Introduction

There's something undeniably magical about biting into a freshly made glazed donut. The soft, airy texture combined with a sweet glaze creates an experience that’s hard to resist. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a delightful afternoon treat, glazed donuts hold a special place in our hearts.

Making these delightful pastries at home might seem intimidating, but with the right ingredients and a little patience, you can create a batch that rivals your favorite bakery. This recipe will guide you through the process of crafting light, fluffy donuts with a sweet, glossy finish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/2 tsp salt
4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup whole milk (for glaze)
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions & Preparation

In a small bowl, combine the warmed milk and active dry yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the frothy yeast mixture and melted butter.
Mix until a dough begins to form, then knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Once risen, punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
Using a donut cutter, cut out donuts and donut holes. Place them on a floured baking sheet and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
In a deep pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the donuts to the hot oil, frying a few at a time until golden brown on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side.
Remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip the warm donuts into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off, then place them on a wire rack to set.

FAQs

What can I do if my donut dough is too sticky?

If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency.

How can I make sure my donuts are evenly cooked?

To ensure even cooking, maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) and avoid overcrowding the pot.

What if my glaze turns out too thick?

If the glaze is too thick, add a small amount of milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?

You can substitute almond milk for whole milk and use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for frying.

Why did my donuts turn out dense?

Dense donuts may be due to over-kneading the dough or not allowing it to rise long enough.

Can I flavor the glaze?

Yes, you can add flavors like lemon juice, almond extract, or cocoa powder to customize the glaze.

What if I want to add sprinkles to my donuts?

Add sprinkles right after glazing while the glaze is still wet to ensure they stick.

How can I make my donuts sweeter?

If you prefer sweeter donuts, you can increase the amount of granulated sugar in the dough by a few tablespoons.

Conclusion

Creating glazed donuts at home is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas and the promise of sweetness. With this recipe, you can experiment with flavors and toppings, personalizing each batch to suit your taste.

Whether for a special occasion or just a weekend treat, these homemade glazed donuts are sure to impress family and friends. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the joy of making these delicious pastries from scratch.

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