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Fresh homemade glazed donuts with shiny vanilla glaze close up, soft fluffy yeast donuts with bakery-style crackly icing

Easy Homemade Glazed Donuts (Better Than Krispy Kreme)

4.74 from 19 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 57 minutes
Servings 10 donuts plus donut holes
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Calories 375
Soft, fluffy homemade glazed donuts dipped in a glossy vanilla bean glaze. Better than Krispy Kreme, easier than you think!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (240g) whole milk warmed (105 to 110°F / 40 to 43°C)
  • teaspoons (7g) instant yeast
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated white sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or extract
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • cups (400g) all-purpose flour
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) salted butter very soft
  • Neutral oil for frying
Glaze
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
  • 4 to 5 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon salted butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
  • Pinch of kosher salt

Instructions

Make the Dough

  • In a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. If it doesn't foam, your yeast is dead. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix to combine.
  • Add the flour and salt and mix until a rough dough forms. Knead for 3–4 minutes on medium-low until the dough begins to smooth out.
  • With the mixer running on medium-low, add the butter one tablespoon at a time, waiting until each addition is fully incorporated before adding the next. Once all the butter is in, knead for 8 to 12 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Resist adding extra flour during this time — the dough will come together with continued kneading. To test if it's ready, pull off a small piece with greased fingers and gently stretch it. If it stretches thin without tearing, it's ready. If it tears quickly, keep kneading. If the dough is still too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time. Avoid adding more than 3 tablespoons.
  • Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1½ hours until doubled and airy.
  • Using greased fingers, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll to ½ inch thick. Cut into 3-inch rounds and 1-inch holes. Place on a parchment-lined tray or indivudal parchemnt squares , and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
  • Heat 2 to 3 inches of neutral oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches for 45 to 60 seconds per side until light golden. Transfer to a wire rack.

Make the Glaze:

  • Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth and pourable. Set aside.
  • While still warm, dip each donut top side down into the glaze, then flip and dip the bottom. Let the excess drip off and place on a rack. Allow the glaze to set for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. These are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Reheat briefly in the microwave before serving.

Video

Notes

  • Make Ahead. Shape the donuts, place them on a parchment-lined tray, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature in a warm spot until puffy and pillowy, then fry as directed. 
  • No warm spot? No problem. Fill a mug with water and microwave it for 2 minutes until steaming. Leave the mug in the microwave, place your covered dough inside, and close the door. The steam creates a warm, humid environment that's perfect for rising any dough.
  • Make it yours. The signature glaze is just the beginning. Swap the milk for fresh lemon juice and add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright lemon glaze. Stir in a tablespoon of Dutch-process cocoa for a chocolate version. Add strawberry puree and a drop of strawberry extract to make a strawberry glaze. Same donut, endless options.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Easy Homemade Glazed Donuts (Better Than Krispy Kreme)
Amount per Serving
Calories
375
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
10
g
15
%
Saturated Fat
 
6
g
38
%
Trans Fat
 
0.3
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
3
g
Cholesterol
 
57
mg
19
%
Sodium
 
322
mg
14
%
Potassium
 
132
mg
4
%
Carbohydrates
 
63
g
21
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
30
g
33
%
Protein
 
7
g
14
%
Vitamin A
 
342
IU
7
%
Vitamin C
 
0.01
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
52
mg
5
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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