These baked vanilla donuts are soft, fluffy, and incredibly delicious. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack any time of day. With a simple glaze and optional decorations, these donuts are easy to customize and sure to impress!
In a quaint little town surrounded by rolling hills and fragrant flower fields, there was a charming bakery called “Sweet Dreams.” The bakery was famous for its delectable treats, but the star of the show was the Baked Vanilla Donuts.
The story of these donuts began with an elderly woman named Nana Marie, who had owned the bakery for decades. She was known for her warm smile and secret recipes passed down through generations. Nana Marie believed that baking was not just about mixing ingredients; it was an expression of love and joy.
Every Saturday morning, the townspeople would flock to Sweet Dreams, eager to savor the freshly baked donuts. The air would fill with the sweet aroma of vanilla and butter as Nana Marie expertly whipped up her batter, always humming a cheerful tune. She believed that every donut deserved a sprinkle of happiness, so she would add a touch of her special vanilla extract, a family heirloom from her grandmother.
One day, as she prepared her donuts, she noticed a group of children watching through the bakery window, their eyes wide with wonder. Inspired by their curiosity, she invited them inside, turning her baking into a mini class. She taught them how to measure flour, crack eggs, and whisk the batter until it was just right.
As the children helped her pipe the batter into the molds, laughter filled the bakery. Nana Marie explained the importance of patience and precision, reminding them that good things come to those who wait. The children listened intently, their excitement palpable as they watched the donuts rise and transform in the oven.
Once the donuts were baked to golden perfection, Nana Marie showed the kids how to glaze them. They dipped the warm donuts into bowls of rich, creamy glaze, and then decorated them with sprinkles and edible glitter, creating a rainbow of colors. The happiness on their faces as they sampled their creations was invaluable.
Word of the donut-making adventure spread quickly, and soon, families began visiting the bakery not just for the delicious treats, but for the memories created within its walls. The Baked Vanilla Donuts became a symbol of community, laughter, and the simple joys of life.
Years passed, and Nana Marie eventually retired, passing the bakery on to her granddaughter, Mia. Mia cherished her grandmother’s legacy and continued to bake the beloved vanilla donuts. She often thought back to that special day when she had shared her grandmother’s love of baking with the children.
Mia added her twist to the recipe, experimenting with new flavors and decorations while staying true to the original. The Baked Vanilla Donuts remained a beloved treat, drawing both locals and visitors alike, all eager to experience the warmth and magic of Sweet Dreams.
Today, each bite of the Baked Vanilla Donuts carries a piece of Nana Marie’s heart and a sprinkle of nostalgia, reminding everyone that baking is about more than just food; it’s about creating memories, sharing joy, and passing down traditions from one generation to the next.
Ingredients in Baked and Glazed Vanilla Donuts
For the Donut Batter:
- all-purpose flour (optionally sifted)
- granulated sugar
- baking powder
- salt
- buttermilk
- large eggs
- unsalted butter, melted
- vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Donut Glaze:
- confectioners’ sugar (sifted for best results)
- vanilla extract
- milk, half-and-half, or cream
- Food coloring, sprinkles, or glitter (optional)
- white chocolate chips (optional)
How to Make Vanilla Donuts with Frosting
- Prepare the Donuts: Preheat the oven and set up the donut molds. In one bowl, mix the dry ingredients, and in another bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Combine them, pipe the batter into the molds, and bake until golden.
- Make the Glaze: In a separate bowl, mix the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Glaze the Donuts: Once cooled, dip the donuts in the glaze, allow excess to drip off, and decorate with sprinkles if desired.
Is it necessary to glaze the baked vanilla donuts?
No, glazing is optional. The baked vanilla donuts are delicious on their own and can be enjoyed plain or with powdered sugar dusting.
How to prepare glazed donuts with various colored glazes.
To create multiple colors of glaze:
- Prepare your base glaze as directed.
- Divide it into separate bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to each, mixing until well combined.
- Dip the donuts into the desired color glaze and decorate as you wish.
Is Buttermilk Necessary for Baked Vanilla Donuts?
Buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the donuts, resulting in a tender texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, letting it sit for a few minutes before using.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a donut pan?
Yes! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin pan. Simply fill the muffin cups about two-thirds full and bake. The result will be donut-shaped muffins.
Can I use a mini donut pan to bake these?
Absolutely! If using a mini donut pan, reduce the baking time to about 5 to 7 minutes, checking for doneness as you would with the regular size.
Storage Instructions
Store baked vanilla donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If glazed, they may become denser over time, but they’re still delicious. Unglazed donuts can be frozen for up to 4 months.
Tips for the Best Baked Donuts
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined for fluffy donuts.
- Pipe Carefully: Fill the molds to about two-thirds full to ensure even baking and proper rising.
- Rotate the Pans: Rotate your pans halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Glaze While Warm: Dip the donuts in glaze while they’re still warm for better adhesion.
Baked Vanilla Donuts
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour sifted for lighter donuts, optional
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar sifted for best results
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk half-and-half, or cream
- Food coloring sprinkles, or glitter (optional)
- ½ cup white chocolate chips optional
Instructions
Prepare the Donuts:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 6-count donut molds generously with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together and set aside.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix gently until just blended. Avoid overmixing.
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag with a large tip, or use a large Ziplock bag with a corner snipped off. Fill each donut mold approximately two-thirds full to provide space for rising.
- Bake the donuts for 8 to 10 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through for even baking. They are ready when they bounce back upon touch.
- Let the donuts cool in the pans for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until you reach a slightly runny consistency. Adjust with more sugar or milk as needed.
- If using food coloring, divide the glaze into separate bowls and add a few drops to each, mixing well to remove streaks.
- Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze for 1 to 2 seconds, allowing the excess to drip back into the bowl. Place them on parchment paper or a wire rack to set.
- For optional decorative stripes, melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in 15-second bursts until smooth. Add food coloring as desired, transfer to a Ziplock bag, and pipe onto the donuts.
- If using sprinkles or edible glitter, add them before the glaze sets (about 20 minutes).
Notes
- Feel free to simplify the glaze process by using one or two colors and adding sprinkles for a fun touch.
- For best results, serve the donuts fresh, but they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Be aware that the glaze may seep into the donuts over time, making them denser.
- You can freeze unglazed donuts in an airtight container for up to 4 months.
Nutrition (per donut)
- Calories: 306 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 43 mg
- Sodium: 325 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 37 g
Baked vanilla donuts are a delightful treat that combines simplicity with deliciousness, making them perfect for any occasion. This recipe not only yields soft, fluffy donuts but also allows for endless customization with glazes and toppings, inviting creativity in the kitchen. Whether you enjoy them glazed or plain, these donuts are sure to bring a smile to your face and warm memories to your heart.
With easy-to-follow instructions and accessible ingredients, you can create a batch of these delightful donuts to share with family and friends or savor on your own. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the sweet aroma of freshly baked vanilla donuts fill your home. Enjoy every bite of this classic treat, knowing that each one is made with love and care!
