If you are making donuts at home, this is when the fun really begins. You can add almost anything to a raised donut and make it better–think cinnamon sugar, classic glaze, chocolate icing, sprinkles, pistachios, bacon, etc. You can keep it simple or go all out. When it comes to donut glazes and toppings–you can’t go wrong!
Granulated Sugar
Want to keep it easy? This is the simplest way to finish off your yeasted donut. All you need is a paper bag and about a half cup of sugar. Done and done. While the donut is still slightly warm, take it and drop it into a paper bag with the sugar. Then gently shake it around. Done and done. You can use just the sugar or spice things up by adding some cinnamon, clove, or pumpkin spice for fun, seasonal flavors.
Classic Glaze
It’s called classic for a reason! This is an easy option you can whip together in a couple of minutes. Again, you can keep it simple with just the vanilla. Or, you can add some variety with different flavored emulsions or gel food coloring. Keep them plain or add some sprinkles or chopped nuts to the top if you are looking to mix things up. We love these rainbow sprinkles or some chopped pistachios.
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 ½ Tbsp corn syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4-5 Tbsp whole milk
In a microwave safe bowl, melt butter. Add powdered sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla. Whisk until combined. Slowly add whole milk while whisking until glaze reaches desired consistency (should look pretty runny). Use right away or store in refrigerator and reheat to original consistency before icing.
Maple Icing
What is it about a maple glazed donut that is just top-notch delicious? We have no idea. But we are addicted. And it’s even worse now that we know how to make these at home. Talk about dangerous! Now, you can keep the flavor of this glaze more subtle by using pure maple syrup, or you can use maple emulsion or extract for a more robust flavor that will be more like your store bought donuts. Either way, we are talking immediate crowd-pleaser.
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup
- 4-5 Tbsp pure maple syrup or 1-2 tsp maple extract
- 2-3 tsp whole milk
In a microwave safe bowl, melt butter. Add powdered sugar, corn syrup, and pure maple syrup. Whisk until combined. Slowly add whole milk while whisking until glaze reaches desired consistency (should be pretty thick). Use right away or store in refrigerator and reheat to original consistency before icing.
Other Toppings
- Cinnamon sugar
- Powdered sugar
- Sprinkles
- Coconut
- Oreo crumbles
- Mini chocolate chips
- Cinnamon chips
Of all the options for donut toppings and glazes, these are just a few of our favorites. But you can do a chocolate or raspberry icing. You could mix colors and flavors. You can add sprinkles or drizzle with icing or top with mini chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless! Maybe you’ll just have to try them all and let us know what you think.
