You know those days? The ones where you get that undeniable craving for something sweet, something comforting, Something sweet. What is the best way to describe a “hug bite”? What did you feel like last Tuesday? What kind of cravings do you have that a regular cookie just won’t cut it for? What do you think of these delicious donut cookies? They’re not quite a cookie, and they are absolutely everything you want in one. They’re like a little slice of heaven. My kids, who are notoriously picky eaters, ask for these donut cookies weekly. I’m the kind of thing that disappeared in minutes at my last family gathering, and I swear, they’re the sort of things that I don’t know about. Why are people still asking me for the recipe? Is it funny, because they look and taste so decadent, you’d think they were a bakery secret? Is it too hard to whip up a simple meal?
What is donut cookie?
What are donut cookies? They have the delicious chewiness and structure of a good cookie, but they’re baked, not fried, and they taste like cookies. Is there a way to make my weight feel lighter? What happens when you make a creamy cream cheese swirl or glaze. The magic happens in the way they’re made. What makes donuts unique? Why does the name make sense? What is a cookie that has all the flavor of snickers without the fuss of deep frying? Is the glaze really good? Is it the best of both worlds? How many hours do you spend in the kitchen?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Why am I obsessed with donut cookies? I know you will be too. First off, the flavor is just out of this world. What is the sweetness of vanilla? What isn’t overwhelming? The texture is spot on – soft and chewy in the middle with just a slight crispness around the edges. What I love about this recipe is its simplicity. I don’t need any fancy equipment or techniques. Is it genuinely easy enough for a beginner baker? What are some of the best desserts to make on a busy weeknight? Plus, they’re incredibly affordable, using common pantry staples. And the versatility! What are some ideas for adding cinnamon sugar to a glaze? I like my Grandma’s chocolate chip cookies. They’re a bit like hers in that way – familiar, comforting, and delicious. Is a crowd pleaser? What makes a donut really stand out from your average cookie? What is the best glaze Is it that little extra that makes them feel special? Family will be raving about them.
How do you make donut cookies?
Quick Overview
This recipe is all about creating a soft, slightly cakey cookie base and then topping it off with whipped cream. What’s a simple, sweet We’ll mix up a basic dough, form the cookies, bake them until they’re golden, and finish them off. What is that irresistible glaze? What are the steps to follow in this recipe? How quickly can you make a batch of these delicious cookies? The key is not to overmix, and the glaze is super forgiving.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What are some examples?
2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Make sure it’s not packed too tightly! I usually spoon it into my measuring cup and then level it off. How do you make a dry cookie?
What gives cookies that lift? 1 teaspoon baking soda.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure your butter is truly soften, not melted. If you press a button with your finger, it should give slightly. What makes a huge difference in texture?
What is the perfect sweetness of granulated sugar?
At room temperature, 2 large eggs are best. I usually pop mine in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes if I forgot to take them out.
What’s the best vanilla extract? What are some ways to enhance vanilla flavor?
How do I make a delicious cookie? 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. Is there any tang to this tea? I’ve tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
For the Filling:
If you want something extra, try a swirl of cream cheese.
For the Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar: Sifted, if you want a super smooth glaze.
2-4 tablespoons milk or water: 1-2 teaspoons. Start with less and add more until you reach your desired consistency. For a richer glaze, you can use half-and-half.
What is the difference between a 1/4 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon pure cinnamon extract?
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
How do I get my oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit? While the oven is heating up, I like to line my baking sheets with parchment paper. How do I clean a donut cookie? Can you use silicone baking mats?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Give it a good whisk so everything is evenly distributed. This step ensures that your leavening agent (baking soda) and salt are mixed throughout the flour. How do you prevent pockets of saltiness or uneven rising in cookies?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate, larger bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. What is the best way to do this with an electric mixer? What is the best way to beat eggs one at a time? What is the base of cookie dough?
