If you’ve ever craved a classic, melt-in-your-mouth donut, look no further than the Original Glazed Donuts recipe. This iconic treat is beloved for its sweet glaze and fluffy texture. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through making donuts that rival those from your favorite bakery. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these donuts are sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- For the Donuts:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup warm water
- For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, and warm water. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Shape and Fry the Donuts
- Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about ½-inch thickness.
- Cut the Donuts: Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters to cut out the donuts. Place them on a floured baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the cut donuts with a cloth and let them rise for about 30 minutes.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep fryer or large pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Donuts: Fry the donuts in batches, turning them as they brown. They should cook for about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
3. Glaze the Donuts
- Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze the Donuts: Dip each warm donut into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to let the glaze set.
Tips for Perfect Donuts
- Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh and active to get the best rise.
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your milk and water are at the right temperature to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Fry at the Right Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Original Glazed Donuts recipe brings the classic donut experience right to your kitchen. The combination of a fluffy, soft interior with a sweet, shiny glaze creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. These donuts are a delightful treat for any occasion, and making them from scratch means you can enjoy the freshest, most delicious donuts possible.
Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee in the morning or sharing them with friends and family, these donuts are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and discover why homemade donuts can be so much better than store-bought!
Serving and Storage Tips for Original Glazed Donuts
Serving Tips:
- Fresh Out of the Fryer: For the best taste and texture, enjoy the donuts fresh and warm from the fryer. The glaze will be extra gooey, and the donut will be at its fluffiest.
- Pairings: Serve your Original Glazed Donuts with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
- Presentation: Arrange the donuts on a decorative plate or cake stand for a beautiful presentation. For special occasions, you can garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar or add sprinkles on top of the glaze.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy the donuts within a day or two, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps keep them fresh and prevents them from drying out.
- Avoid Refrigeration: Refrigerating donuts can cause them to become stale faster. The cooler temperature can affect the texture and make the glaze less appealing.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the donuts. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen donuts to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing and Reheating: To enjoy frozen donuts, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore some of their original texture and warmth.
- Re-glazing: If the glaze has hardened or you’d like to refresh the donuts, you can re-glaze them by dipping them again in a fresh batch of glaze or briefly microwaving them and then glazing.
With these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Original Glazed Donuts stay delicious whether you’re enjoying them fresh or keeping them for later.
1. Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with other types of flour, but it may affect the texture and flavor of the donuts. For example, bread flour will give a chewier texture due to its higher protein content. If using whole wheat flour, consider combining it with all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
2. How can I make these donuts dairy-free or vegan?
To make dairy-free donuts, substitute the milk with a plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk. For a vegan version, use a dairy-free butter substitute and replace the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or a commercial egg replacer. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious!
3. What should I do if my donuts don’t rise properly?
If your donuts don’t rise as expected, the yeast might not have been activated correctly, or the dough might not have had enough time to rise. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the liquids used are at the proper temperature (warm, not hot). Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment, and make sure to give it enough time to double in size.
4. How can I keep my donuts fresh for a longer period?
To keep donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. For longer storage, freeze them. Place the cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven before serving.