Glazed Old-Fashioned Donuts: Crispy, Not Greasy!

Is there anything more comforting than a homemade donut? The pillowy soft interior, the satisfying crisp on the outside, and that sweet, shimmering glaze… it’s pure bliss! But let’s be honest, sometimes homemade donuts can be a greasy disappointment. Fear not, fellow donut lovers! I’ve perfected a recipe for glazed old-fashioned donuts that are unbelievably delicious and, most importantly, NOT greasy. Get ready to experience donut perfection!

Why You’ll Love These Glazed Old-Fashioned Donuts

These aren’t just any donuts; they’re special! Here’s why:

• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of buttermilk and vanilla creates a rich, classic donut taste.
• Perfect Texture: Crispy edges with a soft, cakey interior.
• No More Greasy Donuts: The secret ingredient (or rather, technique!) ensures a light and airy texture without the excess oil.
• Easy Glaze: A simple glaze that sets beautifully and adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
• Homemade Happiness: There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of making your own donuts.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Glazed Old-Fashioned Donuts

The magic of these old-fashioned donuts begins with simple, high-quality ingredients. The goal is to create a dough that’s both rich in flavor and structurally sound enough to achieve that signature crispy-yet-soft texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• For the Foundation:
  • All-purpose flour: This is the workhorse of the recipe, providing structure and substance. Be sure to measure it accurately!
  • Baking powder and baking soda: These are our leavening agents, responsible for the donuts’ light and airy texture. The combination of both creates the perfect rise and crumb.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• For Richness and Flavor:
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetness is a must! Granulated sugar also contributes to the browning of the donuts during frying.
  • Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness, moisture, and tenderness to the dough. Make sure it’s properly softened for easy creaming.
  • Large egg: Binds the ingredients together, adds moisture, and contributes to the donut’s structure.
  • Buttermilk: The secret ingredient! Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and creates a tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile and adds a touch of warmth. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
• For Frying:
  • Vegetable oil: For frying the donuts. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil.
• For the Glaze:
  • Powdered sugar: The base of our simple and sweet glaze.
  • Milk: To thin the glaze to the perfect consistency.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds a final touch of flavor to the glaze.

Crafting Your Glazed Old-Fashioned Donuts: Step-by-Step

Making these donuts is easier than you might think! The most important thing is to follow the steps carefully, especially the chilling process, which is key to preventing greasy donuts. So, let’s get started and create these amazing old-fashioned donuts!

1. Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for a consistent rise.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the mixture, which helps to create a tender donut. Use an electric mixer for the best results, and don’t rush it!
3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg, then gradually add the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Mixing the wet ingredients separately helps to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten and result in tough donuts. A few streaks of flour are okay.
5. Chill Out: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling step is absolutely critical! Cold dough absorbs less oil during frying, resulting in a less greasy doughnut. This is the secret weapon against greasy donuts!
6. Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two different-sized round cutters to cut out doughnut shapes. Gather the scraps, reroll, and cut out more donuts.
7. Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will burn on the outside before they are cooked through on the inside. If the oil is not hot enough, the donuts will absorb too much oil.
8. Fry to Perfection: Carefully place the doughnuts in the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature.
9. Drain and Cool: Remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Allowing the donuts to drain on a wire rack helps to prevent them from becoming soggy.
10. Make the Glaze: While the doughnuts are cooling, prepare the glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
11. Glaze and Enjoy: Dip the warm doughnuts in the glaze and place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set. The glaze will harden slightly as it cools. Serve immediately and enjoy your amazing homemade donuts!

Tips for Perfect Glazed Old-Fashioned Donuts Every Time

Want to ensure donut success? Here are a few extra tips and tricks:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough donuts. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the Dough: This is the most important step for preventing greasy donuts. Don’t skip it!
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at 350°F (175°C).
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Fry the donuts in batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping.
• Use Fresh Oil: Using fresh, clean oil will result in better-tasting donuts.
• Get Creative with the Glaze: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for a warm, spiced flavor. You could even melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the glazed donuts! If you’re looking for another sweet treat, consider making our chocolate-covered apple dessert cups for a fun variation.
• Storage: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze may become slightly sticky over time.

What to Serve With Glazed Old-Fashioned Donuts

These glazed old-fashioned donuts are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with:

• A cup of hot coffee or tea
• A glass of cold milk
• Fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced bananas

Your Glazed Old-Fashioned Donuts Questions Answered (FAQ)

Why are my donuts greasy?

The most common reason for greasy donuts is that the dough wasn’t chilled properly or the oil temperature was too low. Chilling the dough helps to prevent it from absorbing too much oil during frying. Maintaining the correct oil temperature is also crucial. Ensure the oil is at 350°F (175°C) before frying.

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, the donuts are best enjoyed fresh. You can also fry the donuts ahead of time and glaze them just before serving.

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?

While this recipe is designed for frying, you can try baking them. However, the texture will be different. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. They won’t be as crispy as fried donuts, but they’ll still be delicious. For a different type of baking adventure, why not explore something savory like our savory sausage and bread bake? It’s a great contrast to these sweet donuts.

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe. You can try using bread flour, but the donuts may be slightly chewier. It is not recommended to use cake flour, as the donuts may be too delicate. You can consider the cottage cheese fritters recipe for another batter option that would be similar.

Can I freeze these donuts?

Yes, you can freeze these donuts. Freeze them unglazed for best results. Thaw them at room temperature and then glaze them before serving.

Enjoy Your Homemade Glazed Old-Fashioned Donuts!

There you have it – a foolproof recipe for glazed old-fashioned donuts that are crispy, not greasy, and bursting with flavor! These homemade donuts are perfect for a weekend breakfast, a special treat, or any time you’re craving a little bit of sweet, comforting goodness. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to impress your friends and family with your amazing donut-making skills! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out!