These Glazed Vanilla Donuts are soft, fluffy, and bursting with vanilla flavor, topped with a smooth, sweet glaze and colorful sprinkles. Baked instead of fried, they’re easy to make at home and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft & Fluffy – Light texture with a rich vanilla flavor.
• Simple Baking – No frying needed, just bake in the oven.
• Beautiful Finish – Glazed and decorated with sprinkles for a festive touch.
• Customizable – Add different toppings like chocolate glaze, nuts, or coconut.

Glazed Vanilla Donuts

There’s something magical about homemade donuts fresh from the oven. Unlike store-bought versions, these Glazed Vanilla Donuts deliver a freshness and warmth that make them irresistible. Their delicate texture, combined with the smooth vanilla glaze, creates a treat that’s comforting yet refined.

The process of baking donuts is simple and approachable, even for beginners. Instead of dealing with hot oil and deep frying, this recipe uses donut pans and the oven, which means less mess and a lighter finish. The result is a donut that’s soft, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet.

What sets these donuts apart is their pronounced vanilla flavor. Using a combination of vanilla extract and a creamy base, the batter bakes into golden, airy rings that smell as wonderful as they taste. Each bite is infused with that classic vanilla essence, making them an instant favorite.

The glaze is where the fun begins. Made with powdered sugar and a touch of cream, it’s silky smooth and adds just the right sweetness. Once the donuts are dipped or brushed with glaze, you can add sprinkles for a festive, colorful finish. They look as good as they taste, making them perfect for parties, holidays, or even just a cheerful morning treat.

Homemade donuts also allow for endless creativity. While this recipe focuses on a vanilla glaze, you can easily swap it out for chocolate, maple, or even fruit-flavored glazes. Each variation gives you a new way to enjoy these soft rings of goodness.

Another advantage of baked donuts is their versatility in serving. They’re ideal for breakfast alongside coffee or tea, but they also shine as a sweet treat for gatherings, brunch spreads, or after-dinner desserts. Their smaller size makes them easy to enjoy without feeling too heavy.

The recipe is forgiving and beginner-friendly, with simple steps and ingredients that come together quickly. You’ll be surprised at how fast you can whip up a batch, and how quickly they disappear once served.

One of the joys of baking these donuts is the aroma that fills your kitchen. As they bake, the scent of vanilla and sugar creates an inviting atmosphere, building anticipation for that first bite.

These donuts are also a great way to get kids involved in baking. From mixing the batter to dipping in glaze and adding sprinkles, it’s a fun, hands-on experience that turns dessert-making into a family activity.

When you take your first bite, the contrast between the fluffy donut and the smooth, slightly crisp glaze is pure bliss. Each donut feels like a small indulgence, just enough to satisfy a craving without being overwhelming.

Ultimately, these Glazed Vanilla Donuts are a simple yet delightful recipe that brings bakery-quality treats to your home kitchen. They’re proof that sometimes, the best things really are homemade.

Servings

Makes about 12 donuts.

Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Donuts

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup vanilla-flavored creamer (or whole milk with a touch of extra vanilla extract)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Glaze

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons vanilla-flavored creamer (or milk)
• Sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease two 6-cavity donut pans.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla creamer, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center.
4. Pour wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Spoon batter into a piping bag or ziplock bag, snip the corner, and pipe into prepared donut pans.
6. Bake for 14–15 minutes, until donuts are golden and spring back when touched.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before glazing.
8. For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with just enough vanilla creamer to create a thick, smooth glaze.
9. Dip cooled donuts into glaze or spread glaze on top with a spoon.
10. Decorate with sprinkles and allow glaze to set before serving.

Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter; it keeps the donuts light and fluffy.
• Use a piping bag for even filling of the pans and a neater finish.
• Add food coloring to the glaze for themed events or holidays.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.