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Homemade Glazed Donuts Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 60 reviews

These homemade glazed donuts feature a soft, fluffy texture achieved through the use of tangzhong, a Japanese water roux technique. The donuts are fried to golden perfection and coated with a smooth, sweet vanilla glaze, making for an indulgent treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Tangzhong

  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup bread flour

For the Donut Dough

  • 3 cups + 2 tablespoons bread flour (see notes on measuring)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon instant yeast
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

For Frying

  • Neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or avocado oil)

For the Vanilla Glaze

  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon hot water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
  • Pinch of fine sea salt

Instructions

  1. Make the Tangzhong: In a small saucepan, whisk together 3/4 cup water and 1/4 cup bread flour. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens into a paste, about 4–5 minutes. Scrape into a small bowl and set aside until ready to use.
  2. Prepare Dough Mixture: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine 3 cups + 2 tablespoons bread flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon instant yeast, and 1 1/4 teaspoons salt. Add 1/2 cup room temperature milk, 1 large room temperature egg, and the prepared tangzhong. Knead on low speed for 2 minutes until dough forms.
  3. Add Butter and Knead: With the mixer running on low, add 5 tablespoons softened unsalted butter one tablespoon at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Once all butter is added, increase speed to medium (speed 2 on KitchenAid) and knead for 12 minutes until dough is smooth, elastic, and passes the windowpane test.
  4. First Proof: Shape dough into a ball and place in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes until slightly risen.
  5. Prepare Parchment Paper: Cut 8-9 squares of parchment paper to use when frying donuts.
  6. Roll and Cut Donuts: Turn dough onto a floured surface, lightly flour top, and roll to 3/4-inch thickness. Use a large round donut cutter to cut 8 donuts. Gently knead scraps, rest 5-10 minutes, and roll again to cut more.
  7. Second Proof: Place each donut on a parchment square on a baking tray. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise until puffy and doubled in size, about 45–65 minutes.
  8. Heat Oil: When donuts are halfway through the proof, heat 3-4 inches of neutral oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with a wire rack.
  9. Fry Donuts: Working in small batches, lower 2-3 donuts with parchment into oil using a slotted spoon. Remove parchment with tongs after placing donuts in oil. Fry about 2 ½ minutes total, flipping halfway, until golden brown. Transfer to wire rack to drain.
  10. Make Vanilla Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon hot water, 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust consistency with extra water or sugar to get a thick but runny glaze.
  11. Glaze Donuts: Dip both sides of cooled donuts in glaze, letting excess drip off. Place back on wire rack over baking sheet.
  12. Set Glaze: Allow glaze to fully set for 45-60 minutes before serving and enjoying.

Notes

  • Use bread flour for the best texture and chewiness in your donuts. Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it rather than scooping.
  • Ensure milk and egg are at room temperature to help yeast activation and proper dough consistency.
  • Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F (180°C) for even frying and to avoid greasy donuts.
  • The tangzhong method improves softness and helps donuts stay fresh longer.
  • If glaze is too thick, add small amounts of hot water; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Keywords: homemade glazed donuts, fried donuts, vanilla glaze donuts, tangzhong donuts, soft donuts, sweet treats

Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/homemade-glazed-donuts-recipe/