Glazed Donuts

Glazed Donuts

There’s something magical about waking up to the aroma of freshly made Glazed Donuts wafting through the house. It takes me back to lazy Sunday mornings spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where she would whip up a batch of these delightful treats just for us. The anticipation would build as we watched the dough rise, and the thrill of seeing them bubble away in the hot oil would almost be too much to handle. Each donut was a fluffy cloud of sweetness, ready to be dipped into a rich glaze that would transform it into a heavenly delight. Making Glazed Donuts has become one of my favorite rituals, a way to share love and joy with those around me.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
1 hr 4 mins
Prep Time:
60 mins
Cook Time:
4 mins
Difficulty:
Medium
Calories:
250 kcal
Protein:
3 g
Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
Fat:
12 g
Tools Used:
Wooden Spoon, Skillet, Whisk, Mixing Bowl

Why You Need This Glazed Donuts

1. The Aroma of Homemade Goodness

There’s nothing quite like the smell of Glazed Donuts frying to fill your home with warmth and nostalgia. The rich scent of sweet dough mingled with hot oil is a reminder of special moments, whether it’s a family gathering or a simple weekend treat.

2. Versatile for Any Occasion

Glazed Donuts aren’t just breakfast fare; they can elevate any occasion. Serve them at brunch, celebrate a birthday, or even bring them to the office. Everyone loves a homemade treat, and these donuts make for a perfect sharing indulgence.

3. Customize Your Glaze

One of the best aspects of making your own Glazed Donuts is the ability to customize the glaze. You can create a classic vanilla glaze or add flavors like citrus zest or cocoa powder to make it your own. The possibilities are endless!

4. Bring the Family Together

Making Glazed Donuts can be a fun family activity. Kids love to get involved in shaping the donuts or sprinkling on the glaze. It’s a wonderful way to bond while creating something delicious together.

5. A Comforting Treat

There’s a comforting quality to enjoying a warm donut paired with a cup of coffee or tea. The balance of sweetness and richness in Glazed Donuts makes them a perfect companion for those cozy moments when you just need a little pick-me-up.

6. Fresh is Best

While store-bought versions can be convenient, nothing compares to the taste of homemade Glazed Donuts. They’re best enjoyed fresh, warm, and straight from the fryer, providing an experience that mass-produced donuts simply can’t match.

Ingredients Required for Glazed Donuts

Glazed Donuts

Gathering the right ingredients is crucial to creating the perfect batch of Glazed Donuts. Each component plays a pivotal role in achieving that light, fluffy texture and sweet flavor. From the creamy richness of heavy cream to the precise amount of all-purpose flour, let’s explore these delightful ingredients further.

  • ½ cup heavy cream: Adds richness and moisture to the donut dough, ensuring a tender crumb.
  • ½ cup whole milk: Balances the heaviness of the cream, contributing to the overall texture and flavor.
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough, enhancing the flavor while helping the yeast to activate.
  • 4 teaspoons dry active yeast: The key ingredient for leavening, allowing the donuts to rise beautifully.
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • 3 ½-4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
  • Extra flour for rolling: Keeps the dough from sticking, making it easier to work with.
  • 2 quarts oil for frying: Essential for creating that golden, crispy exterior.
  • 2 cups powdered sugar: The star of the glaze, providing that sweet finish.
  • â…“ cup milk: Used to mix the glaze to the perfect consistency.

Glazed Donuts Instructions

Glazed Donuts

Making Glazed Donuts is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with warmth and the promise of sweet indulgence. Follow these steps to create your very own batch of donuts that will impress family and friends alike.

  1. Start by mixing together the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar in a small bowl. Heat the mixture in the microwave in 20-second intervals until it reaches around 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Be careful not to overheat it; if it gets too warm, let it cool back down to 110 degrees before proceeding.

  2. Next, add the dry active yeast to the warm liquid and let it stand for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, which helps the donuts rise.

  3. Meanwhile, combine the all-purpose flour and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Stir them together gently to evenly distribute the salt.

  4. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the bowl with the flour. Using a dough hook on speed 2, knead the mixture for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You’re looking for a soft, pliable dough.

  5. Lightly oil a large glass bowl and scrape the dough from the mixing bowl, shaping it into a ball. Place it in the oiled bowl and turn it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

  6. After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about ½ inch thick. Use a donut cutter or a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out donuts, and use a 1-inch round cookie cutter to cut out the centers to create donut holes.

  7. Gather the scraps of dough and knead them back into a ball. Cover and let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes before rolling out and cutting more donuts. It’s important to let the dough relax for easier rolling.

  8. Once you have your donuts cut out, gently reshape them if necessary and let them rest for another 10 to 15 minutes. This will allow them to puff up a bit more.

  9. While the donuts are resting, heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, heating the oil until it reaches 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep an eye on it, ensuring it stays between 350 to 375 degrees while frying.

  10. Before frying, prepare your glaze by mixing together the powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth. Set up a frying station with a cooling rack lined with paper towels beneath to catch any drips.

  11. Once the oil is ready, gently lay 2 to 3 donuts into the hot oil at a time. Fry for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown. Use a spider or slotted spoon to carefully remove the donuts and place them on the cooling rack.

  12. Finally, dip the warm donuts into the glaze. You can either dip just the tops or both sides, depending on your preference. Allow them to cool on the rack, letting the glaze set.

