warm milk or hot chocolate with a hint of cinnamon can elevate your treat into an indulgent ritual.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your donut experience extra special by stacking these glazed beauties into a towering donut cake, separating each layer with fresh berries or whipped cream. You can also turn them into donut holes by cutting smaller circles, perfect for sharing at parties. For a fun family project, drizzle with colorful icing or chocolate before serving for little hands to decorate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the glaze intact and the donuts soft. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry out both the dough and the glaze.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature before reheating gently.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-fryer vibe, reheat donuts briefly in a warm oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or a few seconds in a microwave. This softens the glaze and refreshes the dough’s softness without melting the sugary coating.

FAQs

Can I make the tangzhong ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the tangzhong up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before mixing it into your dough to ensure the best texture.

Why use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Bread flour has a higher protein content that develops more gluten, giving donuts that perfect chewy yet tender structure that holds up well to frying and glazing.

What oil is best for frying these donuts?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point such as canola, vegetable, or avocado oil works wonders. These oils won’t impart extra flavors and handle the frying temperature perfectly.

How do I know when the donuts are properly fried?

Golden brown color and a slight crispness on the outside are your best guides, along with frying for about 2 and a half minutes total. Donuts should float to the surface easily when cooked through.

Can I add flavors to the glaze?

Definitely! Beyond vanilla, try adding citrus zest, espresso powder, or even a splash of bourbon to customize the glaze for special occasions or your favorite flavor combinations.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about making your own donuts at home, especially when you have a recipe as reliable and delicious as this Homemade Glazed Donuts Recipe in your arsenal. It’s a wonderful way to fill your kitchen with warmth and happiness. Trust me, once you taste that first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe deserves a forever spot in your baking repertoire. Happy frying and glazing!