Dunkin Donuts Copycat Recipe: Easy Steps to Perfect Homemade Glazed Donuts

I’ve always loved starting my day with a warm, glazed donut from Dunkin Donuts. There’s something special about that perfect balance of fluffy dough and sweet icing that makes mornings a little brighter. But what if you could enjoy that same delicious treat right in your own kitchen?

Ingredients

Recreating Dunkin Donuts’ iconic glazed donuts starts with carefully selected ingredients to achieve that perfect, fluffy texture and irresistible glaze. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Donuts:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results, and have everything measured and prepped before you start. This preparation ensures a smooth and enjoyable baking experience as we dive into crafting these delightful donuts.

Tools and Equipment

Creating the perfect Dunkin Donuts copycat at home requires the right tools and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Mixing Bowls

Essential for combining your ingredients smoothly and efficiently.

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer

Speeds up the dough preparation, ensuring a consistent and elastic texture.

• Dough Hooks

Attachments for your mixer that help knead the dough thoroughly.

• Rolling Pin

Rolls out the dough evenly, which is crucial for uniformly shaped donuts.

• Donut Cutter

Perfect for shaping your donuts; alternatively, use a large and small round cutter for the hole.

• Deep Fryer or Large Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan

Ideal for frying donuts to achieve that golden, fluffy interior without absorbing too much oil.

• Candy or Instant-Read Thermometer

Ensures your oil reaches the perfect frying temperature, typically around 350°F.

• Slotted Spoon or Spider

Safely lifts the donuts out of the hot oil, allowing excess oil to drain.

• Cooling Rack

Allows donuts to cool evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons

For precise ingredient measurements, which are crucial for dough consistency.

• Pastry Brush

Applies the glaze evenly over your warm donuts for that signature sweet finish.

Having these tools on hand will make the donut-making process smoother and more enjoyable, bringing the beloved Dunkin Donuts taste right into your kitchen.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing components of your Dunkin Donuts copycat recipe in advance can streamline your baking process and ensure fresh, delicious results every time. Here’s how I make the most of make-ahead strategies:

Dough Preparation

1. Mix the Dough: Follow the dough recipe thoroughly, ensuring that all ingredients are well combined.
2. First Rise: Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size, typically about 1 to 2 hours.
3. Chill the Dough: After the initial rise, punch down the dough and place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Chilling slows the yeast activity, enhancing the dough’s flavor.
4. Second Rise: When ready to bake, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Shape and proceed with frying as usual.

Glaze Preparation

1. Prepare the Glaze: Combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Store the Glaze: Transfer the glaze to a sealed container. It can be refrigerated for up to one week.
3. Reuse: Before using the glaze, stir it well to regain its smooth consistency.

Freezing Donuts

1. Flash Freeze: After frying and glazing, place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 1 hour until solid.
2. Store: Transfer the frozen donuts to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months.
3. Reheat: To enjoy, let the donuts thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Storage Overview

By incorporating these make-ahead steps, you can enjoy fresh, homemade Dunkin Donuts-style treats with minimal daily effort.

Directions

Now that we have all our ingredients prepped, let’s dive into making these delicious Dunkin Donuts-style treats. Follow these steps for perfect homemade donuts every time.

Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm milk (110°F) with 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the frothy yeast mixture, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add 4 cups of all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, mixing with a dough hook attachment on your stand mixer or by hand until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Continue to knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
5. Shape the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to shape your donuts, re-rolling the scraps as needed.

Let the Dough Rise

1. First Rise: Place the cut donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until they have doubled in size.
2. Chill the Dough: After the first rise, refrigerate the risen donuts for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps enhance the flavor and makes the dough easier to handle during frying.

Fry the Doughnuts

1. Heat the Oil: In a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F. Use a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature.
2. Fry the Donuts: Carefully place a few donuts into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for about 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
3. Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried donuts from the oil and transfer them to a cooling rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Glaze and Decorate

1. Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
2. Glaze the Donuts: While the donuts are still warm, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the glazed donuts back on the cooling rack.
3. Set the Glaze: Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before serving. For added flair, you can sprinkle colorful sprinkles over the glaze before it firm ups.

Serving Suggestions

As a chef passionate about baking, I love elevating the simple glazed donut into a delightful experience. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve these homemade treats:

• Classic Coffee Pairing

Enjoy your donuts with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The rich, bold flavors complement the sweetness of the glaze perfectly.

• Milk and Donut Combo

A cold glass of milk is a timeless pairing. It balances the sweet glaze and adds a creamy texture to each bite.

• Donut Sandwich

Slice your glazed donuts in half and use them as buns for a breakfast sandwich. Fill them with scrambled eggs, bacon, or your favorite fillings for a unique twist.

• Topping Bar

Set up a donut topping bar with various options like sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit. Let everyone customize their own donuts for a fun and interactive experience.

• Dessert Platter

Arrange your glazed donuts on a platter with other desserts like mini pastries, fresh fruit, and dipping sauces. This makes for an impressive and indulgent dessert spread.

• Glazed Donut Ice Cream Sandwich

Use two glazed donuts to sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream. The combination of warm donut and cold ice cream is heavenly.

• Breakfast Table Highlight

Feature your glazed donuts as the centerpiece of your breakfast table. Serve alongside other breakfast favorites like fruit salad, yogurt, and granola for a balanced morning spread.

Storage Tips

Keeping your homemade Dunkin Donuts fresh ensures every bite is as delightful as the first. Here are my top storage tips to maintain their softness and flavor.

Storing Fresh Donuts

To keep your glazed donuts soft and fresh for as long as possible:

1. Cool Completely: Allow the donuts to cool completely on a cooling rack before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
2. Airtight Container: Place the cooled donuts in an airtight container to retain their moisture.
3. Room Temperature: Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Freezing Donuts

Freezing is perfect for preserving donuts when you make a large batch. Follow these steps to ensure they retain their quality:

1. Prepare for Freezing:

• Place donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they do not touch each other.
• Freeze until solid, approximately 2 hours.

1. Packaging:

• Transfer the frozen donuts to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date to keep track.

1. Storage Duration:

Note: It’s best to freeze donuts before glazing. Apply the glaze after thawing for the freshest taste.

Reheating Donuts

To enjoy your frozen donuts as fresh as possible, proper reheating is essential:

1. Oven Method:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place donuts on a baking sheet.
• Warm for 5-7 minutes.

1. Microwave Method:

• Place a donut on a microwave-safe plate.
• Heat on high for 10-15 seconds.

Storing the Glaze

If you’ve prepared the glaze in advance, follow these storage tips to maintain its smooth consistency:

1. Refrigeration:

• Store the glaze in a sealed container.
• Refrigerate for up to 1 week.

1. Reheating:

• Gently reheat the glaze in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Stir until smooth before applying to donuts.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your homemade Dunkin Donuts-style treats at their best anytime you crave them.

Conclusion

Making Dunkin Donuts-style glazed donuts at home has been a fun and rewarding experience for me. There’s something special about biting into a fresh, warm donut that you crafted with your own hands. I love how the sweet glaze perfectly complements the soft dough, making each bite a little moment of joy. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or simply enjoying a treat with your morning coffee, these homemade donuts never fail to bring a smile. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and create your own delicious memories. Happy baking!