These Cloud-Like Vanilla Donuts are light, fluffy, and delicately sweet. The dough is airy, and each bite melts in your mouth with a hint of vanilla. The glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness without being overwhelming, making these donuts perfect for any time of day. They’re versatile, so you can even add a little cinnamon or almond extract to the glaze for added flavor. Whether for a weekend treat or special brunch, these donuts are sure to bring joy with each bite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup whole milk

• 2 large eggs

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Grease a donut pan with cooking spray or butter.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).

4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the light texture.

5. Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about three-quarters full. Smooth the tops with a spatula.

6. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the donuts spring back when pressed. Let the donuts cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

7. Make the Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.

8. Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts have cooled, dip the tops into the glaze. Let them sit for about 10 minutes for the glaze to set.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 46g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 14g

  • Saturated Fat: 8g

• Cholesterol: 40mg

• Sodium: 230mg

• Potassium: 84mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 19g

• Vitamin A: 280IU

• Vitamin C: 0mg

• Calcium: 35mg

• Iron: 1mg

These donuts are a perfect treat with a delicate sweetness and soft texture, ideal for breakfast or dessert!

The Secret to Light and Fluffy Donuts

The key to making these donuts light and fluffy lies in the combination of ingredients and careful preparation. The dough is made with basic pantry staples like flour, baking powder, and sugar, but the magic really happens when you mix the wet ingredients, which include eggs, milk, and melted butter. The addition of vanilla extract (and almond extract, if you choose to use it) enhances the flavor, giving the donuts a delightful aroma and a subtle sweetness.

By mixing the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients gradually and gently, you help maintain the airy texture of the dough. Overmixing the batter can result in dense donuts, so it’s important to stir just until the ingredients are combined. This results in a soft, pillowy dough that bakes into a light and fluffy donut.

Baking, Not Frying: A Healthier Option

While traditional donuts are often deep-fried, these Cloud-Like Vanilla Donuts are baked, making them a lighter and healthier alternative. Baking the donuts helps retain their delicate texture without the heaviness that frying can bring. Plus, you can skip the mess and hassle of frying, making these donuts even easier to prepare.

Once the donuts are in the oven, they bake for just 10-12 minutes, so you can have a fresh batch ready in no time. You’ll know they’re done when they spring back to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The result is a golden-brown, slightly crisp exterior with a soft and airy interior, just like the best homemade donuts.

A Sweet, Simple Glaze

The glaze for these donuts is simple yet delicious. Made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, it complements the mild flavor of the donuts without overwhelming them. The glaze is smooth and glossy, adding just the right amount of sweetness. You can adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze, or less for a thicker finish.

If you’re in the mood for a little extra flavor, feel free to experiment with the glaze by adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract. These small additions can give the donuts an interesting twist while still maintaining their light, fluffy texture.

Perfect for Breakfast, Brunch, or Dessert

These Cloud-Like Vanilla Donuts are perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you serve them for breakfast, at a weekend brunch, or as a dessert after a meal, they are sure to impress. Their light, airy texture and delicate sweetness make them the perfect complement to a hot cup of coffee or tea, and they’re sure to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth without being too heavy.

You can also customize the glaze to suit different tastes or seasons. For a festive twist, try using a citrus glaze with orange or lemon zest. Or, for a more indulgent treat, dip them in a chocolate glaze or sprinkle them with powdered sugar for a simple, classic finish.

A Fun Activity for the Whole Family

Making Cloud-Like Vanilla Donuts is a fun and interactive activity for the whole family. Children will love helping to mix the batter, fill the donut pan, and dip the donuts in the glaze. It’s a great way to spend quality time together while also creating a delicious treat that everyone can enjoy. You can even let the kids get creative by adding their own toppings or experimenting with different glaze flavors.

Nutritional Benefits of Cloud-Like Vanilla Donuts

While donuts are often considered a guilty pleasure, these Cloud-Like Vanilla Donuts strike a balance between indulgence and nutrition. Each donut provides a good amount of protein (4g per serving) and some fiber (1g), which helps to make the treat more satisfying. The glaze adds a bit of extra sweetness, but overall, these donuts are lighter than their deep-fried counterparts, making them a better option for those who want to indulge without going overboard.

They’re also an excellent source of vitamin A, thanks to the butter in the batter, and while they don’t provide a significant amount of vitamin C or other nutrients, they offer a comforting and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Conclusion: A Deliciously Light and Fluffy Treat

These Cloud-Like Vanilla Donuts are a perfect balance of sweetness, flavor, and texture. With their light, fluffy dough and simple, yet delicious glaze, they offer a comforting treat that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these donuts are sure to delight with their delicate flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The best part? They’re easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences, making them a versatile addition to your recipe collection. Try them today and experience the joy of these light, fluffy vanilla donuts for yourself!l0