Best Homemade Donut Recipe With Glaze

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Introduction

The allure of a warm, freshly made donut, coated in a sweet, glistening glaze, is undeniable. The “Best Homemade Donut Recipe with Glaze” is a culinary pursuit that transcends generations and cultures. From classic cake donuts to light and airy yeast-raised varieties, homemade donuts offer unparalleled freshness and the satisfaction of creating a beloved treat from scratch. Their popularity stems from their comforting simplicity, adaptability to various flavors, and the joyous experience of sharing them with loved ones. This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap to crafting the quintessential homemade donut, complete with expert tips and tricks for guaranteed success.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk, lukewarm
• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for frying (or shortening, lard)

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 – 1/2 cup milk, or water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: Food coloring, sprinkles

Substitutions:

• Flour: Bread flour can be used for a chewier texture.
• Milk: Non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat) can be substituted.
• Butter: Coconut oil can be used for a vegan option.
• Sugar: Brown sugar can be used for a richer flavor in the dough.

Preparation Steps

1. Proof the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine lukewarm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active. 2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. 3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. 4. Mix Dough: Add the wet ingredients and proofed yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. 5. Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky. A stand mixer with a dough hook can also be used. 6. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. 7. Punch Down and Roll: Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. 8. Cut Donuts: Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one larger, one smaller) to cut out the donuts and donut holes. 9. Second Rise: Place the cut donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until slightly puffy. This second rise is crucial for a light and airy donut. Tip: Ensure the yeast is not expired for optimal results. A warm environment is essential for proper rising. Avoid over-kneading, which can result in tough donuts.

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat over medium heat to 350F (175C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately. 2. Fry Donuts: Carefully place 2-3 donuts into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. 3. Cook Time: Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The donuts should float to the surface. 4. Remove and Drain: Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. 5. Prepare Glaze: While the donuts are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (starting with 1/4 cup and adding more until desired consistency is reached), and vanilla extract until smooth. 6. Glaze Donuts: Dip the warm donuts into the glaze, coating them evenly. Place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set. Add sprinkles or other toppings immediately after glazing. Cooking Methods:

• Frying: The traditional method for achieving a crispy exterior and soft interior.
• Baking (Alternative): Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Place donuts on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Baked donuts will have a different texture, more like a cake donut.

Important Note: Maintain a consistent oil temperature to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the pot will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Glazed: Serve the glazed donuts as is, for a simple and satisfying treat. Coffee Pairing: Enjoy with a cup of hot coffee or tea. Ice Cream: Serve warm donuts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Breakfast Platter: Include donuts in a breakfast platter with bacon, eggs, and fruit. Dessert Board: Feature donuts on a dessert board with other sweets and treats. Garnishes: Sprinkle with colorful sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or chopped nuts.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Don’t Overheat the Oil: Oil that is too hot will cause the donuts to burn on the outside and remain raw on the inside. Control the Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain a consistent oil temperature. Avoid Overcrowding: Fry only a few donuts at a time to prevent the oil temperature from dropping. Proper Dough Consistency: The dough should be slightly sticky but not overly wet. Adjust flour as needed. Fresh Oil: Use fresh, clean oil for frying to avoid off-flavors. Cooling Rack: Allow donuts to cool slightly on a wire rack before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting excessively. Mistake: Over-mixing the dough can lead to tough donuts. Mix until just combined. Tip: For a more intense vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste in the glaze.

Explore More Cooking Guides

Mastering the “Best Homemade Donut Recipe with Glaze” opens a world of sweet possibilities, offering a delightful treat for any occasion. Its classic flavor, comforting texture, and the joy of homemade goodness make it a universally appealing dessert. This guide provides the tools to create donuts that rival any bakery, customizable to suit individual tastes. So, preheat the oil, gather the ingredients, and embark on a delicious donut-making journey. Discover more inspiring recipes and cooking guides at foodrecipestory.com.