The dough for these cloud-like vanilla donuts is light, airy, and perfectly sweet, making each bite feel like you’re tasting a little piece of heaven. The secret lies in the balance between the tender crumb and the delicate flavor of vanilla that fills your kitchen as they bake. As they puff up in the oven, the sweet aroma of vanilla mingles with the warmth of the dough, creating an irresistible pull.
When you take that first bite, the donut practically melts in your mouth. The soft texture is almost like biting into a cloud, while the subtle vanilla flavor lingers just long enough to make you want more. It’s not an overpowering sweetness, but rather a gentle, comforting one that gives you a cozy feeling with each chew. The glaze, made with just a touch of powdered sugar and vanilla, adds a light sweetness that coats the surface without weighing it down. These donuts are a perfect treat for a lazy weekend morning or a special brunch, because they not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also give you the kind of joy that only homemade baked goods can bring.
What’s great about these donuts is their versatility. You can play with the glaze by adding a hint of cinnamon or even a splash of almond extract to bring in a different layer of flavor. Or, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, dip them in a little extra glaze and top them with sprinkles for a fun, festive twist. The best part? They stay soft for days, so you’ll get to enjoy that fluffy texture for a bit longer, making them even more irresistible.
When it comes to these cloud-like vanilla donuts, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From the tender dough to the smooth glaze, every element comes together to give you that melt-in-your-mouth experience. Let’s break down the key ingredients that make these donuts a deliciously soft and sweet treat.
Key Ingredients for Cloud-like Vanilla Donuts
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, giving it structure and helping to create that soft, yet sturdy, texture. The flour helps the donuts hold their shape while maintaining that light, airy bite.
- Baking powder: This little powerhouse ensures that the donuts rise to perfection. It gives them that fluffy, cloud-like texture by helping the dough puff up as it bakes.
- Salt: Just a pinch goes a long way! It enhances the sweetness of the donuts and balances out the flavors, making sure the sweetness isn’t too overwhelming.
- Granulated sugar: The main sweetener for the dough, giving the donuts that subtle sweetness that isn’t overpowering, allowing the vanilla to shine through.
- Whole milk: Milk adds richness and moisture to the dough, keeping the texture soft and tender. It also helps to bring the dry ingredients together into a smooth batter.
- Large eggs: Eggs help bind everything together, providing structure and moisture. They also contribute to the light texture, making the donuts fluffy and soft.
- Unsalted butter, melted: The butter adds richness and flavor to the dough, while also helping to create that melt-in-your-mouth quality. The meltiness also gives the donuts a nice, delicate crumb.
- Vanilla extract: The star of the show! This extract infuses the donuts with a comforting, fragrant vanilla flavor that gives them that irresistible sweetness.
- Almond extract: Just a tiny splash of this extract enhances the vanilla flavor, giving the donuts a subtle layer of depth and warmth.
- Powdered sugar: This sugar makes up the base of the glaze, turning into a smooth, sweet coating that perfectly complements the fluffy donuts.
- Milk (for glaze): A little milk thins out the powdered sugar, creating a smooth, pourable glaze that gives the donuts just the right touch of sweetness without being too heavy.
- Vanilla extract (for glaze): The vanilla in the glaze ties everything together, giving a sweet, aromatic finish to the donuts and ensuring the vanilla flavor is front and center.
How to Make Cloud-like Vanilla Donuts
- STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a donut pan with cooking spray or butter. This will ensure that your donuts come out perfectly without sticking.
- STEP 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This will help distribute the dry ingredients so the donuts rise evenly in the oven.
- STEP 3: In a separate large bowl, mix the granulated sugar, whole milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Stir the wet ingredients together until smooth and fully combined.
- STEP 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep the donuts light and fluffy.
- STEP 5: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about three-quarters full. If you prefer, use a piping bag for more control, but a spoon works perfectly too!
- STEP 6: Use a spatula or spoon to smooth the tops of the batter if needed. This will give your donuts a nice, even surface as they bake.
- STEP 7: Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when gently pressed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell will start to fill your kitchen—yum!
