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Classic Homemade Glazed Donuts

These classic homemade glazed donuts are light, fluffy, and perfectly golden, with a smooth vanilla glaze that melts into every warm bite. Made with a simple yeast dough and fried to perfection, they bring the nostalgic taste of bakery donuts straight into your home kitchen.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Rising Time1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 16

Ingredients

Donuts

  • 1 1/4 cups whole milk warm
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast 1 packet
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 1/4 cups bread flour plus more for rolling
  • Neutral oil for frying

Glaze

  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

Make the Donut Dough

  • Warm the milk until just warm to the touch. Stir in yeast and let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
  • In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, sugar, and salt.
  • Add half of the flour and mix until combined. Add remaining flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
  • If dough is sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time.
  • Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Shape the Donuts

  • Turn dough onto a floured surface and roll to 1/2-inch thickness.
  • Cut donuts using a donut cutter or round cutters. Save donut holes.
  • Place donuts on parchment paper, cover, and let rise until puffy, about 45 minutes.

Fry the Donuts

  • Heat oil to 375°F. Prepare cooling racks lined with paper towels.
  • Fry donuts in batches, about 45 seconds per side, until golden brown.
  • Remove and drain on prepared racks.

Make the Glaze

  • Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and salt until smooth. Adjust thickness if needed.

Glaze the Donuts

  • Dip warm donuts into glaze, coating one side fully.
  • Place on rack and allow glaze to set.

Notes

  • Oil Temperature: Keep oil at 375°F for even cooking.
  • Do Not Overwork Dough: Gentle handling keeps donuts soft.
  • Glaze While Warm: Helps glaze stick and set smoothly.
  • Storage: Best eaten same day, but can be stored airtight for 1 day.
  • Flavor Variations: Add vanilla or maple extract to the glaze if desired.