THE BEST Homemade Glazed Donuts (Soft, Fluffy & Bakery-Style)

There’s something magical about biting into a warm, pillowy donut with a glossy sugar glaze that gently cracks under your teeth. These THE BEST Homemade Glazed Donuts are everything you love about bakery-style treats — soft, airy, lightly sweet, and perfectly coated in a delicate vanilla glaze.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make classic glazed doughnuts at home that taste better than store-bought, this is the recipe you’ve been waiting for. Made completely from scratch with simple pantry ingredients, these yeast donuts fry up golden and fluffy every single time.

Let’s dive into what makes this the ultimate best yeast donuts recipe — and how you can master it in your own kitchen.

Why These Are Truly the Best Homemade Glazed Donuts

1. Ultra-Soft & Fluffy Texture

Thanks to active yeast and proper kneading, these donuts develop a light, airy crumb.

2. Perfect Sweet Glaze

The simple vanilla glaze sets beautifully, creating that iconic shiny finish.

3. Bakery-Style Results

They look and taste like they came straight from a professional donut shop.

4. Made Completely From Scratch

No shortcuts, no mixes — just simple ingredients and real technique.

5. Customizable

You can easily transform this from scratch donut recipe into chocolate-glazed, sprinkled, or filled variations.

Ingredients

Donut Dough

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar.
2. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
4. Add yeast mixture, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
5. Mix until dough forms.
6. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic (by hand or mixer with dough hook).

Step 3: First Rise

7. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl.
8. Cover and let rise 1–1½ hours until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Donuts

9. Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to about ½-inch thickness.
10. Cut with a donut cutter (or two round cutters).
11. Place on parchment-lined tray, cover lightly, and let rise 30–45 minutes.

Step 5: Fry

12. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
13. Fry donuts 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
14. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Glaze

15. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
16. Dip warm donuts into glaze.
17. Place on wire rack to set.

THE BEST Homemade Glazed Donuts

Soft, fluffy yeast-raised donuts fried until golden and dipped in a sweet vanilla glaze.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12 donuts

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 260

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dough

• 2.25 tsp active dry yeast
• 0.75 cup warm milk
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar
• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 1 egg large
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract

Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 0.25 cup milk
• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Donut cutter
• Deep pot for frying

Method

 

1. Activate yeast in warm milk and sugar.
2. Mix dough ingredients and knead until smooth.
3. Let rise until doubled.
4. Roll, cut, and proof again.
5. Fry at 350°F until golden.
6. Dip in glaze and let set.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature for best texture.

Tips for Perfect Soft Fluffy Donuts

• Don’t overheat milk — too hot kills yeast.
• Let dough rise fully for airy texture.
• Maintain oil temperature at 350°F.
• Glaze while donuts are still slightly warm.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the second rise.
• Frying at too low temperature (causes greasy donuts).
• Overcrowding the frying pot.

Flavor Variations

Chocolate Glaze

Add cocoa powder to glaze.

Cinnamon Sugar

Skip glaze and toss in cinnamon sugar.

Filled Donuts

Fill with pastry cream, jam, or chocolate.

Maple Glaze

Substitute vanilla with maple extract.

Serving Suggestions

These classic glazed doughnuts are best:

• Warm and fresh
• With coffee or cappuccino
• As a weekend brunch treat
• For birthdays or celebrations

Storage Tips

• Best enjoyed same day.
• Store in airtight container up to 2 days.
• Reheat briefly in microwave to soften.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes, but texture will differ — frying creates classic light interior.

Can I freeze donut dough?

Yes, after first rise. Thaw before shaping.

Why are my donuts dense?

Likely under-proofed or insufficient kneading.

The Secret to Bakery-Style Donuts at Home

The key to making the best homemade glazed donuts is patience. Proper yeast activation, thorough kneading, and correct oil temperature make all the difference.

When you bite into one of these golden rings, you’ll taste the soft, airy crumb paired with that perfectly sweet glaze — just like your favorite donut shop, but even fresher.

Final Thoughts

These THE BEST Homemade Glazed Donuts are soft, fluffy, golden, and perfectly glazed — everything a donut should be. Once you master this best yeast donuts recipe, you’ll never need store-bought again.

Homemade truly tastes better.