Baked Donuts with Glaze and Sprinkles

 

For the Donuts:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder (for chocolate glaze)

For Toppings:

• Sprinkles (colorful or chocolate)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Donut Batter

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg (if using).

3. Combine Wet Ingredients:

   • In another bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Combine Mixtures:

   • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Step 2: Bake the Donuts

5. Fill the Donut Pan:

   • Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. You can also use a piping bag for easier filling.

6. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool:

   • Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Glaze

8. Make the Vanilla Glaze:

   • In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach the desired consistency.

9. Make the Chocolate Glaze (Optional):

   • For the chocolate glaze, mix the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk in a separate bowl until smooth. Adjust the milk for the desired consistency.

Step 4: Glaze the Donuts

10. Dip the Donuts:

    • Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the vanilla or chocolate glaze, allowing the excess to drip off.

11. Add Sprinkles:

    • Immediately sprinkle colorful sprinkles over the glazed donuts while the glaze is still wet.

Step 5: Serve

12. Enjoy:
    • Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious baked donuts with coffee or milk!

Tips and Variations

• Flavor Variations: Add different extracts like almond or lemon to the batter for a unique flavor.
• Stuffed Donuts: Fill the donuts with jam or cream by piping it into the center after baking.
• Topping Variations: Use crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or chocolate chips instead of sprinkles for different toppings.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Conclusion

These baked donuts are a delicious treat that's easy to make and customizable with different flavors and toppings. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or any occasion, they are sure to please everyone! Enjoy making this fun recipe, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need more ideas!