Vanilla Glazed Baked Donuts

Vanilla Glazed Baked Donuts are the perfect combination of fluffy, soft donuts with a sweet, smooth vanilla glaze. Unlike their fried counterparts, these baked donuts are light and airy, making them a slightly healthier alternative while still delivering on flavor and texture. With a simple dough that’s easy to make and a glaze that’s both sweet and creamy, these donuts are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a sweet treat to share with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a holiday gathering, or just craving something sweet, these donuts are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The vanilla glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making these donuts indulgent without being overly sweet. Plus, they’re quick to prepare and bake, so you can enjoy fresh donuts from your oven in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about Vanilla Glazed Baked Donuts? They offer the soft, pillowy texture of a freshly baked donut, and the vanilla glaze gives them the perfect amount of sweetness without being overwhelming. These donuts are baked, not fried, making them a lighter option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. The ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly, so you don’t have to worry about special equipment or hard-to-find items. Plus, the vanilla glaze is customizable—add a few drops of food coloring to match the occasion, or sprinkle with colorful toppings for an extra festive touch. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a creative twist, these donuts are perfect for any occasion and will leave you coming back for more.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Egg (at room temperature)
• Skim milk (at room temperature)
• Vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Glaze:

• Powdered sugar (sifted)
• Vanilla extract
• A small pinch of salt
• Milk (1-2 tablespoons)

Optional:

• Food coloring
• Sprinkles

Variations

• Chocolate Glaze: Replace the vanilla extract with cocoa powder in the glaze for a chocolate version. You can also drizzle the chocolate glaze over the donuts for a double-chocolate treat.
• Flavored Donuts: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or citrus zest (like lemon or orange) to the donut batter for a unique flavor twist.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: After glazing the donuts, roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar for a warm, spicy finish.
• Filled Donuts: If you prefer filled donuts, use a piping bag to inject jam, chocolate ganache, or custard into the middle of the donut before glazing.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan or use non-stick spray to ensure the donuts don’t stick.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set this bowl aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, skim milk, and vanilla extract. Make sure the egg and milk are at room temperature to avoid the butter from solidifying when mixed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the donuts dense.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon or pipe the donut batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. This ensures the donuts will rise evenly during baking.

Step 6: Bake the Donuts

Place the donut pan in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The donuts should be lightly golden on top.

Step 7: Cool the Donuts

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set without becoming soggy.

Step 8: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze

While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of milk. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth, drippable consistency.

Step 9: Glaze the Donuts

Once the donuts have cooled, dip each one into the vanilla glaze, ensuring that the top is fully coated. If desired, add food coloring to the glaze and drizzle it over the donuts for a colorful touch. You can also add sprinkles or other decorations while the glaze is still wet.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the freshly baked, sweet donuts with a cup of coffee or tea.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the egg and milk are at room temperature before adding them to the mixture. This helps the ingredients combine more evenly and prevents the melted butter from solidifying.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts.
• Fill the Donut Pan Evenly: Use a spoon or a piping bag to fill the donut pan evenly to ensure consistent sizes and even baking.
• Customize the Glaze: Adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more or less milk depending on whether you prefer a thicker or thinner coating. You can also experiment with different extracts, like almond or maple, for unique flavors.
• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

These Vanilla Glazed Baked Donuts are perfect as a breakfast treat, brunch addition, or a snack any time of the day. Serve them with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy experience. They also make a great treat for special occasions, like birthdays or holiday gatherings. For a fun twist, serve them with a variety of glazes and toppings, so everyone can customize their donut just the way they like it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Vanilla Glazed Baked Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have leftover glaze, store it separately in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat slightly before using.

Freezing

These donuts freeze well. To freeze, allow the donuts to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw at room temperature or microwave for about 15-20 seconds.

Reheating

To reheat a donut, simply microwave it for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up. The glaze will soften again, and the donut will be ready to enjoy.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can substitute skim milk with whole milk, almond milk, or any milk of your choice. Just make sure the milk is at room temperature when adding it to the batter.

2. Do I need a donut pan?

Yes, a donut pan is recommended for shaping the donuts evenly. If you don’t have one, you can use a muffin tin and bake them as donut holes, though the texture may vary slightly.

3. Can I add chocolate chips to the donut batter?

Yes, you can fold in chocolate chips or any other add-ins, such as sprinkles or nuts, to the donut batter for added flavor and texture.

4. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it slightly before using it to glaze the donuts.

5. How can I make these donuts more flavorful?

For added flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or lemon zest to the donut batter. You can also experiment with flavored extracts, such as almond or hazelnut.

6. Can I freeze these donuts?

Yes, these donuts freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month.

7. Can I use a different glaze flavor?

Absolutely! You can make different glaze flavors by adding cocoa powder for chocolate glaze, or experiment with fruit purees for a berry glaze.

8. How long will these donuts stay fresh?

These donuts are best enjoyed within 2 days of baking, but they will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days if stored properly in an airtight container.

9. How do I know when the donuts are done baking?

The donuts are done when they are lightly golden on the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Don’t overbake to ensure they stay moist.

10. Can I make these donuts without the glaze?

Yes, these baked donuts are delicious on their own without the glaze. You can enjoy them plain or dusted with powdered sugar for a lighter option.

Conclusion

Vanilla Glazed Baked Donuts are a simple yet indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These donuts are easy to make and provide the comforting, sweet flavors of a traditional donut, but with a lighter, baked version. The vanilla glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness, and you can customize them with different toppings or glazes to suit your preferences. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a festive twist, these baked donuts are sure to become a favorite go-to recipe.

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