The Ultimate Glazed Donut Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Deliciousness
Are you ready to dive into the world of fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth glazed donuts? This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, from creating the perfect dough to achieving that signature glossy glaze. Forget store-bought – these homemade donuts are a league of their own!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe provides enough for approximately 12 delicious donuts. Adjust accordingly for larger batches.
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ - 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Making the Donut Dough:
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Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This proves the yeast is alive and active, crucial for a light and airy dough.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine.
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Gradually Add Flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or a sturdy spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
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Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
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First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
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Shape the Donuts: Punch down the dough to release the air. Roll it out to about ½ inch thickness and use a donut cutter (or a biscuit cutter and a smaller round cutter for the hole) to cut out the donuts.
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Second Rise: Place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, until slightly puffy.
Frying the Donuts:
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Heat the Oil: Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
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Fry the Donuts: Carefully place a few donuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
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Drain Excess Oil: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Making the Glaze:
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Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
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Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dip the tops into the glaze, letting the excess drip off.
Tips for Donut Perfection:
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts.
- Use a thermometer: Accurate oil temperature is key to perfectly fried donuts.
- Let the donuts cool slightly: This prevents the glaze from melting immediately.
- Get creative with your glaze: Experiment with different flavorings like cocoa powder, cinnamon, or citrus zest!
Enjoy your homemade glazed donuts! They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two.
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