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Tender Glazed Donuts Recipe Easy Homemade Soft Crumb Donuts Tutorial

tender glazed donuts - featured image

This tender glazed donuts recipe delivers soft, fluffy donuts with a melt-in-your-mouth glaze, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. Made with simple ingredients and a special kneading technique, these donuts offer nostalgic comfort with a modern twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (420 grams), sifted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (one packet)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm whole milk (240 ml), about 110°F/43°C
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (57 grams), melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¼ cup buttermilk (60 ml) (or substitute with milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (240 grams), sifted (for glaze)
  • ⅓ cup whole milk (80 ml) (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for glaze)
  • Pinch of salt (for glaze)
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil, about 4 cups (1 liter) for deep frying

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk (110°F/43°C) with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together the sifted flour and salt.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: Add melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Whisk gently to mix.
  4. Form the dough: Pour wet ingredients into the dry flour mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, knead on medium speed for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, knead 12-15 minutes. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Add flour tablespoon by tablespoon if too sticky.
  5. First rise: Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning once to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  6. Shape the donuts: Turn dough onto a floured surface and roll to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out donuts and centers. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Reroll scraps and cut again.
  7. Second rise: Cover cut donuts with a kitchen towel and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  8. Heat the oil: Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain temperature.
  9. Fry the donuts: Fry 2-3 donuts at a time for about 1 minute per side until golden brown. Transfer to a cooling rack lined with paper towels to drain.
  10. Prepare the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
  11. Glaze the donuts: Dip warm donuts into glaze, letting excess drip off. Place back on rack to set for 10-15 minutes.

Notes

Use a thermometer to keep oil at 350°F for best frying results. Knead dough until smooth and elastic but not sticky. Allow both rises for a tender crumb. Dip donuts in glaze while warm but not hot to ensure glaze sticks well. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature. For gluten-free, use almond or oat flour blends with xanthan gum. For dairy-free, substitute milk and buttermilk with almond or oat milk and use vegan butter or coconut oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: glazed donuts, homemade donuts, soft crumb donuts, fried donuts, easy donut recipe, tender donuts, breakfast donuts