Amazing Fluffy Glazed Donuts – This supremely popular doughnut recipe is Super Soft, Light, Airy and sinfully addictive – As light as biting into a cloud!!
This recipe has been one of our most popular recipes we have ever shared in our blog. Few other supremely popular recipes include – Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe, Fluffy Pancakes without Eggs, Air fryer Chicken Nuggets or Homemade Kulfi.
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Fluffy Glazed Donuts Recipe
Is there anything better than hot deep fried dough that’s just insanely soft, made from scratch and with real, natural ingredients? I don’t think so! These are truly the best glazed doughnuts you will ever make at home! ALMOST as good as Krispy Kreme. Yes, really!
Krispy Kreme is by far our favorite doughnuts! They are absolutely to die for! Unfortunately, the closest Krispy kreme location is about 32 miles away from our home. So, I had to come up with a recipe to satisfy or cravings!
They are actually better than any store bought glazed options. Yep, they’re THAT good. They practically melt in your mouth when you take a bite and even though they do take a bit of time, it’s so worth it!
The best part about this recipe is that it requires only regular pantry ingredients. Nothing that will need a trip to the store.
This Soft and fluffy doughnuts is one of the best doughnut recipe ever!! I’ve made it countless times, ranks in the first page on Mr.Google and many have made it with huge success, in-spite of the not-so-good pictures.
Why will you love this recipe?
- Soft, Light, Airy, Fluffy
- Fried to Golden perfection
- Easier than you think
- It’s like biting into a cloud
- Made with pantry ingredients
- Simple vanilla glaze
- Supremely Popular recipe
Few of our reader feedbacks
“Tried out your recipe today and it was absolutely delightful. So light and fluffy, ever so slightly crispy exterior and really flavorful even though I didn’t use the nutmeg. Anyone leaving a bad comment here definitely did something wrong along the way. It’s fab, thank you!”
“Awesome just made the donuts without nutmeg and they are like the donuts back home in Texas”
“I made these today and got rave reviews! Then I forgot to save it to Pinterest! So after searching the internet for nearly an hour….Yay!…I fond it! Saved to Pinterest….even started a donut board with this as the first one posted! They turned out perfect. The key is following exactly as the recipe is printed”
“I am a huge Krispy Creme doughnuts, buy I live in Brazil! I’ve been trying several recipes until this (very last) one. Today was the 5th time I mixed the dough (by hand). Result is always fluffy and airy doughnuts. Since I am from Spain, I have compared the spices and I prefer to infuse the milk wit crashed cardamon seeds and I filter them out. Depending on how many people we are, I sometimes freeze the doughnuts after the second rise due to superb Sunday treats for lazy rainy days. Thank you for this great récipe”
“Omg!!!! This recipe was awesome!!! The donuts were so light, fluffy and soft!!! First time I made them. They were just perfect 😍 I will be looking at more of your recipes”
Donuts or Doughnuts?
Doughnut is the original spelling in the early 1800s. The word “DONUT” is an American variant, that seemed to have appeared in the late 1800s but gained popularity after the Massachusetts-based chain Dunkin’ Donuts was introduced.
Secret to the fluffiest doughnuts
The secret is in the right proportion of ingredients and the SPONGE. Traditionally used in sour dough bread making, it a bubbled mixture of flour and wet ingredients that is very sticky. The two-step process of forming gluten allows to create the base for an airy texture just like a homemade bread.
Can I make without a stand mixer?
These doughnuts are best made with a stand mixer for that amazing soft and fluffy texture. However, if you wanna try making by hand, then try mixing for about 5 minutes (using a wooden spoon) in step-1 and another 5-6 minutes in step-2.
Can I shape without a cutter?
Sure can! Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter (a wide mouth canning ring would also work) and the fat end of a large piping tip to cut the holes.
What is the best oil temperature for frying?
The best temperature is 330-340 degrees F. If you own a deep fry thermometer then this is great time to use. Hotter oil will get the outside brown fast before the doughnuts have a chance to rise fully in the oil. Cooler oil will make absorb more oil. Medium heat is perfect!
Do a test – Add a small round ball – it should take about a minute on each side to get golden. Adjust heat accordingly.
Does the active dry yeast require more rise time than instant yeast?
I have not tried this recipe with instant yeast. However, the general rule is if that if a recipe calls for 1 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast, use 1 teaspoon of instant yeast.
Does the yeast not have to be proofed separately?
When working with active dry yeast, you don’t have to proof it separately. It works just as well however you will have to make sure the temperature of ingredients are exactly as mentioned in the recipe.
What is the best oil for frying?
