This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure for details.
Hi Bold Bakers!
IN THIS RECIPE: Glazed donuts don’t have to be boring. In fact, I’ll show you how to make 5 different donut glaze recipes that all start with the same 3 ingredients — and then you can easily turn them into the flavors you want! They take no time at all, only 10 minutes, and finish off the donuts of your dreams. You’ll make vanilla, funfetti, maple, chocolate, and cinnamon sugar glazed donuts by the end of this!
This is one of those recipes you asked for, and since you asked, now you shall receive! I’ve had loads of questions about how to make donut glaze. The glaze is essential whether you’re making my No-Yeast Donuts, No-Knead Donuts, or my Chocolate Cake Donuts. I’m so excited to share with you my five variations on the classic glaze. The only complex thing about these recipes is the flavors — really, they could not be simpler to make!
Pairing The Right Donuts
Honestly, you can’t go wrong. As I mentioned, you can use this base glaze recipe and its 5 variations for my No-Yeast Donuts, No-Knead Donuts, or my Chocolate Cake Donuts. Have you tried my Dunkin Donuts recipe yet? It’s time!
What You Need To Make These Donut Glaze Recipes
It must take time and a lot of equipment to make a glaze just right, right? Wrong. You’ll only need…
- A Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- A Whisk
How To Make Donut Glaze
I know it’s bold of me to say, but I’m pretty sure anyone could make these basic icings. All of these glazes start with the same 3 ingredients: powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. The fun really begins once you mix that up. You can add anything to my base recipe, like cocoa powder, natural food coloring, or sprinkles.
Which is my favorite? Well, I’m glad you asked! And I’m going to tell you, even if you didn’t.
Of all my glazes, I’m most excited about making maple donuts. This maple donut glaze has sweetness, great depth of flavor, and lots of extra shine! But really, you should try all 5 and tell me which are your favorites in the comments down below!
Homemade Glazed Donuts
This glaze recipe really does all of the work for you. Since the consistency is perfect, not too thin, and not too thick, all you have to do is dunk your warm donuts into the glaze of your choice and then allow them to set on a wire rack. If you want an extra thick layer of icing, I suggest dunking your donut once and then once again after the initial glaze sets.
This method will yield a super sweet and professional-looking donut.
I’m also not here to put a limit on the times you can dunk your donut…
Adding Variety To My Donut Glaze Recipe
This donut glaze recipe is really about the method. I suggest you go wild with the base and add your favorite flavorings. From adding homemade extracts, orange or lemon zest, spices, or homemade food colors, these donuts can be personalized however you’d like. Be Bold!
Make More Donuts
And don’t forget to buy my Bigger Bolder Baking Cookbook — it makes the perfect gift!
Plus, SUBSCRIBE NOW to the Bold Baking Academy for exclusive in-depth baking courses, The Baking Concierge™, and the Bold Baking Academy Community!
Try These Recipes!
Watch The Recipe Video!
5 Donut Glaze Recipes
Ingredients
Vanilla Donut Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups (6oz/172g)) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Funfetti Donut Glaze:
- 1 ½ cup (6oz/172g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 small drop pink food coloring
Chocolate Donut Glaze:
- 1½ cups (6oz/172g) powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Maple Donut Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups (6oz/172g)) powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar:
- 1 cup (8oz/225g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Vanilla Donut Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients.
- Whisk until silky and smooth.
- If you want it thinner add a little more milk
- Store the icing at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 weeks.
Funfetti Donut Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients.
- Whisk until silky and smooth.
- If you want it thinner add a little more milk
- Store the icing at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 weeks.
Chocolate Donut Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Slowly stir in milk and vanilla extract. Whisk until silky and smooth. If you need a touch more milk to make this a dippable glaze, add a bit more.
- Dip doughnuts in chocolate glaze and let rest to harden slightly.
- Store the icing at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 weeks.
Maple Donut Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients.
- Whisk until silky and smooth.
- If you want it thinner add a little more milk
- Store the icing at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 weeks.
Cinnamon Sugar:
- Combine sugar with cinnamon in a medium bowl.
- Dip donuts into cinnamon sugar while still warm.
- Cinnamon sugar can be covered and stored for up to 2 years.
Hi Gemma, 8 just found your website looking for glaze recipes and I’m just completely in love with all the info and love you have here! Beautiful work! <3
But I have a question, I'm afraid I misunderstood the directions. Am I supposed to store them for 2 weeks before using so it gives a better result or ifs just that it can be stored for that long? Hahaha sorry
Hi Gemma! My daughter is getting married in October and instead of a wedding cake, we are serving donuts :). I’m wondering if your glazes are able to be made ahead (just the week of the wedding)? And if made ahead, will they work in a squeeze bottle for our guests to dress their own donuts? Thank you!
Thank you for the amazing recipe. I made the donuts and the icing and they are a hit at my house. I make them and 1 hour later they are all gone.
What happens if you dont want to wait 2 weeks for the icing?
Could I use a milk substitute? Like almond milk
Hi Gemma,
I am from Jamaica and I love to bake your recipes have helped. Thank you
Hello
Home do I make my glaze Thick pl
hi, I only used the chocolate glaze but it was the best glaze ever it didn’t drip that much too.
thank you for the recipe 🙂 I was wondering is it best to have the donut cooked and called down or fresh out of the fryer thanks for the recipe 🙂 – Anonymous person
Hi can I use fresh milk? Thanks! ????
Can you please send me your monkey bread recipe please thanks