Homemade Glazed Donuts

Homemade Glazed Donuts is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs 7 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 2 hrs 32 min

Cost: $6.88 total, $0.86 per serving

Ingredients

  • 240 ml Whole Milk (warm to 110‑115°F (43‑46°C))
  • 1 tsp Granulated Sugar (for activating yeast)
  • 2 packet Active Dry Yeast (each packet ~7 g (equivalent to 4½ tsp))
  • 540 g All-Purpose Flour (measured on a kitchen scale)
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 85 g Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces and melted)
  • 50 g Granulated Sugar (added to the dough)
  • 2 Large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 0.5 tsp Vanilla Extract (for glaze)
  • 360 g Powdered Sugar (for glaze, no need to sift)
  • 90 ml Whole Milk (for glaze)
  • enough Vegetable Oil (to fill a Dutch oven 2 inches deep (≈4‑5 qt) for deep‑frying)

Instructions

  1. Warm the Milk

    Measure 240 ml whole milk and microwave on medium power until it reaches 110‑115°F (43‑46°C).

    Time: PT2M

  2. Activate the Yeast

    Stir 1 tsp granulated sugar into the warm milk, sprinkle the 2 packets of active dry yeast, mix gently and let sit 5‑10 minutes until frothy.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Melt the Butter

    Cut 85 g (6 Tbsp) butter into small cubes and melt in the microwave on half power for about 1 minute.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Measure Dry Ingredients

    In a separate bowl, weigh 540 g (4½ cups) all‑purpose flour and add ½ tsp salt. Set aside.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Combine Wet Ingredients

    To the yeast mixture add the melted butter, 50 g granulated sugar, and 2 room‑temperature eggs. Whisk until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Form the Dough

    Pour the wet mixture into the flour bowl, stir with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Knead the Dough

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 5 minutes until tacky yet smooth. Perform the window‑pane test to confirm gluten development.

    Time: PT5M

  8. First Rise

    Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a reusable bonnet, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

    Time: PT1H

  9. Punch Down and Roll Out

    Deflate the dough gently, pat it into a rectangle, add a little flour if sticky, and roll to about ¾‑inch thickness.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Cut Donuts and Holes

    Using a 1‑inch round cutter, cut circles; re‑cut the centers with a smaller cutter to form holes. Place all pieces on parchment paper.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Second Rise

    Cover the cut donuts loosely and let them rest in a warm place for 40 minutes until puffy.

    Time: PT40M

  12. Heat Oil for Frying

    Add about 2 inches of vegetable oil to a Dutch oven, attach a thermometer, and heat over medium until the oil reaches 350°F.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  13. Prepare the Glaze

    In a bowl whisk together 360 g powdered sugar, 90 ml milk, and ½ tsp vanilla until smooth and thin enough to drizzle.

    Time: PT5M

  14. Fry Donut Holes

    Carefully drop donut holes into the hot oil, fry 1‑2 minutes until golden, then remove with a slotted spoon onto a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 350°F

  15. Fry Full Donuts

    Gently slide the larger donuts into the oil, fry 1‑2 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to the wire rack.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 350°F

  16. Glaze the Donuts

    While still warm, dip each donut and hole into the glaze, allow excess to drip, then place back on the wire rack to set.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: vegetarian, contains gluten, contains dairy

Allergens: gluten, dairy, eggs

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Homemade Glazed Donuts

Recipe by Preppy Kitchen

Fluffy, airy classic glazed donuts made from a yeasted dough, fried to golden perfection and dipped in a thin vanilla‑milk glaze. Perfect for a weekend breakfast or a sweet treat.

MediumAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 29m
Prep
10m
Cook
19m
Cleanup
2h 58m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.88
Total cost
$0.86
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Yeast activation must become frothy; dead yeast ruins the dough.
  • First rise: dough must double in size for proper fluffiness.
  • Second rise: short proof ensures light texture without over‑proofing.
  • Maintain oil at 350°F; too low yields greasy donuts, too high burns them.
  • Glaze while donuts are warm for best adhesion.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns – use a deep‑fat thermometer and never leave unattended.
  • Microwaving butter on high can cause splatter explosions; melt on half power and cover loosely.
  • Yeast will die if milk exceeds 120°F (49°C); always check temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of classic glazed donuts in American cuisine?

A

Glazed donuts originated in the United States in the early 19th century, inspired by Dutch olykoeks. They became a staple of American breakfast and coffee culture, especially after the rise of fast‑food chains in the mid‑1900s.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of glazed donuts in the United States?

A

In the Northeast, donuts are often called "crullers" and may be made with a choux‑like dough. In the Midwest, cake‑style donuts are popular, while the South favors yeast‑leavened, fluffy donuts like the ones in this recipe.

cultural
Q

How is a classic glazed donut traditionally served in American breakfast culture?

A

They are typically served warm, dusted with a thin vanilla glaze, alongside coffee or milk. In diners, they may be paired with a side of fresh fruit or a glass of orange juice.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are classic glazed donuts associated with in American culture?

A

Glazed donuts are a common treat for weekend breakfasts, office coffee breaks, and holiday brunches. They are also featured at fairs, fundraisers, and as a nostalgic snack for family gatherings.

cultural
Q

What makes classic glazed donuts special or unique in American pastry tradition?

A

The combination of a light, yeasted interior and a crisp, sweet glaze creates a textural contrast that is uniquely American. Their simplicity lets home cooks customize flavors while preserving a timeless appeal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making classic glazed donuts from Preppy Kitchen?

A

Common errors include overheating the milk (killing the yeast), under‑kneading the dough, letting the oil temperature drop too low, and glazing donuts after they have cooled, which prevents the glaze from adhering.

technical
Q

Why does this classic glazed donut recipe use two packets of yeast instead of one?

A

Two packets provide extra lift, giving the donuts a light, airy crumb. The higher yeast amount ensures a rapid rise during both proofing stages, which is essential for a fluffy texture.

technical
Q

Can I make the classic glazed donuts ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight, then shape and complete the second rise before frying. Store fried, glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 12 hours or freeze for longer storage.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the classic glazed donuts are done cooking?

A

Donuts should be golden‑brown all over, slightly puffed, and feel firm to the touch. When lifted, they should spring back slightly, indicating a fully cooked interior.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specializes in approachable, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials that focus on classic comfort foods, breakfast treats, and quick weeknight meals with clear visual instructions.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to American breakfast pastry differ from other cooking channels?

A

Preppy Kitchen emphasizes precise technique (like yeast activation and temperature control) while keeping equipment minimal, making classic American pastries like glazed donuts accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.

channel

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