Glazed Vanilla Donut Muffins
When you think of classic comfort food, glazed vanilla donuts likely come to mind, with their fluffy texture and sweet glaze tempting you from the bakery counter. But what if I told you that you could enjoy all that deliciousness in a muffin form? That’s right! These Glazed Vanilla Donut Muffins deliver the same rich flavor and delightful texture, but with a fun twist. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
What Makes This Recipe Special
These Glazed Vanilla Donut Muffins are not just an ordinary muffin; they are a hybrid that brings together the best elements of donuts and muffins. The use of vegetable or canola oil ensures a moist crumb, while the combination of granulated and brown sugars provides a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible. The glaze, made with powdered sugar and just a hint of vanilla, adds the perfect finishing touch that transforms these muffins into a truly special treat. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding.
Ingredient List
- 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 to 4 teaspoons milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon clear vanilla extract or other flavoring
Equipment & Tools
- Mixing bowls – For combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk – Essential for mixing and aerating the batter.
- Muffin tin – To bake the muffins; a non-stick or lined tin works best.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements are key to a perfect bake.
- Cooling rack – To cool the muffins before glazing.
Glazed Vanilla Donut Muffins — Do This Next
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your muffins rise beautifully and bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin
Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with paper liners. This will help prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until well combined. Add in the milk and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure to stir them well to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. This will give the muffins room to rise without overflowing.
Step 7: Bake
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Muffins
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Step 9: Prepare the Glaze
In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar with 2 to 4 teaspoons of milk and the clear vanilla extract. Stir until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
Step 10: Glaze the Muffins
Once the muffins have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the tops, allowing it to pool slightly. For a fun presentation, you can dip the tops directly into the glaze for a thicker coat.
Health-Conscious Tweaks
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a lower glycemic index.
- Replace the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version.
- Consider using almond milk or oat milk for a plant-based alternative.
Common Errors (and Fixes)
- Dense Muffins: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense muffins. Mix until just combined.
- Not Rising: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as expired leavening agents can affect the rise.
- Too Sweet: If the muffins are too sweet for your taste, reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 cup.
- Glaze Not Setting: If your glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar until the desired consistency is achieved.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
These Glazed Vanilla Donut Muffins are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Simply bake them fresh in the morning! Alternatively, you can bake the muffins, allow them to cool completely, and then freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature and glaze before serving.
Common Qs About Glazed Vanilla Donut Muffins
Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or any neutral-flavored oil. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly.
What if I don’t have clear vanilla extract?
You can use regular vanilla extract or any other flavoring you prefer, such as almond or hazelnut extract, but note that this will alter the flavor profile.
How do I store leftover muffins?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them.
Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the batter for an extra flavor boost.
Similar Recipes
Bring It to the Table
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked muffins wafting through your kitchen, and these Glazed Vanilla Donut Muffins will surely impress your family and friends. Whether you serve them warm with a cup of coffee or as a sweet treat at a gathering, they are guaranteed to bring smiles all around. The combination of fluffy muffins and sweet glaze makes for a delightful snack any time of the day.
Indulging in a batch of Glazed Vanilla Donut Muffins is a joyful experience. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that invites creativity with mix-ins and flavor variations. The next time you’re looking for a delicious treat, give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful flavors and textures that come together in each bite. Happy baking!
Glazed Vanilla Donut Muffins
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your muffins rise beautifully and bake evenly.
- Step 2: Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with paper liners to prevent sticking.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until well combined. Add in the milk and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Step 6: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
- Step 7: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 8: Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Step 9: In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar with 2 to 4 teaspoons of milk and the clear vanilla extract. Stir until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Step 10: Once the muffins have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the tops, allowing it to pool slightly.
Notes
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a lower glycemic index.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
