Indulge in the timeless delight of freshly glazed donuts with this easy-to-follow recipe. These soft and airy yeast-raised donuts are fried to golden perfection, then coated with a sweet vanilla glaze. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast or as a special treat, homemade glazed donuts are sure to impress with their melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Activate Yeast:
- In a small saucepan, warm the milk until it reaches about 110°F (43°C). Transfer the warm milk to a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the yeast over the milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix Dough:
- Add the sugar, eggs, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed if the dough is too sticky.
4. First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Roll and Cut Donuts:
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Using a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one larger and one smaller), cut out donuts and donut holes. Re-roll scraps as needed.
7. Second Rise:
- Place the cut-out donuts and holes on a lightly floured baking sheet, cover with a kitchen towel, and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, until puffed.
8. Fry Donuts:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add a few donuts at a time to the hot oil, frying for about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove the fried donuts using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. Glaze Donuts:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Dip each warm donut into the glaze, turning to coat evenly. Place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
- Enjoy the glazed donuts warm or at room temperature. They are best served fresh on the day they are made.
Tips for Perfect Glazed Donuts:
- Temperature Control: Monitor the oil temperature closely to ensure even frying and prevent burning.
- Consistency of Dough: The dough should be smooth and elastic after kneading. Adjust with more flour if it’s too sticky.
- Glazing Technique: Dip the donuts into the glaze while they are still warm for a smooth and even coating.
Enjoy the irresistible pleasure of homemade glazed donuts with this classic recipe. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or as a weekend treat, these soft and fluffy donuts will delight everyone who tries them. Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or milk for a truly indulgent experience.
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If you try this glazed donuts recipe, share your photos and tag us on social media. We’d love to see how your donuts turn out! Happy baking and enjoying!
