Vanilla Glazed Baked Donuts Recipe
If you’re craving a homemade treat that feels like a warm hug, these Vanilla Glazed Baked Donuts are exactly what you need. Soft, tender, and perfectly sweet, these baked delights offer the nostalgic comfort of classic donuts but with a homemade touch that’s both simple and satisfying. The subtle vanilla glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and shine, making every bite melt in your mouth. Whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring a quiet moment, these donuts promise a cozy, delicious experience that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Vanilla Glazed Baked Donuts lies in their simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create a tender texture and that signature sweet flavor. Each component plays a special role, from the flour providing structure to the vanilla adding that irresistible aroma and the glaze tying everything together with a glossy finish.
- 250 g flour: The foundation of your donuts, flour ensures a tender crumb while giving the right amount of chew.
- 80 g sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough for a light dessert without overpowering the vanilla flavor.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps your donuts rise and stay fluffy, making every bite soft and airy.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor depth.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the dough.
- 150 ml milk: Moisturizes the batter for a tender texture throughout.
- 40 g butter, melted: Brings a rich, buttery flavor and keeps the donuts moist.
- 1 tsp vanilla: The star flavor that infuses each donut with classic warmth and sweetness.
- 1 cup powdered sugar + 2–3 tbsp milk (for glaze): Creates the silky vanilla glaze that crowns the donuts beautifully.
How to Make Vanilla Glazed Baked Donuts
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C. This ensures that your donuts bake evenly and rise perfectly. Take a donut pan and grease it well to prevent sticking, which will help your donuts come out as beautifully shaped as you see in the pictures.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Breaking up any clumps in the dry mixture at this stage ensures your batter will be smooth and consistent, setting you up for soft and fluffy donuts.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mixing these liquids together helps evenly distribute the butter and vanilla throughout the batter for balanced flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Slowly combine the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until everything just comes together. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your donuts tender rather than dense.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan and Bake
Spoon the batter evenly into the greased donut molds, filling each about three-quarters full. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for around 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the donuts are lightly golden and spring back when touched.
Step 6: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze and Dip
While your donuts cool for a few minutes after baking, whisk together powdered sugar and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until smooth and glossy. This vanilla glaze is the perfect sweet touch that adds a thin, shiny coat packed with flavor. Dip each donut carefully, letting excess glaze drip off before placing them on a wire rack to set.
How to Serve Vanilla Glazed Baked Donuts
Garnishes
While the vanilla glaze is beautiful on its own, adding little touches can elevate your presentation and flavor. Try sprinkling a pinch of rainbow sprinkles or crushed nuts on top before the glaze sets, or dust with a tiny bit of cinnamon for an extra cozy twist.
Side Dishes
These donuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a smooth latte for a perfect morning or afternoon treat. You could also serve them alongside fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt to balance the sweetness with something light.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, place your Vanilla Glazed Baked Donuts on a pretty cake stand surrounded by fresh flowers or edible petals to bring a touch of elegance. You might even stack them in a tower or serve with small bowls of flavored syrups like caramel or chocolate for dipping fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Vanilla Glazed Baked Donuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 to 2 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, though it’s best to enjoy them as soon as possible for that ideal texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these donuts if you want to save them longer. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them all in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen donuts keep well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature for a quick sweet fix.
Reheating
To bring frozen or leftover donuts back to life, warm them gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or heat in a low oven (about 150°C) for a few minutes until soft and slightly warm. Avoid overheating to keep that tender crumb intact.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour in this recipe?
Yes, all-purpose flour works perfectly for these Vanilla Glazed Baked Donuts. It provides just the right amount of structure without making them too dense.
Is there a way to make these donuts gluten-free?
You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for best results, which helps hold the donut together.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
While butter adds great flavor and richness, you can substitute melted vegetable oil if you prefer. The texture might be slightly different, but your donuts will still be delicious.
How thick should the vanilla glaze be?
The glaze should be smooth and pourable but not too runny. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and add more if needed, mixing until you reach a consistency that easily coats the donuts without dripping off instantly.
Can I add flavors to the glaze?
Absolutely! Adding a bit of almond extract or lemon zest to the glaze can give your Vanilla Glazed Baked Donuts a subtle twist that’s refreshing and unique.
Final Thoughts
Making Vanilla Glazed Baked Donuts at home is pure joy—easy, quick, and endlessly satisfying. There’s something so special about pulling fresh-from-the-oven donuts out and seeing that shiny vanilla glaze set beautifully, ready to be enjoyed. I encourage you to give this recipe a go, whether for a weekend brunch, a sweet snack, or a delightful surprise for loved ones. You’re going to fall in love with these donuts just like I did!
