A Golden Fried Treat That’s Good-Good, Baby 😘
These Glazed Twist Donuts are the sweet, soft, melt-in-your-mouth moment your mornings have been waiting for. Made with love and glossy AF, this recipe from @thebuttababe delivers that pillowy center, golden crust, and vanilla-kissed glaze that hits just right every time.
If you’ve been craving a bakery-style treat with a homemade twist, this is it. The dough is enriched with egg, butter, and vanilla—kneaded to soft perfection—then fried and dipped in a smooth vanilla glaze. Whether you’re baking up something special for brunch, showing off on social, or just treating yourself, this recipe is absolutely that girl.
So get ready for sticky fingers and full hearts, because once these come out the fryer and into the glaze, they don’t last long.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2½ cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup whole milk, warmed to 115°F
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 packet instant dry yeast
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp very soft butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt
- Neutral frying oil (canola or vegetable), about 1 liter
For the Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and half the sugar.
- Cover and let sit for 15 minutes, until foamy and active.
2. Build the Dough
- Whisk in the egg, vanilla extract, and remaining sugar.
- In another bowl, mix the flour and salt.
- Add half the flour into the wet mix and stir until combined.
3. Knead the Dough
- Transfer to a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- Add in the soft butter and gradually mix in the remaining flour.
- Knead until the dough is soft and slightly sticky but not fully sticking to your hands.
4. Let It Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
- Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Twists
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and divide into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each into a rectangle, then into a tight log.
- Roll out to 12 inches, form a “U”, twist, and pinch the ends to seal.
6. Fry the Donuts
- Heat oil to 325°F.
- Fry 2 twists at a time, flipping after about 1 minute.
- Cook until both sides are golden brown, then transfer to a wire rack to drain.
7. Glaze & Serve
- While still warm, dip twists into the vanilla glaze and let excess drip off.
- Serve hot and fresh for the full glossy, fluffy experience.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Don’t over-flour the dough—keep it soft and slightly sticky for the best texture.
- Use a candy thermometer to monitor frying oil temp—325°F is your sweet spot.
- Glaze while warm so the donuts soak up all that vanilla sweetness.
- Try flavor variations by adding cinnamon, lemon zest, or maple extract to the glaze.
About the Creator
This recipe is by Alex, the soft-spoken pastry assassin behind @thebuttababe. Her treats are full of flavor, finesse, and that signature “good-good” energy that makes every bite memorable.
Alex | @thebuttababe