There’s something so irresistible about a classic Glazed Old Fashioned Donut. The crispy edges, the soft, tender center, and that sweet glaze that coats each bite—honestly, it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds. You know the kind of donut that instantly takes you back to childhood mornings, sipping coffee and biting into that perfect golden donut? That’s this one.
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These Old Fashioned Donuts are wonderfully simple, yet incredibly satisfying. They’ve got that perfect balance of cakey goodness and crispy edges that make them hard to resist. And the glaze—oh, the glaze! It’s sweet, smooth, and the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re making them for a lazy weekend breakfast or impressing friends at a brunch gathering, you’ll be a donut hero with this recipe. Trust me, you’re going to love every single bite.
Why You’ll Love Glazed Old Fashioned Donuts
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re savoring these with a hot cup of coffee or sharing them with loved ones, these donuts bring joy to any occasion. Here’s why they’re bound to be a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for a weekend breakfast, a bake sale, or a cozy treat after dinner. You can easily double the batch to share with friends or keep a few on hand for a later craving.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for fancy items—this recipe proves you can create a bakery-quality donut without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: These donuts may sound impressive, but the steps are straightforward, making them a great option even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.
Customizable: Not into the glaze? Roll them in cinnamon sugar, drizzle with chocolate, or even dip them in maple syrup for a fun twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: They’re always a hit! The combination of a crunchy exterior with a soft, tender interior makes them irresistible to everyone.
Ingredients in Glazed Old Fashioned Donuts
Get ready to fall in love with the simplicity of these ingredients. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll be on your way to donut perfection.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of your dough, giving the donuts that perfect balance of tenderness and structure.
Baking Powder: Helps the donuts rise to perfection, giving them that signature light, airy texture.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and balances out the glaze’s sweetness.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and makes sure the donuts aren’t too sweet.
Ground Nutmeg: A classic, warm spice that brings out the comforting flavors of the donut.
Eggs: Give the donuts a tender, rich texture and help bind everything together.
Whole Milk: Provides moisture and contributes to the soft, cake-like texture of the donut.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor, making the donuts melt-in-your-mouth good.
Vegetable Oil: For frying, it creates that crispy, golden exterior.
Powdered Sugar: For the smooth, sweet glaze that coats each donut.
Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the glaze.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these irresistibly delicious donuts:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by heating your oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the donuts fry up golden and crispy.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and nutmeg. This is the base of your donut dough.
Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
Shape the Donuts: Lightly flour your work surface, then roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to cut out the donut shapes. Don’t forget to save the centers—you can fry them up as mini donut holes!
Fry the Donuts: Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, frying for about 1–2 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown. Remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make the Glaze: While the donuts cool slightly, make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts are cool enough to handle but still warm, dip the tops into the glaze. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve these warm and enjoy the crispy edges and soft, sweet centers. Whether paired with coffee or eaten on their own, these donuts are sure to satisfy.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 280
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Glazed Old Fashioned Donuts
These donuts are the perfect treat for any occasion. Here’s how you can enjoy them:
With Coffee: Pair these warm, glazed donuts with a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate morning pick-me-up.
As a Brunch Favorite: Serve them alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or a side of bacon for a fun and satisfying brunch.
For Dessert: These donuts make a great sweet treat to end a meal. They’re light, sweet, and just the right amount of indulgent.
On Their Own: Sometimes, the best way to enjoy a donut is simply by itself—no frills, just pure donut bliss.
Additional Tips
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can make your donuts tough. Stir until just combined for a light, fluffy texture.
Watch the Oil Temperature: Too hot, and the donuts will burn; too cold, and they’ll absorb too much oil. Keep the temperature steady at 375°F for perfect results.
Chill the Dough: If the dough is too sticky to work with, chill it in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before rolling out.
Storage Tips: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Glaze Variations: Try adding a bit of cinnamon to the glaze for extra flavor, or swap out the vanilla for almond extract.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?
A1: While these donuts are traditionally fried, you can bake them at 350°F for about 12–15 minutes if you prefer a lighter, less greasy version.
Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and frying.
Q3: Can I use a different oil for frying?
A3: Yes, vegetable oil works best, but you can also use canola oil or peanut oil as alternatives.
Q4: Can I make a larger batch?
A4: Absolutely! Just scale up the ingredients accordingly and fry in batches.
Q5: How do I store leftover donuts?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back the softness.
Q6: Can I freeze these donuts?
A6: Yes! You can freeze the donuts before glazing them. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven and glaze when ready to serve.
Q7: Can I use a donut maker for this recipe?
A7: Sure! A donut maker works fine for this recipe. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking time.
Q8: Can I add fillings to the donuts?
A8: Yes! Try adding a little jam or cream cheese filling inside before frying for a delicious surprise.
Q9: How do I make the glaze thicker?
A9: To make a thicker glaze, just reduce the amount of milk or add a little more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
Q10: Can I make the glaze chocolate-flavored?
A10: Yes, simply add some cocoa powder to the powdered sugar, and adjust the milk for a chocolate glaze.
Final Thoughts
These Glazed Old Fashioned Donuts are everything you could want in a donut—crispy, tender, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re a donut lover or just looking for a delicious treat, these are sure to win over your heart and your taste buds. So go ahead, make a batch (or two), and enjoy the magic of a classic donut made right at home.
Print
Glazed Old Fashioned Donuts
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Glazed Old Fashioned Donuts are soft and cakey on the inside, with a slight crunch on the outside. Made without yeast and with sour cream for richness, this recipe recreates the bakery-style donuts you love, all in just over an hour! The sweet glaze adds the perfect finishing touch to these golden-fried treats, making them a must-have for breakfast or any time you’re craving a classic donut.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups (308g) cake flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (6g) baking powder
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 2/3 cup (125g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon (12g) vegetable shortening, at room temperature
- 3 large egg yolks
- 3/4 cup (180g) sour cream, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) distilled white vinegar
- 3 cups (390g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon (94ml) milk
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) corn syrup
- 2 1/2 teaspoons (12ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 48 ounces vegetable oil
Instructions
- Make the Donut Dough: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine cake flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Set aside. In a stand mixer bowl, beat sugar, butter, and shortening on medium-high speed until smooth. Add egg yolks and mix until just incorporated. Add sour cream and vinegar, then mix to combine. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Oil: In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 375°F.
- Shape the Donuts: Turn the chilled dough onto a well-floured surface. Roll out the dough to about ¾” thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out as many donuts as possible. Re-roll the remaining dough to cut more donuts.
- Fry the Donuts: Carefully drop 2-3 donuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 2 minutes per side, flipping carefully. Once golden brown, remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a cooling rack.
- Make the Glaze: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Glaze the Donuts: While the donuts are still warm, dip each one into the glaze. Place them on a cooling rack to let the excess glaze drip off.
Notes
- Be sure to fry the donuts in batches to avoid overcrowding the oil, which could affect the frying temperature.
- For best results, use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 375°F while frying.
- These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Feel free to customize the glaze with different extracts, such as almond or cinnamon, for a unique flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg