Homer Simpson Would Approve the Ultimate Homemade Glazed Doughnuts

Q: How do I make sure my glaze is perfectly smooth and shiny, like the ones you see at Dunkin'?

Sifting the powdered sugar is key to a smooth glaze – it gets rid of any lumps that can make the glaze grainy. Also, adding the milk gradually and whisking well ensures everything is properly incorporated. If it's still too thick, add a tiny bit more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach that perfect, drizzly consistency.

Easy How to Make Homemade Doughnuts Glazed Goodness

By Sally ThompsonAugust 16, 2025

4.67 (3 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a treat? Ever wondered how to make homemade doughnuts ? Honestly, there's nothing quite like the taste of a warm, fresh doughnut straight from your own kitchen.

These delicious donuts are guaranteed to become a family favourite.

Sweet Beginnings: Your Journey to Doughnut Nirvana

Doughnuts, in their various forms, have been around for yonks. Their exact origins are a bit murky, but everyone loves them.

This recipe will show you how to make homemade doughnuts that are surprisingly easy. It is medium difficulty and will take around 4 hours, yielding about a dozen doughnuts.

Why You'll Love This Doughnut Recipe Easy

One of the best things about this easy homemade doughnut recipe for beginners is that it creates a truly fluffy homemade doughnut recipe .

These are not your average shop bought doughnuts! Make it for a weekend brunch or a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat! Plus, homemade goodies always taste better, don't they?

Let's Talk Glaze: The Secret to the Best Homemade Glazed Doughnuts

Of course, it's all about that glaze! This glazed doughnut recipe from scratch will make even the most seasoned baker proud. Now, onto the ingredients you'll need.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Dough Rolling!

So, you wanna know how to make homemade doughnuts ? Ace! First, we need the gear. Honestly, it’s simpler than you think.

I always say, you don’t need a fancy kitchen, just a bit of elbow grease and the right ingredients.

Main Ingredients Deconstructed

Alright, for the dough itself, you'll need the following. Remember folks, these are the goods.

Active dry yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) . Make sure it’s lively! Dead yeast equals sad doughnuts.
Warm water: 1/4 cup (60ml) , aiming for 105- 115° F (40- 46° C) . Too hot and you'll kill the yeast.
Whole milk: 1/2 cup (120ml) , warmed slightly.
Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) .
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon .
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon .
Large eggs: 2 .
All-purpose flour: 3 1/4 cups (400g) , plus extra for dusting. This is where things get messy...in a good way.
Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) , softened.
Vegetable oil: About 6-8 cups (1.4-1.9 liters) , for frying.

And for the glaze to make these the best homemade glazed doughnuts :

Powdered sugar: 2 cups (240g) , sifted.
Milk: 1/4 cup (60ml) .
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon .

I swear the smell of a glazed doughnut recipe from scratch is the best.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life

This is where the magic happens. We're not just making dough; we're building flavour. Honestly, I always add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough.

Try this for some delicious donuts ! It adds a warmth that is just lovely. If you are looking for some substitutions, the cinnamon is always a reliable choice.

Vanilla extract is also your best friend. It enhances everything.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need every fancy gadget under the sun to be able to make easy homemade doughnut recipe for beginners . Here’s the essential kit:

Large mixing bowl or stand mixer: For the dough, obviously.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key!
Thermometer: Get that water temperature just right!
Rolling pin: Time to flatten that dough!
Doughnut cutter: Or two round cutters of different sizes. Get creative!
Deep frying thermometer: So important for keeping the oil temperature stable.
Large pot or deep fryer: For frying. Safety first!
Slotted spoon: To rescue your doughnuts from the hot oil.
Wire rack: For cooling and glazing.

Honestly, if you don't have a doughnut cutter, a glass and a smaller lid will do the trick. Improvise! I swear, the most important thing when you want to how to make homemade doughnuts is to be prepared! Happy baking!

Homer Simpson Would Approve: How to Make Homemade Doughnuts

Oh my gosh, who doesn't love a delicious donuts ? Seriously! Today, we're diving into how to make homemade doughnuts .

Get ready for a treat that's way better than anything you'll find at a chain.

We will show you how to make homemade donuts recipe you'll be making over and over. Honestly, it's so rewarding.

Prep Steps for Doughnut Perfection

Essential mise en place is key. Get all your ingredients measured out beforehand. Makes life so much easier. Warm your milk and water like a baby bottle.

Now this is doughnut recipe easy !

Time saving tip: Soften your butter early. Seriously, rock hard butter is the bane of every baker's existence. I’ve definitely been there.

Safety first, my friends. Remember, hot oil is no joke. Keep a close eye.

step-by-step Process: Doughnut Magic

Ready to try our homemade doughnuts recipe ?