We love all neutral oils like vegetable oil, canola oil or sunflower oil, as they are neutral in flavor and have a high smoke point. Peanut oil works great as well, if there are no allergy issues. If you use an oil with a low smoke point, the oil will burn as the fat breaks down, imparting an unpleasant taste.
Glaze variations
- Chocolate – Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder when you add the powdered sugar. You might need to increase the water by a bit too to form a smooth glaze.
- Sprinkle – Stir in fine colored sprinkles into the glaze.
- Maple – Replace vanilla extract with maple flavoring.
- Flavorings – Use orange zest, bourbon or rum instead of vanilla.
Pro Tips for Success
Soft dough equals soft doughnuts – given measurements will create a soft, sticky dough. Do not be tempted to mix in more flour, it will work out at the end. Trust me on this.
Oil temperature – Magic temperature is 330-340 degrees F. Hotter will get the outside brown fast before the doughnuts have a chance to rise fully in the oil. If you own a deep fry thermometer then this is great time to use. If not, medium heat is perfect and test one doughnut – it should take about a minute on each side to get golden. Adjust heat accordingly.
Color, color, color – PALE GOLDEN and not any darker. Letting the doughnut brown will form a crusty outside (delicious tho) but not the light texture we are aiming for.
Measure flour correctly – Adding too much flour to the recipe is the most common mistake and will make your glazed donuts dense. The best way to measure -fluff your flour with a spoon, sprinkle it into your measuring cup, and use a knife to level it off.
Don’t overcrowd the oil – Avoid adding too many at once into the oil as the increase in donuts will lower the oil’s temperature. They will also need room to expand, and it’s easier to flip when there’s space.
Why are they not fluffy?
There could be several reasons for this – Yeast not fresh, dough did not rise enough, oil was too hot or more than needed flour.
Key ingredients
- Milk – whole milk if possible. We are making perfect yeast doughnuts, ain’t a calorie counting day:)
- Butter – unsalted room temperature butter. If using salted then reduce salt accordingly
- Yeast – active dry yeast, make sure that the yeast is fresh
- Eggs – room temperature eggs are a must since cold eggs might not help the yeast rise and in turn will affect the outcome
- Flour, Sugar & Salt – Unbleached (if possible) all purpose flour, Plain white sugar, salt
- Nutmeg – DO not buy pre ground nutmeg. Buy whole nutmegs and grate fresh for all recipes that require ground nutmeg. It makes a huge difference.
How to make?
Make the dough
Step-1 Make a sponge- The secret in making a fluffy crumb! This method is usually adopted in making making Asian style breads that is very light and airy. Add milk, butter, yeast, eggs, sugar, salt, nutmeg and only 2 cups of flour into a stand mixer and mix to create a very, VERY soft sticky dough thingy (refer picture below)
Step-2: Add remaining flour and knead to a soft dough, using the dough hook. The dough should stick to the bottom and little bit to the sides. This is due to high moisture content and this is essential in creating a best homemade doughnut recipe (refer picture below)
Firm, not sticky dough <— dense, hard doughnuts
Soft, sticky dough <– Soft fluffy donuts
Step-3: Let dough rise for about 1 and 1/2 hours, until doubled in volume (refer picture above). Find the warmest spot in your kitchen – A sunny window / near the stove top, if you are cooking / in a 90 degree F oven.
Shape the dough
Step-4: Dump the dough onto a floured kitchen counter, Roll 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick, dusting the top with flour as well. Cut doughnut shapes and place on floured cookie sheets. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and place again in the same warm spot for about 30-60 minutes, until they almost double in size (refer pictures below- Left : cut doughnut / Right : risen doughnut)
Fry
Step-5: Deep fry doughnuts on moderate heat, until pale golden on both sides. Drain on paper towel (refer pictures below)
Easy Glaze
Step-6: Stir confectioners sugar, water, salt and vanilla extract, until you get the perfect consistency. Dip the tops or both sides in glaze and place on a wire rack for glaze to set.
Frequently asked questions from readers:
I’m sorry the answer is NO!! This recipe works only for deep frying.
If you don’t have whole nutmeg, then you can totally skip it. But, store bought ground nutmeg does not come anywhere close to freshly grated nutmeg.
You could totally do that but, the only problem is that half the recipe is too less for the stand mixer. Otherwise, it does not affect the result in any way.
Self raising flour has rising agents (like baking powder/baking soda) in it, So, this will NOT WORK when combined with yeast.
This recipe has not been tested in an air fryer.
How to store leftovers?
These doughnuts are absolutely best when fresh!
However, UNGLAZED donuts can be refrigerated in an air tight container for up to 4 days (warm in the microwave for few seconds before eating).
