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Hi Bold Bakers!
IN THIS RECIPE: Here’s how to make donut glaze the easy way. Whisk powdered sugar, milk and vanilla until silky and smooth, dip your warm donuts, and let them set on a wire rack. That’s it! From that same 3-ingredient base I’ll show you four glazes (vanilla, funfetti, chocolate and maple), plus a classic cinnamon sugar coating. Each one takes about 10 minutes.
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…
Gemma’s Tips for Perfect Glaze
- Too thin? Whisk in a little more powdered sugar. Too thick? Add a splash more milk, a little at a time.
- Glaze soaking in? Your donuts are too hot, and the heat melts the glaze into syrup. Dip them warm, not hot.
- Want a thick coat? Dip once, let it set on a wire rack, then dip again.
- Want a whiter glaze? Use clear vanilla extract. Regular vanilla adds a little colour.
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!
Donut Glaze FAQs
How many donuts does one glaze cover?
- Each glaze covers 10 to 12 donuts, depending on how big they are and how much glaze you like. Making two flavours? Halve each recipe to glaze 6 of each.
Can I use water, cream or a dairy-free milk instead of milk?
- Yes! Water works, though milk makes it richer. For best results use whole milk. Heavy cream and almond milk work too.
Is powdered sugar the same as icing sugar?
- Yes. Powdered sugar, icing sugar and confectioners’ sugar are all the same thing: sugar ground to a fine powder with a little cornstarch.
Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar?
- I don’t recommend it. Granulated sugar is too coarse, so your glaze will be gritty and crumbly. If you’re out of powdered sugar, you can make your own at home.
Will the glaze set hard?
- It dries and sets on the donut, but it stays soft rather than hard. For a thicker shell, let the first coat set on a wire rack and then dip again. If you want a firmer chocolate coating, melt chocolate with just enough cream to make it easy to spoon over. Milk chocolate is naturally sweet and sets well.
Can I make the glaze ahead?
- Yes. It’s ready to use as soon as you whisk it, and you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Or for longer storage, put it in a refrigerator for up to 1 month. Store Cinnamon sugar in an airtight container for up to 1 year.
Make More Donuts
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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 cups (6oz/172g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon 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 teaspoon 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 in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
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 in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
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 in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
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 in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Cinnamon Sugar:
- Combine sugar with cinnamon in a medium bowl.
- Dip donuts into cinnamon sugar while still warm.
- Store cinnamon sugar in an airtight container for up to 1 year.
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
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
Hello
Home do I make my glaze Thick pl
Hi can I use fresh milk? Thanks! ????
Can you please send me your monkey bread recipe please thanks