Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe makes both donuts and donut holes—nothing goes to waste! The dough is soft and tender, while the simple glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness. They’re easy to customize with different glazes or toppings and are a delightful homemade alternative to store-bought varieties.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

All-purpose flour
Whole milk (warmed to 105°F)
Instant yeast
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Butter (softened and slightly melted)
Vanilla extract
Salt
Nutmeg
Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil)

For the Vanilla Glaze:

Powdered sugar (sifted)
Whole milk
Vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Dough
In a stand mixer bowl, combine all dough ingredients and knead with a dough hook until smooth.
First Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size.
Shape the Donuts
Roll out dough to ½-inch thickness and cut 18 donuts using a 3-inch donut cutter. Place on a lined tray and let rise 20–30 minutes.
Fry the Donuts
Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 360°F. Fry 2 donuts at a time, about 45 seconds per side, until golden.
Glaze the Donuts
Whisk together glaze ingredients. Dip each warm donut in the glaze, once or twice depending on desired thickness.
Set the Glaze
Place donuts on a cooling rack and let the glaze set for about 15 minutes.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 18 donuts + 18 donut holes
Prep time: 15 minutes
Rise time: 1–1.5 hours
Cook time: 10–15 minutes
Total time: About 2 hours

Variations

Glaze Options: Swap vanilla glaze for chocolate, maple, or cinnamon sugar.
Filled Donuts: Leave out the center hole and fill with jam or cream after frying.
Sprinkles: Add festive toppings for special occasions.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for best results.

FAQs

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

These are designed for frying, but you could try baking for a lighter version. Expect a different texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise and shape/fry the next day.

Can I freeze the donuts?

Fried donuts are best fresh, but you can freeze unglazed donuts. Reheat and glaze when ready to serve.

Conclusion

These homemade donuts are a sweet, nostalgic treat that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. With their airy texture and glossy glaze, they’re sure to become a family favorite for breakfast or dessert. Try them today and enjoy a warm, fresh donut straight from your own kitchen!

Homemade Donuts

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Homemade Donuts are soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet with a hint of vanilla and nutmeg. Fried to golden perfection and dipped in a classic vanilla glaze, these donuts are a timeless treat. Whether you’re making them for weekend brunch, holidays, or just because, they’re easy to prepare and endlessly customizable with glazes and toppings!

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: ~2 hours
Yield: 18 donuts + 18 donut holes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Treats
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Make the Dough:
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine all dough ingredients. Knead using the dough hook until smooth and elastic (about 5–7 minutes).
First Rise:
Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
Shape the Donuts:
Roll the dough to ½-inch thickness. Use a 3-inch donut cutter to cut out 18 donuts and reserve the centers for donut holes. Place on a lined tray and let rise for 20–30 minutes.
Fry the Donuts:
Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a heavy pot to 360°F (182°C). Fry 2–3 donuts at a time for 45 seconds per side or until golden brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined rack.
Glaze the Donuts:
In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Dip each warm donut into the glaze and let the excess drip off.
Set the Glaze:
Place donuts on a wire rack and let glaze set for about 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Glaze Variations: Try chocolate, maple, or cinnamon sugar for different flavor profiles.

Filled Option: Skip cutting the center hole and pipe in jam or cream after frying.

Toppings: Add sprinkles or crushed candy for special occasions.