Baked Brown Sugar Glazed Donuts

Baked Brown Sugar Glazed Donuts are the ultimate homemade treat. The way your kitchen fills with a warm, sweet aroma, the anticipation as they bake, and that first irresistible bite—it’s a whole vibe. But let’s be real: the thought of frying donuts can feel a little intimidating (and messy!). That’s where these baked beauties come in.

This recipe is a game-changer. It’s easy, quick, and doesn’t require a drop of oil for frying. The donuts are light, fluffy, and baked to perfection in just seven minutes. Then, they get dunked into a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze that’s so good that you might find yourself sneaking a spoonful (or two). And the best part? You can make them your own with toppings like crunchy almonds or a sprinkle of granola for a little extra texture and flair.

Whether you’re whipping these up for a lazy weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these Baked Brown Sugar Glazed Donuts will impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No Frying Needed: Skip the mess and hassle of frying—these donuts are baked, making them a lighter and easier option.
• Quick and Easy: From mixing to baking, these donuts come together in no time. They’re ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes!
• Rich Brown Sugar Glaze: The buttery, caramel-like glaze takes these donuts to the next level. It’s sweet, indulgent, and downright irresistible.
• Customizable Toppings: Almonds, granola, sprinkles—you can get creative with your favorite toppings to make these donuts uniquely yours.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these donuts are a crowd-pleaser any time of day.
• Beginner-Friendly: No advanced baking skills required. If you can stir, you can make these donuts!

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

For the Donuts

• Buttermilk: Adds a tangy flavor and keeps the donuts soft and moist.
• Egg: Acts as a binder and helps give the donuts their fluffy texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and keeps the donuts tender.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the donuts, providing structure.
• Sugar: Sweetens the donuts and balances the tanginess of the buttermilk.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the donuts rise perfectly in the oven.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the donuts.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of warm, sweet flavor.
• Toppings (almonds, granola, etc.): A fun way to customize your donuts and add crunch or texture.

For the Glaze

• Unsalted Butter: The base for the glaze, creating a rich, buttery texture.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness to the glaze.
• Milk: Helps thin the glaze to the perfect consistency.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness in the glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the warm, rich flavor of the glaze.
• Powdered Sugar: Gives the glaze its silky-smooth finish.

How to Make Baked Brown Sugar Glazed Donuts

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Follow along to learn how to make baked brown sugar glazed donuts.

• Step One: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl.
• Step Two: Add in butter, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla, and mix until just combined.

• Step Three: Put the batter in a plastic baggie, or large piping bag (I just used a spoon!) and fill the donut pan – each half full.
• Step Four: Bake for 7 minutes, and remove from oven. Let sit for 5 minutes and then transfer to cooling rack.

• Step Five: Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat; add brown sugar. Stir constantly for 2 minutes.
• Step Six: Add milk and bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes.
• Step Seven: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, salt, and powdered sugar.

• Step Eight: Dip donut tops into the glaze and immediately sprinkle the topping of your choice. We used almonds and granola.

What to Serve with Them

• Fresh Coffee or Latte: A hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte perfectly complements the sweetness of the donuts.
• Hot Chocolate: Pair these donuts with a rich, velvety mug of hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
• Iced Coffee or Cold Brew: A chilled coffee drink is a refreshing match for the sweet, caramel-like glaze on warmer days.
• Milk: A classic pairing—there’s nothing like a cold glass of milk with freshly baked donuts.
• Brunch Spread: Add them to a brunch table with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh juice for a well-rounded meal.

Variations and Substitutions

• Make Them Chocolate: Swap ¼ cup of the flour for cocoa powder to create chocolate donuts. You can even add mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these donuts gluten-free.
• Add Warm Spices: Mix ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a cozy, spiced flavor.
• Lemon Glaze: Replace the brown sugar glaze with a zesty lemon glaze made from powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest.
• Maple-Glazed Donuts: Swap the vanilla in the glaze for pure maple syrup for a different twist.
• Nut-Free Toppings: Skip the almonds and use shredded coconut, sprinkles, or crushed graham crackers for a nut-free option.
• Seasonal Flavors: Add a splash of pumpkin puree to the batter during the fall or a dash of peppermint extract to the glaze for the holidays.
• Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan and adjust the baking time to about 5 minutes for bite-sized treats.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store your glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the donuts in the fridge for up to 5 days. Be sure they’re in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze unglazed donuts for up to 3 months. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature, then glaze and top them fresh.
• Reheating: If you prefer your donuts warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or heat them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes. Avoid reheating glazed donuts too long to prevent the glaze from melting.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the donuts dense.
• Use a Piping Bag: For neat and evenly shaped donuts, transfer the batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe directly into the donut pan.
• Fill the Pan Correctly: Fill each donut cavity only halfway to ensure they rise evenly without overflowing.
• Grease the Pan Well: Even if your pan is non-stick, lightly grease it with cooking spray to ensure the donuts pop out easily.
• Dip While Warm: For the best results, dip the donuts in the glaze while they’re still warm. The glaze will stick better and create that perfect glossy finish.
• Adjust Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, mix in more powdered sugar.
• Cool Before Topping: Let the glaze set slightly before adding toppings to ensure they stick without sliding off.
• Test for Doneness: The donuts are ready when they spring back lightly when touched. Overbaking will make them dry.
• Experiment with Toppings: Have fun with toppings like crushed cookies, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for variety.

Donut Recipes

• Baked Apple Cider Donuts
• Glazed Donuts
• Eggnog Donuts
• Cake Donuts with Chocolate Glaze

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