Who doesn’t love a delicious, freshly baked donut? This recipe for vanilla glazed baked donuts offers a light, fluffy texture with a sweet, smooth glaze that’s perfect for any occasion. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these are baked, making them a healthier option while still delivering that classic donut taste. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert, these homemade donuts will have everyone coming back for more.

The batter is simple to prepare and requires basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. The star of this recipe is the velvety vanilla glaze, which adds the perfect amount of sweetness and pairs wonderfully with the light donut texture. You can also customize these donuts with food coloring or sprinkles to add a fun, festive touch for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. Easy to make, fun to decorate, and delicious to eat – what’s not to love about these vanilla glazed baked donuts?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Baked, Not Fried

These donuts are baked rather than fried, making them a healthier alternative without compromising on flavor.

2. Simple Ingredients

With basic pantry staples, you can create these sweet treats in no time—no special ingredients or equipment required!

3. Fluffy and Soft

The donuts are light and fluffy on the inside, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

4. Customizable Glaze

The vanilla glaze is incredibly versatile—you can easily add food coloring or sprinkles for a fun and festive look.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

These baked donuts are perfect for a family breakfast, brunch parties, or as an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

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

For the Vanilla Glaze:

Powdered sugar (sifted)
Vanilla extract
A small pinch of salt
Milk (1 or 2 tablespoons)
Optional: food coloring and sprinkles

Variations

Add Chocolate Glaze: For a chocolatey twist, you can create a chocolate glaze by melting chocolate and mixing it with powdered sugar and a bit of milk.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Instead of a glaze, coat the donuts with cinnamon sugar for a different flavor.
Fill the Donuts: You can fill the donuts with jam, cream, or Nutella before baking to add a surprising center.
Add Toppings: Decorate the glaze with colorful sprinkles, shredded coconut, or crushed nuts for extra flair.
Flavor Variations: Swap vanilla extract for almond or maple extract to give the donuts a unique flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with cooking spray or lightly butter it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Donut Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, egg, skim milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the donuts dense.

Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about 2/3 full. If you want a neater approach, you can transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off to pipe the batter into the molds.

Step 5: Bake the Donuts

Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool the Donuts

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then remove them and place them on a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

Step 7: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk, stirring until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. If you want a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner glaze, add a bit more.

Step 8: Glaze the Donuts

Dip each cooled donut into the vanilla glaze, covering it completely. Allow any excess glaze to drip off before placing the donut back on the wire rack to set. If you’re adding food coloring, mix it into the glaze before dipping the donuts. Top with sprinkles if desired.

Step 9: Serve

Once the glaze has set, your donuts are ready to enjoy! Serve them fresh, or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense donuts. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for light, fluffy donuts.
Grease the Pan Well: Make sure to properly grease your donut pan to avoid the donuts sticking to the pan when you remove them.
Check Doneness: Since oven temperatures can vary, keep an eye on the donuts. You can check them by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the donuts are ready.
Adjust Glaze Consistency: Depending on your preference, you can make the glaze thicker or thinner by adjusting the amount of milk you add. If you want a glossy finish, keep the glaze thinner.
Let the Donuts Cool Before Glazing: Make sure the donuts have cooled to room temperature before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and sliding off.

How to Serve

These vanilla glazed baked donuts are perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a delightful treat. You can also serve them at a brunch gathering, a birthday party, or as part of a festive dessert table. Add some colorful sprinkles or food coloring to match the theme of your event!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the glaze set completely before storing to prevent it from sticking to the container.

Freezing

To freeze the donuts, allow them to cool completely and then wrap each donut in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or warm them slightly in the microwave.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy warm donuts later, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, you can use a muffin tin or mini muffin tin as an alternative. The donuts will have a different shape but will still be delicious!

2. Can I use almond flour or gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option. Make sure to check the flour blend’s instructions for best results.

3. Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the donuts ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Glaze them just before serving.

4. How can I make the glaze thicker?

To make the glaze thicker, reduce the amount of milk or add more powdered sugar.

5. Can I use a different flavor extract for the glaze?

Yes! You can use almond, maple, or even coconut extract to change the flavor of the glaze.

6. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, you can fold in chocolate chips, mini chocolate chunks, or even candy pieces to the batter for a fun twist.

7. Can I use whole milk instead of skim milk?

Yes, you can use whole milk instead of skim milk for a richer taste. You can also use plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.

8. Can I freeze the donuts?

Yes, you can freeze the donuts before or after glazing. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

9. Can I make these donuts without eggs?

Yes, you can use an egg substitute, such as a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), for a vegan version.

10. How long do the donuts stay fresh?

These donuts are best enjoyed within 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them.

Conclusion

These vanilla glazed baked donuts are a simple yet delightful treat that will quickly become a favorite. With a fluffy texture and a sweet vanilla glaze, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a weekend breakfast or a special celebration. Easy to make, customizable, and irresistibly tasty, these baked donuts are a great way to satisfy your donut cravings without the fuss of frying. Enjoy them fresh, or store them for later; they’re sure to be a hit wherever you serve them!