Citrus Sunshine Doughnuts

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma and taste of freshly baked doughnuts, and these **Orange Doughnuts with Orange Glaze** are no exception. Far easier to make than you might imagine, these tender, fluffy treats are infused with bright citrus flavor and crowned with a vibrant, zesty glaze. They are absolutely perfect for elevating your weekend breakfast, surprising loved ones for a special brunch, or even as a delightful indulgence any day of the week!

Experience the Zest: The Ultimate Orange Doughnuts with Orange Glaze

I must admit, I’ve found myself in a delightful doughnut obsession lately. While I’m typically a toast-and-coffee kind of person for breakfast, there’s something truly special about a homemade doughnut that’s hard to resist. And when it comes to these **Orange Doughnuts**, one is usually enough for me – which means more for my family, and they certainly aren’t complaining! The beauty of making doughnuts at home lies in the incredible freshness, the ability to control the ingredients, and that unbeatable aroma that fills your kitchen. Forget about complicated bakery visits; achieving these tender, bakery-quality doughnuts is well within your reach.

The secret to these doughnuts’ incredible appeal lies in their delicate texture and the refreshing burst of citrus. Each bite offers a tender crumb, perfectly balanced with a subtle yet distinct orange flavor. It’s not overpowering, but rather a gentle, fragrant hint that makes them uniquely delicious. They’re an absolute showstopper for any gathering, especially a leisurely weekend breakfast, a festive brunch, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift for special occasions like Mother’s Day. Imagine starting the day with a warm, soft doughnut, glistening with a tangy orange glaze – it’s pure bliss!

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Doughnut Recipe

Opting for homemade doughnuts over store-bought offers an unparalleled experience. You get to enjoy them fresh, still warm from the fryer, with their delicate crumb and fragrant orange essence at its peak. This recipe for **Orange Doughnuts with Orange Glaze** demystifies the deep-frying process, making it accessible for home cooks. The result is a batch of exceptionally tender doughnuts that boast a delicate cake-like texture, perfectly complemented by a sweet and tangy glaze. The freshness of orange zest and juice elevates these classic treats, turning a simple breakfast into a memorable culinary moment. Plus, making them yourself is a fun and rewarding activity, especially with family!

Essential Tips for Perfect Orange Doughnuts

Creating these delightful **citrus doughnuts** is a rewarding experience, and with a few key tips, you’ll achieve bakery-quality results every time. The secret to a tender doughnut lies in not overmixing the dough, which can lead to a tough texture. Once your dry and wet ingredients are just combined, resist the urge to keep beating. Chilling the dough is also crucial; it makes the dough much easier to handle when rolling and cutting, and it helps prevent the doughnuts from absorbing too much oil during frying. For the best flavor, always use fresh oranges for both the zest and juice. The zest carries the most potent orange aroma, while the juice adds a lovely subtle tang and moisture. When frying, maintaining the correct oil temperature (around 375°F or 190°C) is paramount. Too cool, and your doughnuts will be greasy; too hot, and they’ll brown too quickly on the outside, leaving the inside raw. Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately. Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can drop the oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking. Once fried to a beautiful golden brown, drain them on a wire rack placed over paper towels to remove excess oil before glazing.

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Servings:

16
doughnuts plus doughnut holes

Orange Doughnuts with Orange Glaze

By
Jamie Sherman

These Orange Doughnuts with Orange Glaze are surprisingly easy to make and yield tender, flavorful doughnuts perfect for breakfast or any sweet craving!

Prep:

15 minutes
mins

Cook:

15 minutes
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Total:

30 minutes
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Ingredients

For the Doughnuts

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• Pinch salt
• 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon grated orange peel (zest from about 1 orange)
• ⅔ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (½ stick)
• Vegetable oil, for deep frying

For the Orange Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated orange peel (zest from about 1 orange)
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

Instructions

• **Prepare Dry Ingredients:** In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.
• **Prepare Wet Ingredients & Combine:** In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is thick and light lemon-colored, approximately 3-5 minutes. This aeration is key for light doughnuts. In a separate small bowl, combine the grated orange peel, orange juice, and melted butter.
• **Form the Dough:** Gradually add the orange juice mixture and the dry ingredients alternately to the egg mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat with the electric mixer on low speed just until each addition is blended. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough doughnuts. Once the dough comes together, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and prevents it from absorbing too much oil during frying.
• **Roll and Cut Doughnuts:** Lightly flour a clean work surface. Roll out the chilled dough to a uniform thickness of ⅜-inch. Using a floured 2½-inch doughnut cutter, cut out the doughnut shapes. Gently gather any dough scraps, re-roll, and cut out additional doughnuts and doughnut holes until all the dough is used.
• **Fry the Doughnuts:** In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat at least 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to ensure accuracy. Carefully slide 3-4 doughnuts into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 1 minute per side, or until golden brown, turning once with a slotted spoon or spider.
• **Drain:** Once golden, remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining doughnuts and doughnut holes, ensuring the oil temperature stays consistent between batches.
• **Prepare the Glaze:** While the doughnuts are cooling slightly, combine all the powdered sugar, grated orange peel, and orange juice for the glaze in a medium bowl. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. Adjust consistency with a tiny bit more orange juice or powdered sugar if needed – it should be thick enough to coat but thin enough to drip.
• **Glaze the Doughnuts:** Dip the tops of the slightly cooled doughnuts into the orange glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the glazed doughnuts glaze-side up back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set. Serve immediately for the best experience.

Notes and Variations

• For a fun twist, substitute all the orange components with fresh lemon for delightful Lemon Doughnuts with Lemon Glaze! The process remains identical.
• Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the doughnut dough for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
• If you don’t have a doughnut cutter, you can use two round cookie cutters (one larger for the doughnut and a smaller one for the hole).
• For a richer glaze, you can add a small amount of softened cream cheese to the powdered sugar mixture.

Nutrition Information (per doughnut)

Calories: 223kcal,
Carbohydrates: 44g,
Protein: 3g,
Fat: 4g,
Saturated Fat: 2g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 1g,
Trans Fat: 0.1g,
Cholesterol: 28mg,
Sodium: 85mg,
Potassium: 64mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 24g,
Vitamin A: 146IU,
Vitamin C: 7mg,
Calcium: 39mg,
Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Other Recipes You May Enjoy

If you loved these **Orange Doughnuts**, you might want to explore more delicious treats and breakfast ideas from our collection. Expand your baking repertoire with these fantastic recipes that share similar comforting vibes or vibrant flavors:

• Chocolate Cinnamon Doughnuts
• Buttermilk Doughnuts with Cherry Glaze
• Vanilla Cake Donuts with Strawberry Glaze
• Tropical Pineapple Orange Smoothie
• Moist Orange Streusel Coffee Cake

Originally published on May 4, 2014. Updated on April 28, 2021, and further enhanced for clarity and detail in [Current Date, e.g., October 26, 2023].