- STEP 8: Remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. This helps them set before you move them to the wire rack.
- STEP 9: Carefully turn the donuts out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Let them rest while you prepare the glaze.
- STEP 10: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed—it should be smooth and pourable.
- STEP 11: Once the donuts have cooled, dip the tops of each donut into the glaze, letting any excess drip off. You can dip them once for a light glaze or twice for a thicker coating.
- STEP 12: Place the glazed donuts back onto the wire rack and let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before serving. This step ensures the glaze firms up just enough to add the perfect finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions for Cloud-like Vanilla Donuts
1. Serve with a Hot Cup of Coffee or Tea
There’s something magical about pairing these soft vanilla donuts with your favorite warm drink. Whether it’s a rich cup of coffee or a fragrant tea, the warmth complements the lightness of the donuts, creating the perfect morning treat. The subtle vanilla flavor and cozy aroma just melt together, making it feel like a moment of pure bliss.
2. Top with Fresh Berries
For a little burst of color and freshness, pile some fresh berries on top of your glazed donuts. The tartness of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries adds a beautiful contrast to the sweet vanilla glaze and enhances that light, fluffy texture. It’s like adding a touch of summer to your breakfast, and it looks so pretty, too!
3. Make Them a Festive Treat
For a special occasion, sprinkle your glazed donuts with colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or even a drizzle of chocolate for a fun and festive touch. These donuts are already so light and sweet, but with a little extra flair, they become the star of any brunch or celebration. The fun part? Everyone will be grabbing one (or two) for sure!
How to Store Cloud-like Vanilla Donuts
To keep your cloud-like vanilla donuts fresh and delicious, it’s all about proper storage. If you have any leftovers (though I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t!), allow them to cool completely before storing them. Once cooled, place the donuts in an airtight container. This will help maintain their soft, fluffy texture without them becoming stale too quickly. Keep the container at room temperature, and your donuts should stay fresh for about two to three days.
If you’re planning to enjoy them later in the week, you can also store them in the fridge to extend their freshness. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to indulge again, give them a quick zap in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that soft, melt-in-your-mouth feel. The glaze may soften a bit, but they’ll still taste just as amazing.
For longer storage, you can freeze these donuts. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re in the mood for a donut, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. They’ll be just as delicious as the day you made them, with that perfect light texture still intact.
Conclusion
There you have it – your very own cloud-like vanilla donuts, fresh out of the oven and ready to fill your kitchen with the most irresistible aromas. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy weekend morning, making them for a special brunch, or just enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these donuts are sure to bring a little extra joy to your day. Soft, airy, and perfectly sweet, they’re the kind of treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
And don’t forget—this recipe is as flexible as you want it to be. Add a little extra flair with some fun toppings, or get creative with different flavors. But no matter how you serve them, these donuts are bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.
I’d love to hear how it goes if you give this recipe a try! Do you have any fun twists on the glaze, or maybe a special way you like to enjoy your donuts? If you’ve got any questions or need a hand with the recipe, I’m always here to help. Just let me know, and let’s chat!
Cloud-like Vanilla Donuts
Description
Soft, pillowy clouds of vanilla goodness, these donuts melt in your mouth with a hint of creamy sweetness. Each bite is a perfect balance of light, airy texture and rich, comforting flavor—like a warm hug in dessert form!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a donut pan with cooking spray or butter.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
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In a separate large bowl, mix the granulated sugar, whole milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
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Stir the wet ingredients together until smooth and fully combined.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
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Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about three-quarters full.
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Use a spatula or spoon to smooth the tops of the batter if needed.
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Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when gently pressed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
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Carefully turn the donuts out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze.
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Once the donuts have cooled, dip the tops of each donut into the glaze, letting any excess drip off.
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Place the glazed donuts back onto the wire rack and let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before serving.
Note
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to ensure light and airy donuts.
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk or substitute with buttermilk.
- Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice variation.
- For a different glaze, try adding a bit of lemon juice or orange zest for a citrus twist.
- Ensure donuts cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
