The perfect donut glaze recipe is essential to any home baker and with just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be on your way!
There are few things better than a good glazed donut. That sweet layer of sugary goodness makes a good donut simply irresistible. This donut glaze recipe is easy to prepare and oh so delicious. The best part – you can switch it up into a variety of flavors by replacing the milk with your favorite fruit juice or swapping the vanilla with other extracts or citrus zest.
Why This Recipe Works
- Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the glaze.
- A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
I’ve used this recipe for years on my 5 Star rated Chocolate Glazed Donuts. It’s one of the most popular recipes on the site, it’s been shared on social over 8000 times!
Pictured: my chocolate glazed donuts.
Ingredient Notes
- Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar, confectioner’s sugar, or icing sugar, can all be used interchangeably.
- Milk: I use full fat milk, but you can use anything from skimmed milk to cream or non dairy milk alternatives.
- Vanilla Extract: You can use any vanilla you like such as vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste, but please note that some vanilla extracts or flavoring will add a brown hue to the glaze, so if you want a pure white glaze, use clear vanilla (paid link).
- Salt: I use a pinch of salt in my recipe for donut glaze as I like the way it cuts the sweetness ever so slightly. This is an optional ingredient.
How To Make Donut Glaze
Start with adding the confectionery sugar to a bowl. If your’s is a little lumpy, you can sift it into the bowl to eliminate any lumps in your glaze.
Next, add the milk or cream.
Followed by the vanilla.
Then mix until smooth and fluid.
Use to glaze your favorite donuts.
Make ahead and Freezing Instructions
- You can make this donut glaze ahead, just cover the bowl with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge until you need to use it. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before use and stir to loosen before using.
- I do not recommend freezing donut glaze.
Tips & Variations
- If you prefer a pure white glaze, use a clear vanilla extract.
- Be sure to sift your confectioner’s sugar before combining it with the milk and vanilla extract, this will ensure you have no lumps.
- You can switch this recipe into a variety of flavors by replacing the milk with your favorite fruit juice or swapping the vanilla with other extracts or citrus zest.
FAQs
If your glaze is lumpy, this might be that the powdered sugar had clumps, it’s best to sift the sugar before using to avoid this.
Yes, donut glaze does harden. Once you’ve glazed the donuts, leave them for a while for the glaze to set.
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Let’s Make Donut Glaze Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups Confectionery sugar sifted
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 10 to 12 tablespoons milk or cream
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl and mix until smooth.
To Glaze Donuts:
- Place baking paper under wire racks (to catch the excess glaze). Coat the donuts with the glaze by dunking them into the glaze. Place the glazed donuts on the wire rack to set.
Erren Hart says
Thank you for leaving a comment about this recipe. Your feedback is appreciated, and I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed it. Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for future recipes. Thanks again for trying it out and sharing your thoughts!
Maya says
This donut glaze recipe is a game-changer! I’ve been looking for the perfect glaze recipe to top my homemade donuts, and this one did not disappoint. The glaze was easy to make and came together quickly, and the end result was a shiny and delicious glaze that perfectly coated my donuts. I especially loved the versatility of this recipe, as I could customize it with different flavors and colors to match my different batches of donuts. Thank you for sharing this fantastic recipe. It has definitely become a staple in my kitchen!
Erren Hart says
Hi Maya, Thank you so much for trying out the donut glaze recipe and for sharing your wonderful feedback! I’m thrilled to hear that the glaze was easy to make and came out shiny and delicious, perfectly coating your homemade donuts. I’m glad to hear that you found the recipe versatile and could customize it with different flavors and colors to match your different batches of donuts. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment and for trying out the recipe. I hope you continue to enjoy making delicious homemade donuts with this glaze recipe in the future!
Dawn says
Best glaze ever!!
Erren Hart says
That’s wonderful to hear, Dawn! I appreciate the feedback! Happy baking!
Jade says
Thank you Erren for this delicious recipe! I just made a batch and they turned out perfect. The glaze is the perfect balance of sugar and flavor.
Erren Hart says
I’m so glad to hear it! Thank you for trying out this recipe and for leaving such a positive review. We’re glad you enjoyed it and hope you’ll come back again soon!
Dee Hayes says
Love It !! This recipe is perfect…. I use canned biscuits cut a hole and fry, even the flaky ones work with it …LOL glues them together. Quick & simple.
Erren Hart says
Thank you, Dee for your five-star review of our donut glaze recipe! We’re so happy you love it! Thanks again for sharing your feedback.
Erren Hart says
I love to hear that! Thanks for stopping by and sharing!!
Erren Hart says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Erren Hart says
Lovely to hear! Thanks for the terrific feedback!
Erren Hart says
Yay! So amazing to hear! Thanks for letting me know!
Sandy says
I love the look of this, just need to make your donuts and then this glaze, the diet might have to wait a week!
Erren Hart says
LOL Sorry, Sandy!