Can I use different candies for the glaze?

Absolutely! While I love classic gummy bears, I've had great success with gummy worms, sour patch kids, and even gummy rings. Just stick with soft gummies, hard candies or jelly beans don't melt as smoothly. Pro tip: If you're using sour candies, you might want to add a touch more powdered sugar to balance the tartness.

How do I store leftover donuts?

These are best eaten fresh (let's be honest, they usually disappear fast!), but if you must save some, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze will lose some shine but still taste amazing. Whatever you do, don't refrigerate them – it makes the donuts dry and the glaze weep.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

You can try baking at 350°F for about 10 minutes, but fair warning – they won't have that classic donut texture. The magic happens in the fryer! If you're frying-averse, consider making donut holes instead – they bake more evenly.

Why did my glaze turn out lumpy?

This usually happens if the gummies aren't fully melted or if you add powdered sugar too quickly. Microwave in short bursts and stir well between each. If you end up with lumps, just strain the glaze through a fine mesh sieve, problem solved!

Can kids help make these?

Absolutely! My niece loves helping cut out donut shapes and choosing glaze colors. Just keep little hands away from the hot oil and melted glaze (that's adult-only territory). Let them decorate cooled donuts with sprinkles for extra fun!

Irresistible Gummy Glazed Donuts Recipe in 7 Easy Steps

Name: Gummy Glazed Donuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast; ½ cup warm milk (110°F); ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; Vegetable oil, for frying; 1 cup gummy candies, assorted flavors; 2 tablespoons water; ½ cup powdered sugar

Description

These Gummy Glazed Donuts are as fun to make as they are to eat! Soft, fluffy homemade donuts are fried to golden perfection, then dipped in a bright, glossy gummy glaze for a playful, candy-inspired twist on a classic treat. Perfect for birthdays, parties, or weekend baking fun!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Donuts:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
½ cup warm milk (110°F)
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Gummy Glaze:

1 cup gummy candies, assorted flavors
2 tablespoons water
½ cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, egg, vanilla, and the yeast mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough: Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the donuts: Roll out dough to ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or round cutters to shape the donuts and holes.
Second rise: Place shaped donuts on a parchment-lined tray, cover lightly, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Fry the donuts: Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts in batches for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden. Drain on a paper towel-lined rack.
Make the gummy glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt gummy candies with water in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Stir in powdered sugar until thick and glossy.
Glaze the donuts: Dip each donut in the warm gummy glaze and set on a rack to dry for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Use a mix of colorful gummy bears or rings for a bright, candy-coated finish.
If the glaze thickens too much, reheat briefly in the microwave for a smoother consistency.
You can also drizzle the glaze over the donuts instead of dipping for a marbled look.
Best enjoyed fresh the same day!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories: 275
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 130mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: homemade donuts, gummy glaze, colorful donuts, sweet treats, fun baking, donut recipe