Go Back
Judy John

Simple Vanilla Donuts Recipe

This simple vanilla donuts recipe creates fluffy homemade donuts with sweet glaze and rich vanilla flavor using easy beginner-friendly ingredients.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 18 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 235

Ingredients
  

Donut Dough
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 piece egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Vanilla Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Oven
  • Rolling Pin
  • Donut Cutter
  • Cooling Rack
  • Freezer
  • Whisk
  • Deep Pot

Method
 

  1. Whisk flour, sugar, and baking powder together until evenly combined without dry pockets.
  2. Mix milk, egg, vanilla, and melted butter into dry ingredients until soft dough forms.
  3. Chill dough briefly for easier rolling and softer fluffy donut texture during frying later.
  4. Roll dough evenly before cutting donut shapes using prepared cutter carefully and smoothly.
  5. Heat oil carefully and fry donuts until golden brown with lightly crisp edges throughout.
  6. Transfer donuts onto cooling rack until slightly warm before glazing for smoother coating results.
  7. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla into glossy glaze without clumps remaining inside.
  8. Dip warm donuts into glaze and allow coating to set before serving everyone nearby.

Notes

Fry donuts slightly less for softer centers or longer for crispier golden edges with extra crunch. Freeze unglazed donuts separately inside airtight containers for convenient homemade treats later. Handle glazed donuts carefully because fresh coating smears easily before fully setting. Add chocolate drizzle, cinnamon sugar, or sprinkles for flavor customization. Store leftovers tightly covered up to two days for best freshness.