How to Make Perfect Old-Fashioned Glazed Donuts

These old-fashioned glazed donuts are soft, fluffy, and airy on the inside with a slightly crisp golden exterior, all coated in a sweet homemade glaze. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this yeast-raised donut recipe is a nostalgic treat that melts in your mouth.

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There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, homemade old-fashioned glazed donut. These donuts are everything you want in a classic treat. Soft, fluffy, and airy on the inside, with a slightly crispy golden exterior that’s coated in a sweet, glossy glaze. They practically melt in your mouth, and once you’ve tried them fresh, it’s hard to go back to store-bought.

The best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients or equipment. Just simple pantry staples, a little patience while the dough rises, and you’ll have a batch of fresh donuts that taste like they came straight from a bakery.

One of the secrets to these old-fashioned glazed donuts being so soft, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth is using yeast-raised dough. Because yeast donuts have that porous, airy crumb structure, they lift and puff better than chemically-leavened options. If you want to understand exactly what makes yeast doughnuts distinct and how they develop that classic texture, I love this deep-dive from BAKERpedia on yeast-raised donuts

Why I Love This Old-Fashioned Glazed Donut Recipe

• Soft and fluffy texture – thanks to the yeast, these donuts rise beautifully.
• Slightly crispy outside – frying gives them that irresistible golden crust.
• Classic sweet glaze – simple but perfectly balances the airy donut.
• Simple ingredients – nothing fancy, just pantry staples you already have.
• Better than store-bought – warm, fresh donuts straight from your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make the best old-fashioned glazed donuts:

For the Dough:

• ¾ cup water – warm, not hot, to activate the yeast.
• 1 ½ teaspoons yeast – active dry or instant.
• 2 tablespoons sugar – just enough sweetness for the dough.
• 2 tablespoons butter (softened) – adds richness and flavor.
• ¾ teaspoon salt – balances sweetness.
• 2 cups + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour – the perfect amount for soft, fluffy donuts.

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make the Best Old Fashioned Yeast Donuts

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is active and ready to go.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add softened butter, salt, and flour. Mix until a dough forms, then knead until smooth and elastic (about 6–8 minutes by hand or 4–5 minutes with a stand mixer and dough hook).

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1–1 ½ hours).

Step 4: Shape the Donuts

Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/3 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or a large glass and a smaller one for the center) to cut out your donuts. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the shaped donuts with a towel and let them rise again for about 30–40 minutes. They should look puffy and airy. Mix up the glaze, cover, and set to the side to allow the flavors to begin to meld together.

Step 6: Fry the Donuts

Heat oil to 350°F. Fry donuts in small batches until golden brown on each side (about 1–2 minutes per side). Remove and place on a paper towel-lined tray to drain.

Step 7: Glaze the Donuts

Dip each warm donut into your glaze ensuring you cover all sides and set on a wire rack to let the glaze set. Allow to rest a few minutes before enjoying!

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Leave at room temperature and eat within 2 days for the best flavor.

Tips for the Best Donuts

• Make sure your oil stays around 350°F for even frying. Too hot, and they’ll burn; too cool, and they’ll soak up oil.
• Don’t skip the second rise, this is what gives you that light, airy inside.
• Glaze while still slightly warm for the best glossy coating.
• Enjoy them fresh! Homemade donuts are best the same day.

FAQs

Other Recipes You’ll Love

If you love the sweet, nostalgic taste of these old-fashioned glazed donuts, here are a few more recipes from my kitchen that I know you’ll enjoy:

• Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks – Soft, fluffy, and brushed with buttery garlic parmesan goodness. Perfect for pairing with pasta night!
• Cinnamon Peach Preserves – Sweet, spiced peaches in a jar that taste like summer. Delicious spread over biscuits or warm bread.
• Fresh Milled Pizza Dough – The ultimate homemade pizza crust recipe, chewy on the inside with a crisp golden edge.
• Triple Chocolate Sourdough – Rich, fudgy, and loaded with chocolate flavor. A decadent treat you’ll want on repeat.
• Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe – A savory, classic comfort food dinner that’s juicy, flavorful, and always a family favorite.

There’s something so nostalgic and comforting about a homemade old-fashioned glazed donut. Simple ingredients, a little time, and you can have the most soft, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth donuts right in your own kitchen. They’re perfect for weekend baking, sharing with family, or just treating yourself to a sweet bite of comfort.

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