Classic Glazed Donuts with a Yeast Dough and a Shiny Sugar Glaze
There’s something truly irresistible about classic glazed donuts — soft, airy on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and coated in a sweet, shiny glaze that melts in your mouth.
These homemade donuts bring that authentic bakery experience straight to your kitchen. While they may seem complex, the process is surprisingly manageable, and the result is far superior to store-bought versions.
Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, these donuts are guaranteed to impress.
Classic Glazed Donuts
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk
- ¼ cup (50g) sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
For frying:
- Vegetable oil
For the glaze:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation
In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and butter, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shaping the Donuts
Roll out the dough to about 1 cm thickness on a floured surface.
Use a donut cutter (or two round cutters) to shape the donuts and holes.
Place them on a tray, cover lightly, and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
Cooking Method
Heat oil in a deep pan to about 170–180°C (340–350°F).
Fry the donuts for about 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Glazing
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Dip each warm donut into the glaze and place on a rack to set.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy fresh and slightly warm. These donuts pair perfectly with:
- Coffee or cappuccino
- Hot chocolate
- Fresh fruit
Tips for Perfect Donuts
- Check oil temperature – too hot burns, too cold absorbs oil
- Do not overcrowd the pan
- Let dough rise properly for fluffy texture
- Glaze while warm for best absorption
Conclusion
Classic glazed donuts are a true treat — soft, sweet, and incredibly satisfying. Making them at home might take a little time, but the reward is absolutely worth it.
Once you taste these fresh, fluffy donuts, you’ll never look at store-bought the same way again.
