Name: Easy Vanilla Donut Glaze (Plus 4 Flavors)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted); 1/4 cup milk (plus 1 to 2 tbsp as needed); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 pinch salt

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A good glaze is what turns a plain donut into a donut-shop donut. This basic vanilla glaze takes five minutes, sets into a thin shiny shell, and is the starting point for every flavor below: chocolate, maple, strawberry and lemon.

The short version: whisk 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tsp vanilla and a pinch of salt. Dip warm donuts, let the glaze set 10 to 15 minutes.

Getting the thickness right

The glaze should coat the back of a spoon and drip off slowly. Too thin and it soaks in and turns sticky; too thick and it goes on lumpy. Adjust a teaspoon of milk or a spoonful of powdered sugar at a time.

5 glaze flavors

1. Classic vanilla

The base recipe. Add the seeds from half a vanilla bean for a bakery-style look.

2. Chocolate

Whisk in 1/4 cup cocoa powder and an extra 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk. Great with rainbow sprinkles.

3. Maple

Replace 2 tablespoons of the milk with pure maple syrup. Perfect on pumpkin spice donuts and apple cider donuts.

4. Strawberry

Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of freeze-dried strawberry powder (blitz freeze-dried berries in a blender) for a pink glaze with real fruit flavor.

5. Lemon

Use fresh lemon juice in place of the milk and add a teaspoon of zest. Bright and tangy on cake donuts.

Dipping tips

Warm, not hot: glaze slightly warm donuts so it sets thin and glossy.
Double dip for a thicker coat: let the first layer set, then dip again.
Sprinkles go on right away, before the glaze sets.

FAQ

Why is my glaze see-through?

It’s too thin or the donuts were too hot. Add powdered sugar, or let the donuts cool a few more minutes.

Can I make glaze ahead?

Yes. Cover the surface with plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for a few hours; whisk before using.

Chocolate glazed donut with rainbow sprinkles on a white plate

Easy Vanilla Donut Glaze (Plus 4 Flavors)

A smooth vanilla donut glaze that sets with a thin shiny shell, plus chocolate, maple, strawberry and lemon variations.

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings: 12 donuts

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

2 cups powdered sugar sifted
1/4 cup milk plus 1 to 2 tbsp as needed
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 pinch salt

Method

Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla and salt until completely smooth.
Adjust: add milk a teaspoon at a time for a thinner glaze, or more powdered sugar for a thicker one. It should coat a spoon and slowly drip off.
Dip warm (not hot) donuts face-down, lift, let the excess drip, and set on a wire rack.
Let the glaze set 10 to 15 minutes. Add sprinkles right after dipping, before it sets.