
Classic Bakery Flavor, Straight From Your Kitchen
These homemade glazed donuts are what dreams are made of—fluffy, buttery, and kissed with a sweet vanilla glaze that melts in your mouth. If you’ve only had store-bought or drive-thru donuts, this recipe will completely change the way you think about this classic treat.
Crafted with a soft, yeast-risen dough, these donuts are all about texture and taste. The recipe uses whole milk, eggs, real butter, and a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and vanilla. Fried until golden and glazed while still warm, they deliver that perfect balance of crisp edges and a tender, airy center that makes each bite unforgettable.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm whole milk (90°F–115°F – like bath water)
- 1 packet rapid rise yeast
- 4 tbsp white granulated sugar
- 7 tbsp unsalted butter, room temp
- 2 large eggs, room temp
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
For the Glaze:
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk (add more for desired consistency)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For Frying:
- Neutral oil, for frying
- Oil temperature: 350°F
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
- Warm your milk to 90°F–115°F, then stir in yeast and sugar; let bloom for 10 minutes until frothy.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Add bloomed yeast mixture to mixing bowl with eggs, vanilla extract, and butter.
- Mix using paddle attachment for 1–2 minutes.

3. Add Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour and salt.
- Gradually add to the mixer using the dough hook until the dough pulls from the sides.

4. Let Dough Rise
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl.
- Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel.
- Let rise for 60–90 minutes until doubled.

5. Shape the Donuts
- Roll the dough on a floured surface into a 2-inch thick rectangle.
- Cut into circles using a cookie cutter or glass.
- Punch out centers for holes.

6. Second Rise
- Place donuts on a lined baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.

7. Fry and Glaze
- Heat oil to 350°F, fry donuts for about 2 minutes per side until golden.
- Drain on a rack, then dip in glaze while warm and let excess drip off.

Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot—too hot will kill the yeast and ruin the rise.
- Use a thermometer for the oil to keep it steady at 350°F for even frying.
- Glaze the donuts while warm so they absorb slightly and give that perfect finish.
- Save those donut holes—they fry up fast and are perfect for snacking!
About the Creator
This recipe is by Zee, the baking-obsessed creative behind @zeetheintrovert. She’s known for turning everyday ingredients into viral-worthy desserts and comforting treats that feel like home.
Zee | @zeetheintrovert