The secret to bakery-style donuts at home? The perfect glaze! Whether you love a smooth, sweet vanilla coating or a rich, glossy chocolate finish, this super easy donut glaze recipe comes together in minutes with ingredients you already have. Get ready to dip, drizzle, and devour—because homemade donuts just got even better!
Oriana’s Thoughts On The Recipe
There’s nothing better than a freshly glazed donut! Whether you’re team vanilla—smooth and sweet—or all about that rich, chocolatey goodness, this easy glaze recipe makes homemade donuts taste bakery-fresh in minutes with pantry staples. At my house, we make both and let everyone pick their favorite. Some go all in on chocolate, while others keep it classic with vanilla. However you glaze them—dip, drizzle, or dunk—these will take your homemade treats to the next level!
What I Love About This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need, Substitutions & Notes
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
For The Vanilla Glaze:
- Confectioners’ sugar – Creates the perfect smooth and sweet glaze.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps the glaze set nicely.
- Heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk – Adjusts the consistency and adds creaminess.
- Vanilla extract – Gives it that classic, comforting flavor.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness.
For The Chocolate Glaze:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Melts into a silky, chocolatey glaze.
- Butter – Helps with texture and flavor.
- Corn syrup or glucose – Adds shine and keeps the glaze smooth.
- Heavy cream – Creates a luscious, creamy consistency.
- Salt – Enhances the chocolate flavor.
Food Allergy Swaps
- Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can easily swap out the dairy ingredients for non-dairy alternatives. Instead of milk, you can use non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. Use vegan butter instead of dairy butter. Many brands are available in stores. I usually use Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks or Miyoko’s Creamery Organic Vegan Butter.
- Gluten-Free: This glaze is naturally gluten-free! Just check your chocolate chips to ensure they’re GF-certified.
Potential Recipe Challenges & Pro Tips
- Glaze Too Thick or Too Thin?: If your glaze is too thick, it won’t coat your donuts smoothly. If it’s too thin, it’ll run right off. Pro Tip: Add liquid (milk or cream) a little at a time to thin it out, or mix in more powdered sugar to thicken it up. Aim for a consistency that drips slowly off a spoon but isn’t watery.
- Chocolate Glaze Looks Dull?: A dull glaze can make your donuts look less appealing. Pro Tip: The corn syrup (or glucose) adds shine to the chocolate glaze, so don’t skip it! Also, make sure the glaze is warm but not too hot when dipping.
- Glaze Not Sticking?: If your glaze isn’t sticking to the donuts, they might be too hot or too cold. Pro Tip: Let the donuts cool slightly before glazing—warm, not hot, is the perfect temperature. If they’re too cold, the glaze won’t adhere well.
Process Overview: Step-by-Step Photos
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
Vanilla Glaze
Whisk all the glaze ingredients together. Dip each warm donut into the glaze, making sure to coat both sides. Place it back onto the prepared rack as excess glaze drips down. After about 20 minutes, the glaze will set.
Chocolate Glaze
Add chocolate, butter, corn syrup, heavy cream, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds and stir together. Repeat 20-second increments until the chocolate is melted and the glaze is smooth. Dip the donuts into the chocolate frosting, then cover with sprinkles, if desired. After about 30 – 40 minutes, the glaze will set.
Extra Recipe Tips For Success
- Sift the powdered sugar before mixing to prevent lumps.
- Use good-quality vanilla extract and chocolate for the best flavor.
- Stir the chocolate glaze constantly while melting to keep it smooth.
Variations & Additions
- Cinnamon Glaze: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to the vanilla glaze.
- Coffee Glaze: Replace some of the milk with brewed coffee for a subtle coffee flavor.
- Nutty Glaze: Add ½ teaspoon of almond emulsion for a delicious twist.
Storing Instructions
Storing: Keep leftover glaze in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently before using.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! It works great on cookies, cakes, and pastries.
Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Yes! Store it in the fridge and reheat it gently before using.
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Recipe Card
Easy Donut Glaze (Vanilla & Chocolate)
Equipment
Ingredients
For The Vanilla Glaze:
- 2 cups (240 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter, melted
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 4 oz (115 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup or glucose
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Important
Don’t forget to check out the step-by-step photos above in the post—they’ll guide you through the process and make everything super clear!
Instructions
Make the Vanilla Glaze:
- Whisk all the glaze ingredients together until smooth. Dip each warm donut into the glaze, making sure to coat both sides. Place it back onto the prepared rack as excess glaze drips down. After about 20 minutes, the glaze will set.
Make the Chocolate Glaze:
- Add chocolate, butter, corn syrup, heavy cream, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds and stir together. Repeat 20-second increments until the chocolate is melted and the glaze is smooth. Dip the donuts into the chocolate frosting, then cover with sprinkles, if desired. After about 30 – 40 minutes, the glaze will set.
- Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can easily swap out the dairy ingredients for non-dairy alternatives. Instead of milk, you can use non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. Use vegan butter instead of dairy butter. Many brands are available in stores. I usually use Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks or Miyoko’s Creamery Organic Vegan Butter.
- Gluten-Free: This glaze is naturally gluten-free! Just check your chocolate chips to ensure they’re GF-certified.
- Glaze Too Thick or Too Thin?: If your glaze is too thick, it won’t coat your donuts smoothly. If it’s too thin, it’ll run right off. Pro Tip: Add liquid (milk or cream) a little at a time to thin it out, or mix in more powdered sugar to thicken it up. Aim for a consistency that drips slowly off a spoon but isn’t watery.
- Chocolate Glaze Looks Dull?: A dull glaze can make your donuts look less appealing. Pro Tip: The corn syrup (or glucose) adds shine to the chocolate glaze, so don’t skip it! Also, make sure the glaze is warm but not too hot when dipping.
- Glaze Not Sticking?: If your glaze isn’t sticking to the donuts, they might be too hot or too cold. Pro Tip: Let the donuts cool slightly before glazing—warm, not hot, is the perfect temperature. If they’re too cold, the glaze won’t adhere well.
- Sift the powdered sugar before mixing to prevent lumps.
- Use good-quality vanilla extract and chocolate for the best flavor.
- Stir the chocolate glaze constantly while melting to keep it smooth.
- Cinnamon Glaze: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to the vanilla glaze.
- Coffee Glaze: Replace some of the milk with brewed coffee for a subtle coffee flavor.
- Nutty Glaze: Add ½ teaspoon of almond emulsion for a delicious twist.
I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
