Soft, golden donuts with a thick, glossy vanilla glaze — the kind that look (and taste) like they came straight from a bakery window on a quiet morning.
Description
These classic donuts are light and airy on the inside with a delicate golden crust. Each one is dipped in a smooth vanilla glaze that sets to a soft sheen, speckled with tiny vanilla bean seeds. Perfect with coffee or tea, they bring simple comfort and a touch of sweetness to any table.
Yield
Makes about 10–12 donuts
Ingredients
For the donuts
- 2 ¼ tsp (7 g) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (55 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 ½ – 2 ¾ cups (310–340 g) all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the vanilla glaze
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (or seeds from ½ vanilla bean)
- Tiny pinch of salt
Instructions
- Activate the yeast
In a large bowl, mix the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. - Make the dough
Add the egg, melted butter, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled. - Shape the donuts
Roll the dough out to about ½ inch (1.2 cm) thick. Cut with a donut cutter (or two round cutters). Place the donuts on a floured tray, cover, and let rise again for 30–40 minutes. - Fry
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels. - Make the glaze
Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth and pourable. Adjust thickness with a little more milk or sugar as needed. - Glaze
Dip the still-warm donuts into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place back on the rack to set.
Tips
- For the look in the photo, use real vanilla bean seeds in the glaze for those little dark speckles.
- Best enjoyed the same day while the glaze is still soft and the donuts are fresh.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
