Caramel Glazed Donuts are soft, fluffy, and coated in a rich, buttery caramel glaze, making them a truly indulgent treat. These homemade donuts are fried to perfection and dipped in a silky caramel glaze with a touch of sea salt, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a dessert, these donuts are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and Fluffy Texture – The yeast dough creates light, airy donuts with a tender bite.
Rich and Buttery Caramel Glaze – A luscious homemade caramel coats the donuts for an irresistible finish.
Perfect for Special Occasions – These donuts make a great weekend breakfast, holiday treat, or party dessert.
Customizable Toppings – Try adding nuts, chocolate drizzle, or extra sea salt for a unique twist.
Better Than Store-Bought – Freshly fried donuts with homemade caramel glaze taste far superior to anything from the store.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Donuts:

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

For the Caramel Glaze:

½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup heavy cream
¼ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Making the Donuts:

Activate the Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Mix the Dough: Add the sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir well.
Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Donuts: Roll the dough out to about ½-inch thickness and cut out donut shapes using a donut cutter or two differently sized round cutters. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Second Rise: Cover the cut-out donuts and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Fry the Donuts: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches for about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Making the Caramel Glaze:

Melt the Sugar: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly, until it turns a deep amber color.
Add Butter and Cream: Carefully add the butter and heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth.
Finish the Glaze: Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt and vanilla extract. Let the glaze cool slightly before dipping the donuts.

Assembling the Donuts:

Dip the Donuts: While the donuts are still warm, dip them into the caramel glaze, ensuring an even coating. Let them set on a wire rack before serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1.5 hours
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 12 donuts
Calories per donut: 290 kcal

Variations

Salted Caramel Donuts – Add an extra pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a more pronounced salty-sweet contrast.
Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the caramel-coated donuts.
Nutty Caramel Donuts – Sprinkle chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts over the glaze before it sets.
Baked Donuts – If you prefer a lighter option, bake the donuts at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes instead of frying.
Spiced Dough – Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, but warm before serving for the best texture.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then glaze before serving.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and frying.

Why didn’t my donuts rise properly?

Ensure the yeast is fresh and that the dough is rising in a warm, draft-free area. Cold environments can slow the rising process.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, substitute with the same amount of instant yeast and skip the proofing step. Mix it directly with the flour.

How do I keep the donuts crispy?

Donuts are best enjoyed fresh. If storing, reheat them briefly in the oven to restore their crispness.

What oil is best for frying donuts?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

Can I make these donuts without frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, but they won’t have the same crispy exterior.

How do I prevent my caramel from burning?

Keep stirring and watch the sugar closely as it melts. Once it turns amber, remove it from heat quickly to avoid burning.

Can I double the caramel glaze?

Yes, if you like extra caramel, double the glaze ingredients and dip the donuts twice for a thicker coating.

How do I make the caramel glaze thicker?

Let the caramel cool slightly before dipping, or add a little more butter for a richer consistency.

Can I make mini donuts instead?

Yes, use a smaller cutter and reduce frying time to about 1 minute per side.

Conclusion

Caramel Glazed Donuts are a truly decadent homemade treat with a light, airy texture and a rich, buttery caramel glaze. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the fryer or with a cup of coffee, these donuts are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Try different toppings, store them for later, and enjoy the ultimate homemade donut experience!

Caramel Glazed Donuts