Caramel-Glazed Homemade Donuts: A Sweet and Decadent Treat

Indulge in the sweet, sticky goodness of homemade caramel-glazed donuts. With a soft, pillowy interior and a golden caramel topping that drips with perfection, these donuts will make any morning feel extra special. Whether served for breakfast or as a dessert, these donuts are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (180ml) warm whole milk
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Caramel Glaze:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Donut Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg, mixing until the dough starts to come together.
3. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Shape the Donuts

1. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ½-inch thickness.
2. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small) to cut out the donut shapes.
3. Transfer the donuts to a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to rise for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 3: Fry the Donuts

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully place the donuts in the hot oil, frying for 1-2 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
3. Remove the donuts from the oil and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.

Step 4: Make the Caramel Glaze

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a rich amber color.
2. Gradually add the heavy cream, continuing to stir until smooth.
3. Stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat and allow the glaze to cool slightly.

Step 5: Glaze the Donuts

1. Dip the tops of each donut into the warm caramel glaze, allowing the excess to drip off.
2. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to set.

Tips for Perfect Donuts

1. Fry at the Right Temperature: Maintaining an oil temperature of 350°F (175°C) is essential for crispy, golden donuts.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the donuts in small batches to keep the oil temperature consistent.
3. Let the Glaze Set: Allow the caramel to cool slightly before dipping the donuts to avoid it running off.

Why You’ll Love These Donuts

• Soft and Fluffy: These donuts have a light, airy texture with a crisp, golden crust.
• Irresistible Caramel: The rich, sweet caramel glaze adds a luxurious touch.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a special breakfast or a treat for a gathering, these donuts are sure to please.

Try These Caramel-Glazed Donuts Today!

These homemade caramel-glazed donuts are a true indulgence. They’re warm, sweet, and just the right amount of crispy, making them a perfect choice for any occasion. Try them out today and let us know how they turned out in the comments below. Enjoy!