GLAZED donuts can be stored in a sealed container at room temperature for about 1 day.
More copy cat recipes to try-
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Super Soft Glazed Doughnuts
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups milk, lukewarm (whole milk or 2%)
- 1 stick unsalted butter ( 1/2 cup ), room temperature
- 4 and 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 5 cups + 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons all purpose flour, divided
- additional flour for dusting
- vegetable oil, for deep frying
Glaze
- 3 cups confectioners sugar
- 5 to 6 tablespoons water
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 pinches salt
Instructions
To make doughnuts
- Combine first 7 ingredients (milk through nutmeg) and 2 cups all purpose flour in the bowl of your stand mixer. Beat on medium speed with a flat beater for 2-3 minutes (dough will look like slightly curdled cake batter).
- Add remaining all purpose flour ( 3 cups + 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons ) and switch to a dough hook, knead on medium speed for additional 3 minutes (dough will be very soft).Remove bowl from the mixer, scrape the sides of the bowl and cover bowl with a clean kitchen towel and place in the warmest spot in your kitchen. Let dough rise for about 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Dust working surface liberally with all purpose flour, Dump dough and dust flour on top. Gently roll into 1/2 to 3/4th inch thick, cut circles with a doughnut cutter ( if you don’t have one, then use a 3-inch circle cookie cutter and with a small cookie cutter in the middle of each doughnuts, to make the holes). You can cut more holes out of the scraps.
- Place doughnuts and holes on two lightly floured cookie sheets, spacing about an inch apart. Cover with a kitchen towel, let rise again for 45 – 60 minutes.
- Line a large baking sheet with paper towels and place a wire rack on top.
- When ready to fry, add vegetable oil in a large dutch oven until comes to about 2-inches height. Place over medium high heat until 330 to 340 degrees (use a deep fry thermometer , refer notes if you do not own one). Deep fry about 4 doughnuts at a time (do not overcrowd the pan), until golden brown on both sides (45-60 seconds per side). Remove doughnuts onto the cooling rack.
- Repeat until all doughnuts and holes have been fried.
Glaze doughnuts
- In a medium bowl, whisk all glaze ingredients until smooth. Begin by adding 5 tablespoons water and then a touch more if glaze seems thick.
- Working with one doughnut at a time, dip one side of each doughnut into the glaze and return to the wire rack. Let glaze set for about 20 minutes before serving. We never wait that long around here:)
These soft glazed doughnuts are best eaten hot!!! However, to enjoy them later (not more than a day) microwave one doughnut for 7 seconds.
Notes
Did you make this recipe? I’d love your feedback! Please let me know by leaving a comment or review below or snap a photo and share on Instagram.
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Gadija Kaldine
Saturday 25th of June 2022
Made these Doughnuts & came out delicious. Will share this recipe with family & friends. Thank you so much for sharing your recipe.
Maria Doss
Saturday 25th of June 2022
Hi Gadija, Glad you loved the doughnuts. Have a great weekend, Maria
Rachel
Wednesday 25th of May 2022
I make these almost everyday :) I'm a baker and have eaten and made so many donuts! This recipe is the best because its light, not greasy and blows everyone away. Other bakeries go for brioche, but they are so much denser and more bread like! These are soft and memorable!
Maria Doss
Friday 27th of May 2022
Happy to hear hun, Maria
Cynthia
Saturday 21st of May 2022
These by far are the best donuts I have ever made. I've tried other recipes but ended up with dense not good donuts. I will make these again.
Maria Doss
Sunday 22nd of May 2022
Hi Cynthia, Happy to hear hun, Maria
Aliya
Sunday 24th of April 2022
😪 I wish you mentioned that we have to use the batter straight away after 1 hour rise otherwise it's too too much yeast!! 😔. Thanks anyway
Monica
Friday 4th of February 2022
I made it! Best ever glazed donut recipe I've ever tried. It pays to read thru the comments. I learned a lot. This dough is as light as a cloud when ready for frying, so handling is tricky. I took the suggestion from one of the commentators of placing them individually on square parchment cut-outs, which I was out of, so I used waxed paper instead. Worked really well. I'm not as proficient at "multi-tasking" as I used to be, so I fried them one at a time, thus giving each fluffy puff of dough my undivided attention. I made the traditional glaze and for a little variety, some chocolate and maple. I filled a few with Bavarian Cream, using a basting injector syringe that I've had in my drawer, forever! Everyone loved them. From now on, this will be my "go-to" for donut-making.
Maria Doss
Monday 7th of February 2022
Hi Monica, Thanks you for the detailed feed back. I love the idea Bavarian cream filling, YUM - Maria