Name: Crispy and Creamy Doughnuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 160 min
Ingredients: 2 (.25 ounce) envelopes active dry yeast; 0.25 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees); 1.5 cups lukewarm milk; 0.5 cup white sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 eggs; 0.33333334326744 cup shortening; 5 cups all-purpose flour; 1 quart vegetable oil for frying; 0.33333334326744 cup butter; 2 cups confectioners' sugar; 1.5 teaspoons vanilla; 4 tablespoons hot water or as needed

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

30 mins

Additional Time:

2 hrs

Total Time:

2 hrs 40 mins

Servings:

18

Yield:

18 doughnuts

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Homemade glazed doughnuts are the sweet, pillowy answer to "what's for dessert?" This top-rated doughnut recipe boasts a light, buttery taste with a perfectly decadent glaze that's finger-licking good. Learn how to make your own bakery-style treats right here.

How to Make Doughnuts

Indulge in delicious homemade doughnuts anytime with this easy-to-follow recipe. You'll find the full recipe below with step-by-step instructions, but here's what you can expect when you make this top-rated recipe:

Start by sprinkling yeast over warm water to activate, then add flour, sugar, salt, milk, shortening, and eggs to create the dough. Knead the dough until smooth, cover it, and allow it to rise until doubled in size.

Roll the dough out to a ½ inch thickness before using a doughnut cutter to create a shape. Let the doughnuts rise a second time before deep-frying and glazing.

How to Make Glaze for Doughnuts

Melt butter in a medium saucepan, then stir in confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Add hot water (one tablespoon at a time) until the desired consistency is achieved. The mixture should be thin, but not watery.

How to Store Glazed Doughnuts

Glazed doughnuts will last one to two days at room temperature. Cover them with paper or foil and store them in a cool, dry environment for best results. Refrigerated doughnuts will last up to a week.

Can You Freeze Glazed Doughnuts?

Yes, unfilled glazed doughnuts can be frozen for two to three months. Place the doughnuts in a single layer on a large baking sheet for at least four hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the microwave.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"This recipe is super easy," shares home cook Elena. "I used cookie cutters and made heart- and flower-shaped bite-sized donuts. They are amazing! My family loved them."

"My 4-year-old wasn't impressed with the waiting between steps, but it was well worth it," says reviewer Caitlin. "Super tasty and so many leftovers! I'm gonna have to try freezing some."

"The donuts came out light and fluffy," raves Cecilia. "Great even before the filling and icing. Definitely will make it again. Yummm."

Editorial contributions by Rai Mincey

Ingredients

2 (.25 ounce) envelopes active dry yeast
¼ cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees)
1 ½ cups lukewarm milk
½ cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
⅓ cup shortening
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 quart vegetable oil for frying
⅓ cup butter
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
4 tablespoons hot water or as needed

Directions

Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water, and let stand for 5 minutes, or until foamy.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
In a large bowl, mix together the yeast mixture, milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening, and 2 cups of the flour. Mix for a few minutes at low speed, or stirring with a wooden spoon. Beat in remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough no longer sticks to the bowl. Knead for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough into a greased bowl, and cover. Set in a warm place to rise until double. Dough is ready if you touch it, and the indention remains.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and gently roll out to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut with a floured doughnut cutter. Let doughnuts sit out to rise again until double. Cover loosely with a cloth.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in confectioners' sugar and vanilla until smooth. Remove from heat, and stir in hot water one tablespoon at a time until the icing is somewhat thin, but not watery. Set aside.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large heavy skillet to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Slide doughnuts into the hot oil using a wide spatula. Turn doughnuts over as they rise to the surface. Fry doughnuts on each side until golden brown. Remove from hot oil, to drain on a wire rack. Dip doughnuts into the glaze while still hot, and set onto wire racks to drain off excess. Keep a cookie sheet or tray under racks for easier clean up.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Editor's Note

We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount may vary depending on cook time and temperature, ingredient density, and the specific type of oil used.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

331	Calories
13g	Fat
47g	Carbs
5g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 18
Calories 331
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 13g	17%
Saturated Fat 4g	21%
Cholesterol 31mg	10%
Sodium 171mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate 47g	17%
Dietary Fiber 1g	4%
Total Sugars 20g
Protein 5g
Calcium 34mg	3%
Iron 2mg	11%
Potassium 93mg	2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.