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Introduction
Glazed croissant donuts are one of the most fun and tasty treats you can make at home. They are soft, flaky, and sweet, with a shiny sugar glaze on top that melts in your mouth. This recipe combines the rich layers of a croissant with the shape and joy of a donut. Many people know this treat from bakeries, but they are also possible to make in your own kitchen with simple tools and patience. When you bite into one, you get a light crisp outside and a soft buttery inside. That mix of texture is what makes people fall in love with it after the first bite.
People love glazed croissant donuts because they feel special and comforting at the same time. They look fancy, but they taste like something warm and homemade. The sweet glaze adds just the right amount of sugar without being too heavy. Kids enjoy them, adults enjoy them, and guests are always impressed when they see them on a plate. They are perfect with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. The smell while cooking is also amazing and fills the whole kitchen with a bakery style aroma that makes everyone hungry and happy.
This is a great recipe to make on weekends, holidays, or birthdays. You can also make them when you want to treat yourself after a long week. Some people prepare them for brunch with friends, while others make them as a dessert after dinner. If you enjoy baking and want to try something new beyond simple cakes and cookies, this is a fun step forward. It gives you the joy of baking plus the reward of a beautiful sweet snack. Even if you are a beginner, you can follow the steps and get a great result.
Ingredients You Will Need
For the dough
3 cups all purpose flour
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 and one half teaspoons instant yeast
3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
1 cup warm milk
1 large egg at room temperature
Oil for frying about 4 cups depending on pan size
For the butter layers
1 cup unsalted butter cold but flexible
For the glaze
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional toppings
Sprinkles as needed
Cinnamon sugar as needed
Step by Step Method
Step 1
Take a large mixing bowl and add warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about five minutes. You should see small bubbles on top. That means the yeast is active and ready.
Step 2
Add the egg, softened butter, and salt into the bowl. Mix everything well with a spoon or by hand. Slowly add the flour, one cup at a time. Keep mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 3
Move the dough onto a lightly floured table. Knead it with your hands for about eight to ten minutes. The dough should become smooth and slightly elastic. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour.
Step 4
Place the dough into a greased bowl. Cover with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about one hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 5
While the dough rises, prepare the butter block. Place the cold butter between two sheets of baking paper. Press and roll it into a flat square shape about half inch thick. Put it in the fridge so it stays firm.
Step 6
After the dough has risen, roll it into a large square on a floured surface. Put the butter square in the center. Fold the dough over the butter from all sides like closing a book.
Step 7
Roll the dough gently into a rectangle. Fold one side to the center, then fold the other side over it. This creates layers. Cover and chill in the fridge for twenty minutes.
Step 8
Repeat the rolling and folding process two more times. Each time, chill the dough for twenty minutes between folds. This step creates the flaky croissant style layers.
Step 9
After the final chill, roll the dough to about half inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut donut shapes. Use a smaller cutter to cut the center hole.
Step 10
Place the cut donuts on a tray lined with paper. Cover lightly and let them rise again for about forty five minutes. They should look puffy.
Step 11
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Test with a small piece of dough. If it rises and bubbles, the oil is ready.
Step 12
Carefully place one or two donuts into the hot oil. Do not crowd the pan. Fry each side for about one to two minutes until golden brown.
Step 13
Remove with a spoon and place on paper towels to remove extra oil. Let them cool slightly before glazing.
Step 14
Make the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a bowl. Stir until smooth and pourable.
Step 15
Dip each warm donut into the glaze. Turn to coat the top well. Place on a rack so extra glaze can drip off. Add sprinkles if you like.
Step 16
Let the glaze set for about ten minutes. Then your glazed croissant donuts are ready to serve.
Why This Recipe Is Special
This glazed croissant donut recipe is special because it brings together two favorite baked treats in one. You get the layered texture of a croissant and the fun shape of a donut. The outside is lightly crisp while the inside stays soft and airy. That contrast makes each bite exciting and satisfying.
Another good point is that you can make these at home without special machines. You only need simple kitchen tools and basic ingredients. While the folding process takes some time, each step is easy to follow. It is a great learning recipe for people who want to improve their baking skills.
The taste is rich but not too heavy. Because of the layers, the donut feels lighter than a regular dense donut. You can also control the sweetness by adjusting the glaze. This makes it suitable for different taste preferences. Fresh homemade versions also avoid extra preservatives found in many store bought pastries.
Extra Tips for Better Taste
Use good quality butter for the layers. Butter gives most of the flavor in this recipe, so better butter means better taste.
Keep the dough cold during the folding steps. If the butter melts into the dough, you will lose the flaky layers. If the dough feels too soft, place it in the fridge for a few minutes.
Do not overheat the oil. If the oil is too hot, the outside will brown too fast and the inside may stay raw. Medium heat works best for even cooking.
Add flavor to the glaze if you want variety. You can mix in a little orange juice, lemon juice, or a drop of almond extract for a different twist.
You can also fill the donuts after frying. Use a piping bag to add cream, chocolate spread, or fruit jam inside for an extra surprise.
Serve them warm when possible. Warm glazed croissant donuts taste softer and more aromatic than cold ones.
Final Thoughts
Glazed croissant donuts are a wonderful homemade treat that feels both fancy and comforting. They take a bit more time than simple recipes, but the result is truly worth it. Each bite gives you flaky layers, soft texture, and sweet glaze that melts on your tongue. This recipe is perfect for weekend baking, special mornings, or sharing with people you love. Even if this is your first time trying a layered dough, go slowly and enjoy the process. Baking should be fun, and this recipe gives both joy and delicious rewards.
Nutrition Details
Approximate nutrition per donut serving based on twelve servings
Calories 260
Carbohydrates 30 grams
Protein 5 grams
Fat 14 grams
Saturated fat 8 grams
Sugar 12 grams
Sodium 180 milligrams
Recipe nutrition total estimate
Calories 3120
Carbohydrates 360 grams
Protein 60 grams
Fat 168 grams
Sugar 144 grams
Sodium 2160 milligrams
Values can change based on oil absorption and glaze thickness.