Classic Dozen Glazed Doughnuts Recipe
Introduction
Classic glazed doughnuts are a beloved treat that deliver a perfect balance of light, fluffy dough and sweet, shiny glaze. Making a dozen at home is simpler than you might think, and the result is irresistible fresh doughnuts you’ll want to enjoy right away.

Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Step 1: Warm the milk to about 110°F and prepare your frying pot with vegetable oil, heating it to 350°F.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Add sugar, eggs, softened butter, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Step 4: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Step 5: Roll the dough out to ½-inch thickness. Cut out doughnuts using a doughnut cutter. Allow the cut doughnuts to rest for 30 minutes.
- Step 6: Fry 2 to 3 doughnuts at a time in the hot oil for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 7: To make the glaze, mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and water until smooth. Dip warm doughnuts into the glaze and set them on a rack to let the glaze set.
- Step 8: Serve the doughnuts immediately or after the glaze has set for a slightly firmer coating.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough.
- If you don’t have a doughnut cutter, use two round cookie cutters of different sizes.
- To keep doughnuts warm and soft, place them in a low oven (about 200°F) for a few minutes before serving.
Storage
Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 1 month and thaw at room temperature. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven to restore softness before glazing or serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Use slightly less than the active dry amount and add it directly to the dry ingredients without dissolving in warm milk first.
How do I know when the oil is the right temperature for frying?
The oil should be around 350°F. You can check with a kitchen thermometer or test by dropping a small piece of dough in the oil—the dough should bubble and rise to the surface quickly without browning too fast.
PrintClassic Dozen Glazed Doughnuts Recipe
This recipe guides you through making classic glazed doughnuts from scratch. Soft, fluffy doughnuts are fried to golden perfection and then coated in a sweet, shiny vanilla glaze for the perfect treat any time of day.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Doughnuts
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Whole Milk (warm, about 110°F)
- 2¼ teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 2 large Eggs
- ¼ cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
- Vegetable Oil (for frying)
Glaze
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 3 tablespoons Water
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Warm the milk to about 110°F to activate the yeast properly. Prepare a large pot or deep fryer by ensuring it is clean and ready for heating the vegetable oil to 350°F, which is the ideal frying temperature.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the warm milk with the active dry yeast and let it sit until the mixture foams, indicating the yeast is active. Next, add granulated sugar, eggs, softened unsalted butter, salt, and flour. Mix well and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel and Let Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for a light and fluffy doughnut texture. Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil in your pot or deep fryer to 350°F.
- Assemble the Dish: Once risen, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter to cut out doughnuts and doughnut holes. Let these cut pieces rest for 30 minutes to rise slightly more before frying.
- Cook to Perfection: Fry 2-3 doughnuts at a time in the hot oil for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown. Avoid overcrowding to maintain oil temperature. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Finishing Touches: While doughnuts cool slightly, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and water until smooth. Dip the warm doughnuts into the glaze, coating them evenly, and place on a wire rack to set the glaze.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these classic glazed doughnuts immediately for the best taste and texture, or allow the glaze to fully set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure milk is not too hot when activating yeast to avoid killing it; 110°F is ideal.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pot to keep oil temperature consistent.
- Letting the doughnuts rest after cutting gives them a lighter texture.
- Use a candy thermometer to monitor oil temperature accurately while frying.
- The glaze is easier to apply when the doughnuts are still warm but not hot to touch.
Keywords: classic glazed doughnuts, homemade doughnuts, fried doughnuts, sweet glaze doughnuts, breakfast doughnut recipe

