Glazed Potato Donuts

Glazed potato donuts are a delightful twist on the classic donut, featuring mashed potatoes as the secret ingredient that gives them a uniquely tender and moist texture. These donuts are light, fluffy, and slightly crisp on the outside, making them utterly irresistible. Topped with a sweet, glossy glaze, they are the perfect indulgence for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat any time of day.

This recipe transforms humble mashed potatoes into a dough that fries beautifully, resulting in donuts that are less dense than their traditional counterparts. The subtle potato flavor enhances the overall richness, while the glaze adds a sweet finishing touch. Perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, glazed potato donuts are sure to become a favorite.

This comprehensive guide will take you through the step-by-step process of creating the perfect glazed potato donuts, offering tips, variations, and creative serving suggestions to elevate your donut-making experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender and Moist: Mashed potatoes make these donuts extra soft and fluffy.
• Unique Twist: A fun and delicious way to use leftover mashed potatoes or add a creative spin to traditional donuts.
• Customizable: Adjust the glaze, toppings, and flavors to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these donuts are a versatile crowd-pleaser.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Resting Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: About 18 donuts
• Serving Size: 1 donut

Nutritional Information (per donut)

• Calories: 220
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12g

Ingredients

For the Donuts

• 1 cup mashed potatoes (unsalted, unseasoned)
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Add the frothy yeast mixture to the potato mixture and stir to combine.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape the Donuts

1. Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
2. Use a round cutter (3-4 inches in diameter) to cut out donut shapes. Use a smaller cutter or the end of a piping tip to cut out the centers. Re-roll the scraps to make more donuts.
3. Place the cut donuts and holes on a floured baking sheet. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Fry the Donuts

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the donuts in batches, about 2-3 at a time, for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or sugar as needed.

Step 5: Glaze the Donuts

1. Dip each donut into the glaze, ensuring it is fully coated. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to catch any drips. Let the glaze set before serving.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Filled Donuts: Skip the hole and fill the donuts with pastry cream, jam, or Nutella after frying. Use a piping bag fitted with a filling tip to inject the filling.
2. Chocolate Glazed Donuts: Replace the vanilla glaze with a chocolate glaze made from melted chocolate, powdered sugar, and milk. Top with sprinkles or chopped nuts for extra flair.
3. Mini Donuts: Use smaller cutters to create bite-sized donuts and fry as directed. Perfect for parties or dessert platters.
4. Donut Holes: Fry the cut-out centers and glaze them for easy-to-eat donut holes.
5. Layered Donut Stack: Stack glazed donuts in a pyramid and drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for an eye-catching dessert centerpiece.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the mashed potatoes, eggs, and butter are at room temperature for smooth mixing and optimal dough texture.
2. Don’t Overwork the Dough: Knead just until the dough is elastic and smooth. Over-kneading can make the donuts dense.
3. Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil at 350°F (175°C) to ensure even frying. Oil that’s too hot can burn the donuts, while oil that’s too cool will make them greasy.
4. Drain Properly: Place fried donuts on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil before glazing.
5. Glaze While Warm: Slightly warm donuts absorb the glaze better, creating a glossy finish.

Recipe Variations

1. Spiced Potato Donuts: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for a spiced version.
2. Savory Donuts: Skip the glaze and add herbs like rosemary or grated cheese to the dough for a savory twist.
3. Lemon-Glazed Donuts: Replace the vanilla in the glaze with lemon juice and zest for a tangy finish.
4. Coconut Donuts: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the glaze for a tropical variation.
5. Maple Bacon Donuts: Use maple syrup in the glaze and top with crispy bacon bits for a sweet and savory combination.

Freezing and Storing

1. Room Temperature: Store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh.
2. Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the donuts for up to a week. The glaze may harden slightly but will soften when warmed.
3. Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.
4. Reheating: Warm frozen or refrigerated donuts in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore freshness.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Bake Instead of Fry: Bake the donuts in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown, for a lower-fat option.
2. Use Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
3. Reduce Sugar: Decrease the sugar in the dough and glaze, or use a sugar substitute like stevia.
4. Dairy-Free Donuts: Replace milk with almond, soy, or oat milk and use coconut oil instead of butter.
5. Gluten-Free Donuts: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. Brunch Spread: Serve glazed potato donuts alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and coffee for a balanced brunch menu.
2. Donut Bar: Set up a donut decorating station with different glazes, sprinkles, and toppings for a fun and interactive event.
3. Wedding Desserts: Stack donuts in a tiered display or offer them as part of a dessert buffet.
4. Seasonal Themes: Decorate donuts with holiday-themed sprinkles or glazes, such as red and green for Christmas or orange and black for Halloween.
5. Kid-Friendly Parties: Serve mini donuts with colorful icing and toppings at children’s birthday parties.

Special Equipment

1. Stand Mixer with Dough Hook: Makes kneading the dough easier and more efficient.
2. Deep Fry Thermometer: Ensures the oil stays at the perfect frying temperature.
3. Donut Cutters: Creates uniform donut shapes, but cookie cutters or a glass can also work in a pinch.
4. Cooling Rack: Allows donuts to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
5. Parchment Paper: Makes transferring cut donuts to the fryer easier and prevents sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
   Yes, as long as they’re plain and unseasoned. Avoid using flavored or buttery varieties.
2. What oil is best for frying donuts?
   Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
3. How do I prevent the glaze from becoming too runny?
   Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or a small amount of milk to thin.
4. Why are my donuts greasy?
   The frying oil may not be hot enough. Use a thermometer to maintain a consistent 350°F (175°C).
5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and frying.
6. How do I make the glaze shiny?
   Glaze the donuts while they’re still slightly warm to create a glossy finish.
7. What can I do with leftover donut holes?
   Glaze them, coat them in cinnamon sugar, or use them as a topping for ice cream.
8. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
   Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and beautiful color to the donuts.

Conclusion

Glazed potato donuts are a delightful blend of classic comfort and creative innovation. Their light, fluffy texture and sweet, glossy glaze make them a treat that’s both unique and universally loved. Perfect for any occasion, from casual breakfasts to elegant celebrations, these donuts are versatile, customizable, and downright delicious.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations like chocolate glaze or savory toppings, this recipe provides a solid foundation for endless creativity. Serve them fresh, warm, and with plenty of smiles—because nothing brings people together quite like a plate of homemade donuts!

Glazed Potato Donuts

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• Author: Sophia
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: About 18 donuts 1x

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Donuts

• 1 cup mashed potatoes (unsalted, unseasoned)
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Add the frothy yeast mixture to the potato mixture and stir to combine.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape the Donuts

1. Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
2. Use a round cutter (3-4 inches in diameter) to cut out donut shapes. Use a smaller cutter or the end of a piping tip to cut out the centers. Re-roll the scraps to make more donuts.
3. Place the cut donuts and holes on a floured baking sheet. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Fry the Donuts

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the donuts in batches, about 2-3 at a time, for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or sugar as needed.

Step 5: Glaze the Donuts

1. Dip each donut into the glaze, ensuring it is fully coated. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to catch any drips. Let the glaze set before serving.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Resting Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 donut
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 12g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g