Things Worth Knowing

  • Frying Temperature: Maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial for perfectly fried donuts. Too low, and they absorb too much oil; too high, and they burn.
  • Resting the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest after cutting helps achieve a lighter, airier texture in the final product.
  • Using Fresh Yeast: For best results, make sure your yeast is fresh and active. Old yeast can lead to dense donuts.
  • Cooling Properly: Let the donuts cool slightly before glazing to ensure the glaze adheres well without sliding off.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

Glazed Donuts

There are so many ways to adapt the classic Glazed Donuts recipe to make it your own. Here’s how you can get creative!

  • Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh!
  • Freezing: You can freeze unglazed donuts for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature and glaze when ready to enjoy.
  • Flavor Variations: Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a unique flavor twist.
  • Alternate Glazes: Experiment with different glazes, like chocolate or maple, to elevate your donut game.
  • Fillings: Consider adding fillings like jam or custard for a delightful surprise inside your donuts.

Perfect Matches for Glazed Donuts

When it comes to serving Glazed Donuts, the possibilities are as endless as your creativity. Here are some ideas to elevate your donut experience:

  • Morning Coffee: Pair your donuts with a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate breakfast experience.
  • Brunch Buffets: They make a great addition to brunch spreads alongside fresh fruit and other pastries.
  • Special Celebrations: Perfect for birthdays or holiday gatherings, serve them on a beautiful platter to impress your guests.
  • Sweet Treats for Kids: Kids will love these as an after-school snack or at playdates, making them a hit with the little ones.
  • Seasonal Pairings: During fall, cinnamon and apple flavors can be a delightful twist, or consider pumpkin spice!

FAQ

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time. Simply allow it to rise, then shape the donuts, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to fry them, take them out to come to room temperature before frying. This way, you can enjoy fresh donuts without all the morning rush!

To keep your Glazed Donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to store them longer, consider freezing unglazed donuts and glazing them before serving. This way, you can enjoy fresh donuts anytime!

Using a candy thermometer is the best way to check the oil temperature. Heat the oil until it reaches 360 degrees Fahrenheit; this is the sweet spot for frying donuts. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it bubbles up and rises to the top, the oil is ready!

Definitely! The glaze for Glazed Donuts can be customized to your taste. You can add flavors like vanilla, almond, or even cocoa powder. For a twist, try adding citrus zest for a refreshing touch. Get creative and make it your own!

Conclusion

The joy of making Glazed Donuts lies in the combination of fluffy dough and sweet glaze, offering a delightful treat for any occasion. I encourage you to try this recipe at home; it’s a fun and rewarding experience that will surely please your family and friends. Enjoy the process of creating something special, and watch how these donuts disappear in no time!

Glazed Donuts

Glazed Donuts

Craving something sweet? These homemade Glazed Donuts are your answer! Fluffy, tender, and coated in a rich glaze, they're perfect for brunch, dessert, or any time you're craving something delicious. You won't be able to resist making them today!
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 4 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 18 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Wooden Spoon
  • Skillet
  • Whisk
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 4 teaspoons dry active yeast
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 ½-4 cups all-purpose flour
  • extra flour for rolling
  • 2 quarts oil for frying
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • â…“ cup milk

Instructions
 

  • Start by mixing together the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar in a small bowl. Heat the mixture in the microwave in 20-second intervals until it reaches around 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Be careful not to overheat it; if it gets too warm, let it cool back down to 110 degrees before proceeding.
  • Next, add the dry active yeast to the warm liquid and let it stand for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, which helps the donuts rise.
  • Meanwhile, combine the all-purpose flour and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Stir them together gently to evenly distribute the salt.
  • Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the bowl with the flour. Using a dough hook on speed 2, knead the mixture for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You’re looking for a soft, pliable dough.
  • Lightly oil a large glass bowl and scrape the dough from the mixing bowl, shaping it into a ball. Place it in the oiled bowl and turn it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
  • After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about ½ inch thick. Use a donut cutter or a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out donuts, and use a 1-inch round cookie cutter to cut out the centers to create donut holes.
  • Gather the scraps of dough and knead them back into a ball. Cover and let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes before rolling out and cutting more donuts. It's important to let the dough relax for easier rolling.
  • Once you have your donuts cut out, gently reshape them if necessary and let them rest for another 10 to 15 minutes. This will allow them to puff up a bit more.
  • While the donuts are resting, heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, heating the oil until it reaches 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep an eye on it, ensuring it stays between 350 to 375 degrees while frying.
  • Before frying, prepare your glaze by mixing together the powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth. Set up a frying station with a cooling rack lined with paper towels beneath to catch any drips.
  • Once the oil is ready, gently lay 2 to 3 donuts into the hot oil at a time. Fry for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown. Use a spider or slotted spoon to carefully remove the donuts and place them on the cooling rack.
  • Finally, dip the warm donuts into the glaze. You can either dip just the tops or both sides, depending on your preference. Allow them to cool on the rack, letting the glaze set.

Notes

  • Tip 1: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh!
  • Tip 2: You can freeze unglazed donuts for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature and glaze when ready to enjoy.
  • Tip 3: Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a unique flavor twist.
  • Tip 4: Experiment with different glazes, like chocolate or maple, to elevate your donut game.
  • Tip 5: Consider adding fillings like jam or custard for a delightful surprise inside your donuts.
Keyword Breakfast Treats, Easy Donut Recipe, glazed donuts recipe, homemade donuts

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