Activate Yeast: Mix 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast with 1/4 cup warm water. Let it bubble, about 5- 10 minutes. This is crucial . Critical temperature point is 105- 115° F .
Combine Wet: Whisk 1/2 cup warm milk, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 eggs.
Mix It All: Add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix well.
Flour Power: Slowly add 3 1/4 cups flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Butter Up: Knead in 4 tablespoons softened butter until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled. About 2 hours 30 minutes .
Roll and Cut: Punch down, roll to 1/2 inch thickness, and cut out doughnut shapes.
Second Rise: Place on parchment paper, cover, and let rise again. About 30- 45 minutes , or until puffy.

Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Glazed Doughnuts

Want to skip the queues at Krispy Kreme for that glazed doughnut recipe from scratch ? Here are some game changers.

Don't rush the rise . A proper proofing makes all the difference. Maintain oil temperature 350° F . This is not an option for the Fluffy homemade doughnut recipe .

Glaze while warm . That's the secret for that perfect shine . How to make homemade doughnuts : The make-ahead option is a big time saver.

You can prepare the dough the night before! Honestly, your taste buds will thank you!

Easy homemade doughnut recipe for beginners - These doughnuts are totally worth it. Let me know how they turned out!

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Homemade Donuts Recipe

Alright, so you're about to embark on a doughnut recipe easy enough to make on a whim. But before you dust off that apron, let's talk about some handy tips and tricks.

I've learned a thing or two myself making these over the years.

Show Off Your Delicious Donuts : Serving Suggestions

Listen, presentation is key! A sprinkle of edible glitter, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a scattering of crushed nuts can transform these humble homemade donuts into something truly special.

Get the family involved, even the little ones, and make it a fun activity. It's not just about how to make homemade doughnuts , but how to make them look amazing.

Serve them with a steaming mug of coffee or a tall glass of ice-cold milk. Fancy something a bit different? How about a side of fresh berries for a bit of zing? I once served them with a salted caramel dipping sauce oh my gosh, the reaction was amazing!

Homemade Doughnuts Longevity: Storage Tips

These best homemade glazed doughnuts are best eaten fresh, let's be honest. But if you've got leftovers (unlikely, I know!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two.

For longer storage, pop them in the fridge. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back some of that warm, fluffy goodness.

Freezing? Yeah, you can freeze unfrosted doughnuts. Wrap them individually in cling film, then store in a freezer bag. When you fancy one, just thaw it out and glaze it.

Glazed Doughnut Recipe From Scratch : Playing Around with Flavours

Want to mix things up? Swap out the vanilla extract for almond or lemon. Or, fancy something with spice? Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a warm, comforting flavour.

If you want to make them gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. I always check my oil temperature, I use a thermometer to make sure it is correct.

It really is just how to make homemade doughnuts .

Fluffy Homemade Doughnut Recipe : Nutrition Lowdown

Right, let's be real, doughnuts aren't exactly health food. But everything in moderation, eh? Each doughnut is about 250-300 calories. A little treat won't hurt, and Homemade donuts recipe uses fresh ingredients!

Now go forth and make some fluffy homemade doughnut recipe! Don't worry if they aren't perfect on your first try.

Practice makes perfect, and even a slightly wonky doughnut tastes amazing! You will learn how to make homemade doughnuts in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

My doughnuts are coming out greasy! What am I doing wrong?

Greasy doughnuts usually mean the oil temperature wasn't hot enough. Aim for a steady 350°F (175°C) while frying. If the oil is too cool, the doughnuts will absorb the oil instead of cooking properly. Also, don't overcrowd the pot, which can lower the oil temperature too!

Why aren't my doughnuts rising properly? They're quite dense.

A dense doughnut usually points to a problem with the yeast or the proving process. Make sure your yeast is fresh and activated correctly in lukewarm water. Also, be patient and allow sufficient time for both the first and second rise a warm environment really helps things along like a hot summer's day at the beach!

Can I make the doughnut dough ahead of time and fry them later?

Absolutely! After the first rise, you can wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling and cutting, and then proceed with the second rise.

This is a great way to break up the work like your favourite workday tv show!

How do I make sure my glaze is perfectly smooth and shiny, like the ones you see at Dunkin'?

Sifting the powdered sugar is key to a smooth glaze it gets rid of any lumps that can make the glaze grainy. Also, adding the milk gradually and whisking well ensures everything is properly incorporated.

If it's still too thick, add a tiny bit more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach that perfect, drizzly consistency.

What if I don't have a doughnut cutter? Can I still learn how to make homemade doughnuts?

Of course! You can use two round cookie cutters, one larger than the other, to create the doughnut shape. Alternatively, a knife can be used to cut out squares if you're feeling adventurous, or a glass with a smaller shot glass to cut the inner circle.

Just be sure to re-roll any scraps to avoid waste, and don't worry about perfection homemade is all about character!

How can I store leftover doughnuts to keep them fresh?

The sad truth is, doughnuts are best eaten fresh. However, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Be aware the glaze will soften over time. For longer storage, you can freeze them (unglazed is best) and then glaze them after thawing.

A quick zap in the microwave (10-15 seconds) can revive them slightly.