Gummy Glazed Donuts

Let me tell you about the recipe that turns any morning into a party: these amazing Gummy Glazed Donuts! I first created these for my niece’s rainbow-themed birthday, and I’ve never seen kids (or adults!) get so excited over a dessert. They’re a perfect way to add a pop of color and fun to your table.

Imagine a soft, pillowy donut, still warm from the oven, dipped into a glossy, candy-like glaze. The magic is in that vibrant gummy glaze, it’s sweet, slightly tangy, and has a shine that looks like melted-down childhood candies. It’s so much fun to make and even more fun to eat! This Gummy Glazed Donuts recipe is surprisingly easy, and the “wow” factor is off the charts. Get ready to see everyone’s faces light up when they see these colorful beauties.

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Why You’ll Love These Gummy Glazed Donuts

Let me count the ways these Gummy Glazed Donuts will steal your heart (and probably your diet resolutions):

• Pure joy in every bite: That gummy glaze isn’t just delicious, it’s like edible confetti that makes everyone smile
• So much easier than you’d think: No fancy equipment needed, just basic ingredients and a little patience for the dough to rise
• Instant party starter: These colorful treats turn any gathering into a celebration (I’ve brought them to 3 baby showers and always get asked for the recipe)
• Customizable fun: Use different colored gummy candies to match holidays, birthdays, or just your mood
• The perfect mix of textures: Soft, fluffy donut meets that slightly chewy glaze that kids and adults both go crazy for

Trust me, once you make these Gummy Glazed Donuts, you’ll understand why my friends now call them “dangerously addictive donuts”!

Ingredients for Gummy Glazed Donuts

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these magical Gummy Glazed Donuts.
I promise it’s all simple stuff you can find at any grocery store. Want to know a secret? I always double-check my ingredients before starting because nothing’s worse than getting halfway through and realizing you’re out of eggs! (Learned that the hard way.)

For the donuts:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (spoon and leveled – don’t pack it down!)
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast (check the expiration date!)
• ½ cup warm milk (110°F – test it on your wrist like baby formula)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (the regular white kind works great)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (real butter only – no substitutes!)
• 1 large egg (room temperature is best)
• ½ teaspoon salt (I use kosher)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (the good stuff makes a difference)
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 4-6 cups depending on your pot)

For that showstopping glaze:

• 1 cup gummy candies, assorted flavors (I use Haribo Goldbears but any soft gummies work)
• 2 tablespoons water (just regular tap water is fine)
• ½ cup powdered sugar (sifted if it’s lumpy)

See? Nothing too crazy, just good, simple ingredients that come together to make something amazing. Now let’s get mixing!

How to Make Gummy Glazed Donuts

Okay, let’s dive into the fun part, making these colorful treats! I’ll walk you through each step carefully because I remember how nervous I was the first time I made yeast donuts. But guess what? They’re way easier than they seem, and the results are SO worth it. Just follow along, and you’ll be biting into warm, glazed perfection before you know it!

Activate the Yeast and Prepare the Dough

First things first, we need to wake up that yeast! In a small bowl, combine your warm milk (test it on your wrist – it should feel comfortably warm, not hot) with the yeast packet. Give it a quick stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it gets all foamy on top – like a tiny science experiment in your kitchen!

While that’s working, grab your big mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Now pour in that bubbly yeast mixture, add the melted (but slightly cooled) butter, egg, and vanilla. Stir everything together until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks messy at first – that’s totally normal!

Here comes the fun part – kneading! Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes. You’ll feel it transform from sticky to smooth and elastic.

Pro tip: Put on some music, kneading is great therapy! When it’s ready, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. It should double in size; mine usually puffs up like a proud little pillow.

Shape and Fry the Donuts

Now for the satisfying part, shaping! Punch down that puffy dough (so satisfying!) and roll it out on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or a 3-inch round cookie cutter with a smaller cutter for the center holes. No fancy tools? A glass and a shot glass work in a pinch!

Place your donut shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover lightly, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. They’ll get nice and puffy – this second rise is what gives them that perfect airy texture.

While they’re rising, heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). This is where a candy thermometer comes in handy – too hot and they’ll burn, too cool and they’ll soak up oil. I learned this the hard way with some greasy donuts early on!

Carefully slide 2-3 donuts into the hot oil at a time (don’t crowd them!) and fry for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to flip them – they should float when ready to turn. Drain them on a wire rack with paper towels underneath. And don’t toss those donut holes! Fry them up for adorable mini treats.

Make the Gummy Glaze and Glaze the Donuts

Time for the magic! In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your gummy candies with the water. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. It’ll look like liquid rainbows! Stir in the powdered sugar until you’ve got a thick, glossy glaze. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon more water; too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Now the best part – dipping! Hold each cooled donut by its side and dunk the top into the warm glaze. Twist it slightly as you lift to get that perfect even coating. Let them set for about 5 minutes – I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it! The glaze will firm up into that signature shiny, slightly chewy coating that makes these donuts so special.

And there you have it – homemade Gummy Glazed Donuts that look like they came from a fancy bakery! Now try not to eat them all at once… I dare you.

Tips for Perfect Gummy Glazed Donuts

Want to make sure your Gummy Glazed Donuts turn out flawless every time? Here are my tried-and-true tips that I’ve picked up after countless batches (and a few delicious mistakes):

• Watch that yeast: If your milk is too hot, it’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate. Aim for 110°F (wrist test it like baby formula). If it doesn’t foam after 5 minutes, start over with fresh yeast.
• Invest in a candy thermometer: Frying at the right temperature (350°F) is crucial. Too hot, and your donuts will burn; too cool, and they’ll soak up oil. Trust me, it’s worth the $10!
• Don’t rush the rise: Let the dough double in size during the first rise, and puff up again during the second. Patience = pillowy perfection.
• Let the glaze set: I know it’s tempting to dive in, but give the glaze 5 minutes to firm up. It’ll give you that signature chewy texture.
• Customize your colors: Use different gummy candy colors to match holidays or themes. Kids love helping with this part!

Follow these tips, and you’ll be a donut pro in no time. Happy frying!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Okay, let’s be real, these Gummy Glazed Donuts rarely last long enough to need storing! But just in case you have superhero-level willpower (or made a double batch), here’s how to keep them fresh:

For storage, place cooled donuts in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about 2 days – any longer and the glaze starts to lose its magic. Whatever you do, don’t refrigerate them! The cold makes the donuts dry out and causes the glaze to get sticky.

To revive day-old donuts, pop them in the microwave for 5-8 seconds – just enough to take the chill off. The glaze will soften slightly and the donut will taste almost fresh-from-the-fryer again.

Pro tip: If you’re reheating, do it one donut at a time – they can go from perfect to rubbery real quick!

Nutritional Information

Just a quick heads up, these Gummy Glazed Donuts are definitely a treat, not health food! Nutrition info can vary based on your specific ingredients and how much glaze you use. The numbers below are estimates per donut, but honestly? Sometimes you just gotta enjoy the rainbow-colored deliciousness without counting!

FAQs About Gummy Glazed Donuts

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Share Your Gummy Glazed Donuts

I’d LOVE to see your colorful creations! Snap a pic of your Gummy Glazed Donuts and tag me on Instagram. Nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen masterpieces. And hey, if you loved this recipe, leave a star rating below! Your feedback helps other bakers discover these rainbow treats too.

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