Melt In Your Mouth Glazed Donuts Recipe

by

Introduction

Craving soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet donuts that practically melt in your mouth? Look no further than this melt-in-your-mouth glazed donuts recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, these homemade donuts are surprisingly easy to make and deliver bakery-quality results. With a golden exterior, tender crumb, and a classic sweet glaze, these donuts are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

For the Donuts:

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Glaze:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, egg, flour, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  3. Shape the Donuts: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one larger and one smaller) to cut out donut shapes. Place the donuts and donut holes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
  4. Fry the Donuts: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  5. Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  6. Glaze the Donuts: While the donuts are still warm, dip them into the glaze, turning to coat both sides. Place them on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, with a cup of coffee or as a sweet treat any time of day.

    Serving and Storage Tips for Melt In Your Mouth Glazed Donuts:

    Serving Tips:

    • Best Served Fresh: These glazed donuts are at their absolute best when served warm, fresh out of the fryer, and freshly glazed. Enjoy them within a few hours of making for the softest texture and best flavor.
    • Pairing Suggestions: Serve your donuts with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk for a classic combination. They also pair wonderfully with hot chocolate or a fruity smoothie.
    • Customization: Offer a variety of toppings alongside the classic glaze, such as sprinkles, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, allowing guests to personalize their donuts.

    Storage Tips:

    • Short-Term Storage: If you have leftover donuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though the texture is best on the first day.
    • Reheating: To bring back some of the donuts’ original softness, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the glaze melt too much.
    • Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the donuts. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and warm slightly in the microwave before serving.
    • Glazing After Freezing: If you plan to freeze the donuts, consider freezing them without the glaze and adding the glaze after reheating. This helps maintain the best texture and flavor.

      Variations for Melt In Your Mouth Glazed Donuts Recipe:

      1. Chocolate Glazed Donuts

      • Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the glaze mixture or use melted dark or milk chocolate for dipping.
      • Flavor Profile: Rich and indulgent, perfect for chocolate lovers. For an extra touch, sprinkle with chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips.

      2. Maple Glazed Donuts

      • Ingredients: Substitute the milk in the glaze with pure maple syrup and add 1/2 teaspoon of maple extract.
      • Flavor Profile: A sweet, slightly caramelized flavor with a hint of maple, ideal for a fall or breakfast treat.

      3. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

      • Ingredients: After frying, coat the donuts in a mixture of 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon instead of glazing.
      • Flavor Profile: Classic and comforting, with a warm, sweet spice. Perfect for a cozy, homemade touch.

      4. Lemon Glazed Donuts

      • Ingredients: Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the glaze mixture.
      • Flavor Profile: Bright and tangy with a refreshing citrus twist, ideal for a zesty treat.

      5. Berry Glazed Donuts

      • Ingredients: Mix 1/4 cup of berry puree (such as raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry) into the glaze mixture.
      • Flavor Profile: Fruity and vibrant, with a natural berry sweetness and color.

      6. Pumpkin Spice Donuts

      • Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the donut dough. Top with a cinnamon glaze.
      • Flavor Profile: Spicy, cozy, and perfect for autumn. The pumpkin adds moisture and a subtle flavor.

      7. Maple Bacon Donuts

      • Ingredients: After glazing with maple glaze, top with crumbled cooked bacon.
      • Flavor Profile: A sweet and savory combination, with a crispy bacon crunch that pairs wonderfully with the maple glaze.

      8. Vanilla Bean Glazed Donuts

      • Ingredients: Add the seeds from 1 vanilla bean to the glaze mixture or use 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste.
      • Flavor Profile: Luxuriously creamy and fragrant, perfect for those who love a classic vanilla flavor.

      9. Matcha Glazed Donuts

      • Ingredients: Add 2-3 tablespoons of matcha powder to the glaze mixture for a green tea flavor.
      • Flavor Profile: Earthy and slightly sweet, with a unique green tea twist. Great for a sophisticated touch.

      10. Almond Glazed Donuts

      • Ingredients: Replace vanilla extract in the glaze with almond extract and top with sliced almonds.
      • Flavor Profile: Nutty and aromatic, with a delightful crunch from the almonds.

    Conclusion:

    These melt-in-your-mouth glazed donuts are the ultimate treat for donut lovers. With their soft, fluffy texture and perfectly sweet glaze, they’re sure to be a hit whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert. Try this recipe, and enjoy the satisfaction of making bakery-quality donuts right in your own kitchen.

    FAQ’s About Melt In Your Mouth Glazed Donuts Recipe:

    1. What makes these donuts “melt in your mouth”?
      The donuts are made with a light, airy dough that has a soft and tender crumb. The use of buttermilk or milk and a proper rising time contributes to their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
    2. Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
      While donuts are best enjoyed fresh, you can make them ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat slightly before serving for the best texture.
    3. How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature for frying?
      Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil is at 350°F (175°C). You can also test the temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil; it should rise to the surface and bubble gently.
    4. Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?
      Yes, you can bake the donuts. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. They won’t be quite as fluffy as fried donuts but will still be delicious.
    5. How can I get a smooth glaze on my donuts?
      Ensure the donuts are still warm when you dip them in the glaze. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out. Conversely, if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
    6. What if my donuts come out dense or dry?
      Dense or dry donuts can be caused by over-mixing the dough or incorrect frying temperature. Ensure you mix just until combined and maintain the correct oil temperature for a light, fluffy texture.
    7. Can I use a different type of flour?
      For best results, use all-purpose flour. Whole wheat flour or other alternatives may affect the texture and taste of the donuts.
    8. How do I store leftover donuts?
      Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.
    9. Can I make the glaze in advance?
      Yes, you can make the glaze in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat and stir before using, adding a bit of milk if it has thickened.
    10. How do I achieve a perfect donut hole?
      Use a donut cutter or two different-sized round cutters to ensure the hole is cut cleanly and evenly. If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can also use a small round cookie cutter for the hole.

Leave a Comment