Crispy Rice Donuts with Creamy Glaze Recipe
If you’re seeking a delightful twist on a comforting staple, look no further than these Crispy Rice Donnuts with Creamy Glaze. This dish takes humble cooked rice and transforms it into golden, crunchy rings that are irresistibly fun to eat. Each donut achieves the perfect balance of a crisp exterior and tender interior, all topped with a luscious, warm creamy glaze that elevates the flavor to something truly special. Whether you’re serving them as an enticing snack or a unique appetizer, the Crispy Rice Donuts with Creamy Glaze are guaranteed to capture hearts and taste buds alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need
As straightforward as this recipe is, every ingredient plays a crucial part in bringing these Crispy Rice Donuts with Creamy Glaze to life. The rice provides the chewy base, the binder holds everything together, and the glaze adds that silky richness you crave.
- Cooked rice: Use slightly sticky rice for easy shaping and a satisfying texture.
- Egg or binder: Acts as the glue to hold your rice donuts firmly together without falling apart.
- Oil: For brushing or greasing, it ensures a crisp, golden finish on your donuts.
- Cream cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy glaze that pairs perfectly with the savory rice donuts.
- Milk or cream: Adds richness and helps thin the glaze for easy drizzling.
How to Make Crispy Rice Donuts with Creamy Glaze
Step 1: Preparing the Rice Mixture
Start with well-cooked rice that’s slightly sticky so it holds its shape easily. In a mixing bowl, combine the rice with your binder—typically an egg—to ensure the mixture is cohesive. If the rice feels too dry, adding a tiny splash of water can help. This step is all about achieving a dough-like consistency that can be molded easily without crumbling.
Step 2: Shaping the Donuts
Take portions of the rice mixture and gently shape them into classic donut forms. Don’t worry about perfect circles; the charm of these donuts is their rustic, hand-crafted look. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment or lightly greased to prevent sticking. Forming a hole in the center is key to the signature donut look and allows for even crisping.
Step 3: Baking Until Golden and Crispy
Brush or spray the rice donuts lightly with oil—this is what will give them that irresistible crispy exterior once baked. Pop them into a preheated oven and bake until they turn golden brown and crisp to the touch. This usually takes around 25-30 minutes and is the perfect time to prepare your creamy glaze.
Step 4: Preparing the Creamy Glaze
While the donuts bake, gently warm the cream cheese with milk or cream in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring often to create a smooth, luscious glaze. The goal is a pourable but rich sauce that’s velvety and slightly tangy, designed to complement that crispy rice texture beautifully.
Step 5: Glazing and Serving
Once your rice donuts have baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and immediately drizzle the warm creamy glaze generously on top. The heat will help the glaze melt slightly into the crispy surface, making every bite creamy, crunchy, and utterly addictive.
How to Serve Crispy Rice Donuts with Creamy Glaze

Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your Crispy Rice Donuts with Creamy Glaze can turn them from simple to spectacular. Consider sprinkling finely chopped chives, a light dusting of smoked paprika, or toasted sesame seeds for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor. Each garnish brings a little personality without overshadowing the main stars.
Side Dishes
These rice donuts pair wonderfully with fresh, crisp salads like an Asian slaw or even with a simple cucumber salad that provides a cool contrast to the warm donuts. A small bowl of soy dipping sauce or a spicy mayo can also accompany the dish to add complexity and satisfy those who love bold condiments.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, stack the donuts on a serving platter and drizzle more creamy glaze just before serving. You can also thread them onto skewers for a playful appetizer or arrange them in a ring with small bowls of dipping sauces in the center. This dish is as visually fun as it is delicious, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of your Crispy Rice Donuts with Creamy Glaze, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days, but the crisp exterior might soften slightly. Recrisping before serving helps bring back that delightful texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the shaped but uncooked rice donuts for convenience. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring back the crispy magic, reheat your rice donuts in a hot oven rather than the microwave. This ensures they regain their crunch on the outside while staying tender inside. A quick 5-7 minute bake at 375°F (190°C) is usually enough to revive that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of rice for these donuts?
Absolutely! Sticky or medium-grain rice works best because it clings together easily. Long-grain rice might not hold its shape as well, but you can try adding a bit more binder to help.
Is it possible to make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses only rice, eggs, and dairy. Just ensure any additional ingredients or garnishes you use are also gluten-free.
Can I use a vegan binder instead of eggs?
Definitely. Ingredients like flaxseed meal mixed with water or a store-bought vegan egg replacer work beautifully to hold the rice donuts together.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the glaze?
You can use ricotta or mascarpone for a slightly different flavor profile or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version that maintains that creamy texture.
How do I make the glaze thinner or thicker?
To thin the glaze, simply add more milk or cream a teaspoon at a time. For a thicker glaze, reduce the milk or chill the mixture briefly before drizzling.
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Rice Donuts with Creamy Glaze are a joyful way to elevate simple ingredients into something truly crave-worthy. Their crunchy yet tender texture combined with a silky glaze creates a unique flavor experience that’s perfect for sharing with friends or making any meal a bit more special. Give this recipe a try and watch these delightful donuts become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
