Easy Glazed Donuts from Scratch
Easy Glazed Donuts from scratch deliver crispy, golden, and perfectly sweet results. This recipe solves the problem of soggy store-bought donuts. After making this many times, I know the secret to perfect donuts. The golden crust and sweet glaze make them irresistible. Try my family’s favorite side dish with this recipe. Jump to Recipe If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy No-Bake Raspberry Cheesecake Bars and Crispy Mango Slaw.
Why This Easy Glazed Donuts from Scratch Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy texture
- Sweet glaze
- Homemade taste
- Better than takeout
What You'll Need for Easy Glazed Donuts from Scratch
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Sprinkles
- Optional: Chocolate drizzle
- Optional: Cinnamon sugar
- Optional: Fruit glaze
📝 Ingredient Notes
- flour: Use unbleached all-purpose flour for the best texture.
- yeast: Active dry yeast needs warm milk to activate. Don’t use hot milk.
- eggs: Room temperature eggs blend better into the dough.
- butter: Melted butter adds moisture and flavor to the dough.
- milk: Whole milk gives a richer flavor and tender crumb.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Digital Kitchen Scale — Measuring ingredients by weight ensures accuracy and better results. → See on Amazon
- Donut Pan — A good donut pan ensures even baking and perfect shape. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Glazed Donuts from Scratch
- 1. Activate Yeast: In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until frothy.
- 2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix flour, salt, and remaining sugar. Add eggs, melted butter, and yeast mixture.
- 3. Knead Dough: Knead dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour.
- 4. Shape Donuts: Punch down dough. Roll out to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch rounds. Place in donut pan.
- 5. Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden. Cool slightly.
- 6. Make Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Drizzle over warm donuts.
- 7. Serve: Let glaze set before serving. Enjoy fresh or stored in an airtight container.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Glazed Donuts from Scratch
- Technique: Let the dough rise in a warm place for best results.
- Common mistake and fix: If dough is too wet, add more flour. If too dry, add a bit more milk.
- Flavor: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best taste.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Storing & Reheating Easy Glazed Donuts from Scratch
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Make-ahead tip: Make dough up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready.
Freezing Easy Glazed Donuts from Scratch
Freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 1 month.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. Microwave: Not recommended. Donuts become tough.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Let the dough rise in a warm place for best results.
- Best substitution: Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for extra flavor.
- Make-ahead: Bake and glaze just before serving for best texture.
- Scaling: Double or triple the recipe for a batch.
- Troubleshooting: If dough doesn't rise, check yeast expiration date and temperature.
Want to level up this recipe?
Thermometer — A thermometer ensures you bake at the right temperature for perfect donuts. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Glazed Donuts from Scratch
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings
- Sprinkles
- Chocolate drizzle
- Cinnamon sugar
- Fruit glaze
Instructions
- 1. Activate Yeast: In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until frothy.
- 2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix flour, salt, and remaining sugar. Add eggs, melted butter, and yeast mixture.
- 3. Knead Dough: Knead dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour.
- 4. Shape Donuts: Punch down dough. Roll out to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch rounds. Place in donut pan.
- 5. Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden. Cool slightly.
- 6. Make Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Drizzle over warm donuts.
- 7. Serve: Let glaze set before serving. Enjoy fresh or stored in an airtight container.
Notes
- Chef tip: Let the dough rise in a warm place for best results.
- Best substitution: Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for extra flavor.
- Make-ahead: Bake and glaze just before serving for best texture.
- Scaling: Double or triple the recipe for a batch.
- Troubleshooting: If dough doesn't rise, check yeast expiration date and temperature.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 1 month.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Not recommended. Donuts become tough.
- Make ahead: Make dough up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sat. Fat: 4g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Glazed Donuts from Scratch FAQs
Yes, you can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Bake when ready to serve.
Dense donuts often result from too much flour or not enough rising time. Make sure to measure accurately and let the dough rise fully.
Yes, freeze baked donuts in a ziplock bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
You can try, but air fryers may not give the same golden crust. A regular oven is best for even baking.
Buttermilk or almond milk can work as a substitute. Adjust the amount if the dough is too wet.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Glazed Donuts from Scratch and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
