Before we dive into the delightful realm of homemade glazed doughnuts, let's chat about what you can pair with these sweet treats. Glazed doughnuts are versatile! They can shine solo or complement a variety of beverages and dishes. Coffee, Milk, Fruit Salad, Yogurt. Ready to get into the sweet stuff? Let’s unveil the magic of homemade glazed doughnuts!
Homemade glazed doughnuts are sweet, fried pastries glazed with a sugary coating that offers a shine as beautiful as it is delicious. The magic happens when you mix a simple yeast dough, let it prove, then fry it to golden perfection, and finally, dunk it into a sweet glaze.
Why go homemade? Simply put, the taste and texture. Store-bought versions often lack the freshness or the soft, fluffy bites that emerge from your kitchen. Each doughnut will feel like a warm hug, offering a balance of lightness while still being indulgently sweet.
Let me share why this doughnut recipe is something you'll want to keep near your stovetop.
1. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Utilizing fresh eggs, whole milk, and high-quality butter makes a difference. The flavors interweave to create a doughnut that bursts with warmth and sweetness. You can taste the quality in every bite.
2. Yeast Power: The use of instant yeast allows for quicker rising. No more hours of waiting! This quicker process means you spend less time fretting over dough and more time enjoying the fruits of your labor.
3. Simple Steps: The recipe is straightforward. With easy-to-follow steps, even a novice baker will feel confident in their ability to succeed. Trust me, it’s not rocket science!
4. Endless Customization: Want to add a twist? These doughnuts can be altered to include different flavors. Add spices, citrus zest, or a touch of cocoa to the glaze. Personalize it to your taste buds!
Here's what you will need:
For the Donuts:
Glaze for Hot Yeast Donuts:
Ready to get your hands a little sticky? Here’s the step-by-step process that leads to delicious doughnuts.
Start by combining the warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it bubbles. This is a sign the yeast is active! In another bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Add the melted butter and beaten eggs to the yeast mixture. Combine it with your flour and salt mix. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour.
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it sit in a warm area for about an hour. The dough should double in size. Go ahead and take a breather while you wait.
Once it has risen, punch it down and roll it out to about a half-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut doughnuts using a round cutter, and don’t forget to make holes in the center!
Place your cut-out doughnuts on a floured baking sheet. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
In a deep pan, heat your shortening or vegetable oil over medium heat. It’s crucial to ensure it reaches about 350°F for perfect frying. Use a thermometer if you have one!
Carefully fry the doughnuts a few at a time, about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Let them drain on paper towels.
While the doughnuts cool, mix the melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cream or milk, sea salt, and optional cinnamon in a bowl until smooth.
Dip each warm doughnut into the glaze. Allow any excess to drip off before placing them on a rack.
Once they’re glazed, it’s time to relish your homemade doughnuts!
To ensure your doughnut-making experience goes smoothly, here are some handy tips:
When it comes to enjoying our homemade glazed doughnuts, moderation is key. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutrition per doughnut (based on a standard size):
Nutritional values can vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.
If you happen to have some leftover doughnuts (which is a rarity in my world!), here's how to store them:
Beyond pairing with drinks, you can serve doughnuts with various sides to create a delightful brunch spread. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Fresh Fruit Skewers: Brighten your plate with fresh fruit like berries, pineapple, and melon. Fruits add brightness, freshness, and are a great way to bring some balance to the sweetness.
2. Scrambled Eggs: A side of fluffy scrambled eggs can create a delightful contrast. The eggs are savory, providing a wonderful balance to the sweet doughnuts.
3. Bacon or Sausage: A salty side adds another layer of flavor. Crispy bacon or savory sausage can create that sweet and salty dynamic that’s simply wonderful.
4. Cream Cheese Frosting Dip: Why not indulge a bit more? A sweetened cream cheese dip with a hint of vanilla can take your glazed doughnuts to the next level.
Sometimes, you may find yourself short on certain ingredients. Here are some substitutes you can easily use:
1. Eggs: If you're out of eggs, consider using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg. It keeps dough moist and works wonderfully in pastries.
2. Milk: Not a fan of whole milk? You can substitute with almond milk, soy milk, or any non-dairy option you prefer. Just make sure it’s unsweetened for the best results.
3. Butter: If you've run out of unsalted butter, coconut oil or margarine can serve the purpose. Melt it down, and you're good to go.
4. Flour: No all-purpose flour? You can use a gluten-free flour blend or a mix of almond flour and coconut flour, just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly.
Homemade glazed doughnuts are a delightful venture into the world of baking. This recipe, rooted in freshness and simplicity, encourages you to embrace the process. With just some basic ingredients and a sprinkle of enthusiasm, you can whip up doughnuts that even the finest baker would be proud of.
The joy of creating them goes as far as the joy of eating them. Whether you savor them solo or share with friends, they offer sweet memories with each bite. So roll up those sleeves, get your mixing bowl ready, and embrace the fun of creating these irresistible treats. Happy baking!
Join me on this journey into the land of sweetness and joy! There's something captivating about creating your own glazed doughnuts at home. From the delightful aroma filling your kitchen to the joy of biting into a warm, fluffy doughnut, it’s an experience you won't want to miss.
Over the years, I’ve whipped up batches of these delectable treats, and each time I share them with friends, smiles broaden, and conversations flourish.
Nothing quite compares to the satisfaction of making doughnuts from scratch. You’ll find that the process is not only about the final product but also the joy of baking itself.
There’s magic each time the dough rises, and your heart skips a beat as you dunk the doughnuts into that luscious glaze. Join me as we explore how to craft homemade glazed doughnuts that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Servings 24
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Susan Roberts is a California-based registered dietitian and the creator of Sweet Mama’s Kitchen, where she shares simple, comforting, and nutritious home-cooked recipes. As a busy mom, she focuses on easy, wholesome meals that bring joy to the table without sacrificing flavor. Susan’s passion lies in helping others create delicious, family-friendly dishes with love and confidence.