Salted Caramel Glazed Donuts

Sink your teeth into the ultimate sweet treat with these decadent salted caramel glazed donuts. Warm, fluffy donuts get dunked in a buttery salted caramel glaze that provides a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Making donuts at home is surprisingly simple and you’ll love having a fresh batch of these melt-in-your-mouth donuts ready anytime a craving strikes.

Ingredients

These donuts come together with just a few supermarket ingredients:

• All-purpose flour - The base of the donut dough.
• Sugar - Sweetens the dough.
• Yeast - Helps the donuts rise.
• Milk - Adds moisture and flavor.
• Eggs - Helps bind and add richness.
• Butter - Provides tender, flaky texture.

For the salted caramel glaze you'll also need butter, brown sugar, cream, vanilla, and flaky sea salt.

Equipment Needed

Minimal equipment is required for these easy homemade donuts:

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper
• Cutters or glass to cut donuts
• Pot for frying
• Slotted spoon for flipping
• Wire rack for cooling

You'll also need a piping bag fitted with a star tip for drizzling the glaze attractively.

Tips for Frying

Be sure to use a pot with high sides for safety when frying. Maintain oil temperature between 350-375°F. Fry donuts 1-2 at a time until deep golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Work in batches to maintain oil temperature.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Donut Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast

In a small saucepan, heat until warm to the touch:

• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 4 tablespoons butter

Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and add:

• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix thoroughly to form a sticky dough. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface.

Knead and Rise

Knead dough for 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour.

Roll and Cut Out

On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough 1/2 inch thick. Use a 3 inch round cutter to cut out donuts, re-rolling scraps. Arrange donuts on parchment paper.

Place donuts 2 inches apart on parchment paper lined trays. Cover and let rise 30 minutes.

Fry the Donuts

Heat 2-3 inches oil to 350-375°F in heavy pot. Carefully fry donuts 1-2 at a time until deep golden on both sides, about 1 minute per side. Drain on a wire rack.

Make the Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine and bring to a boil:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt.

Glaze the Donuts

Dip the warm donuts into the glaze or drizzle with a spoon. Sprinkle lightly with extra sea salt. Enjoy immediately!

How to Store

Donuts are best enjoyed freshly made but can be stored:

• At room temperature in an airtight container up to 2 days.
• In the refrigerator up to 5 days.
• Frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Reheat briefly in a 300°F oven to crispen the exterior before serving.

Customizing Your Donuts

Flavor Add-Ins

Stir any of these ingredients into the dough for flavored donuts:

• 1/4 cup cocoa powder - Chocolate donuts
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree - Pumpkin spice
• 2 teaspoons matcha powder - Green tea
• 1/4 cup crushed pineapple - Pina colada

Topping Ideas

After glazing, decorate with any of these fun toppings:

• Chopped nuts
• Crushed toffee
• Mini chocolate chips
• Shredded coconut
• Crumbled bacon

Let your creativity run wild when it comes to donut toppings!

Troubleshooting

Dough Too Sticky

If dough is overly sticky, sprinkle in additional flour 1-2 tablespoons at a time until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Donuts Absorb Too Much Oil

If donuts come out greasy, make sure oil is at the right temperature and don't overcrowd the pot when frying. Drain on a rack before glazing.

Donuts Sink When Frying

Let donuts rise the full 30 minutes after cutting out so they are light and airy before frying. Gently drop them into the hot oil away from you.

Donut Party Ideas

Loaded with sweet caramel glaze, these donuts make the ultimate breakfast treat or fun party dessert. Here are some ways to serve them up:

• Bring a big batch to the office for breakfast
• Host a decorate your own donut bar party
• Make mini donut holes for wedding favors
• Surprise someone special on their birthday morning

However you choose to enjoy them, these soft glazed donuts are guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth craving.

Conclusion

Salted caramel glazed donuts are the perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors in soft, cake-like donut form. Making donuts at home is easy with just pantry ingredients and minimal equipment. After being fried until golden brown, the donuts get dipped in an indulgent buttery caramel glaze and sprinkled with sea salt for flavor contrast. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or a party, these donuts are sure to impress and delight.

FAQ

What oil is best for frying donuts?

The best oils for frying donuts are refined high heat oils like peanut, vegetable, or canola oil. Avoid unrefined oils that can impart heavy flavor.

Can the donuts be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the donuts up until frying, then cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day before frying and glazing.

How long do the fresh donuts keep?

Donuts taste best fresh but can be stored at room temp up to 2 days, refrigerated up to 5 days, or frozen up to 3 months.

What are some gluten free donut options?

For gluten free donuts, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten free blend. Rice flour, tapioca flour, and almond flour work well.

Can I use a donut pan instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the donuts in a coated donut pan at 350°F for 10-12 minutes instead of frying.