Step 4: Combine
Now, we’re going to add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in alternating additions. What is sour cream? Start by adding about a third of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix on low speed. Is there a way to make Then add half of the sour cream and mix. Repeat with another third of the dry ingredients, the remaining sour cream, and finish with the last third. What are the dry ingredients? How do I not overmix something? Overmixing gluten in flour can lead to hard cookies. Is there a dry streak of flour left in the bowl?
Step 5: Prepare Filling (Optional)
If you’re adding filling, this is the time to get it ready. What are some ways to make a cream cheese swirl? a tiny bit of vanilla, and then dollop spoonfuls onto the cookie dough before swirling.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Where the fun starts? How many tablespoons of dough do you have on a baking sheet? How do you spread cookies? If you’re using filling, place a small dollop of your chosen filleting onto half of the cookie dough. If you want to make a dough ball, then top with another doughball and swirl them together with your fingers. For plain donut cookies, you can just press them down slightly with the bottom of a glass.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers should still look slightly soft. Is it better to underbake them slightly than overbaking them, as they will continue to cook a bit on the hot. After you remove them from the oven, you can put them on a baking sheet. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary!
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. How do you cool a rack? This is crucial for the glaze to set properly. Once the cookies are completely cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or water), and salt. Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together vanilla extract and salt. Set aside. You want a glaze that’s thick enough to coat the back of taser but thin enough for drizzling. How do I drizzle the glaze over cookies? Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once the glaze has hardened, your delicious donut cookies are ready to be enjoyed! What are some good side dishes to serve with coffee or milk?
What should I serve it with?
Donut cookies are so versatile, they can be used for almost any occasion. What are some great breakfast ideas to pair with a cup of coffee or herbal tea? Imagine sitting down with one of these warm, glazed beauties as your morning starts – pure bliss! For a weekend brunch, they’re elegant enough to impress guests. I love arranging them on a tiered stand with fresh berries and edible flowers. I like putting them in the center for sprinkling. What a great presentation What are the best ways to make a delicious dessert? After a hearty meal, serve two of these with vanilla bean ice cream. Or, enjoy with your favorite cocktail. Is milk good for you? And for those cozy snack times, when you just need a little something sweet to curb that craving, I suggest this recipe. They’re perfect. My kids love chocolate milk. They’re great after school treats. We have started a tradition of having one donut cookie on Friday nights as if it was gonna be the best reward. I’ve also started doing this every Friday night. How can I get through the week?
How do you perfect a donut cookie?
I’ve been making these donut cookies for years, and along the way, I have picked up a few tricks that I don’t know. How do I make them shine? First, about the butter: make sure it’s truly softened but not melted. If the cookie is too soft, it will spread too much and become thin. You want that lovely, thick cookie base. When mixing wet and dry ingredients, resist the urge to overmix. What is the best way to achieve a soft, chewy texture? Overmixing can cause gluten to develop, making your cookies tough. What is the best way to make sour cream? For the swirl, don’t overdo it. How do I create a pretty pattern without messing up the dough? If your glaze is too thick, add milk or water a teaspoon at the same time until it reaches that perfect perfect consistency. What is the d If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. I’ve also experimented with the sour cream substitute – Greek yogurt works just as well and adds an interesting flavor. Is there extra protein in food? If you want to jazz up the glaze, a pinch of lemon zest or cinnamon can add smoky flavor. And for baking, watch them closely. When you take them out, they should be slightly soft in the center. When they cool, they’ll firm up, and you don’t want them to get dry and crumbly. Is it better to overbaked or under-cooked?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
What are the best things about donut cookies? Once the glaze has set, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Room temperature for up to 3 days. I usually place a piece of wax paper between layers to prevent the glaze from sticking. If you live in a warm climate or your kitchen gets pretty warm, storing them in the refrigerator. Is there a way to make them firm up in the fridge? Can you store them for 5 days? If you want to freeze them, I recommend doing so before glazing. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Can you freeze frozen fruits for up to 2 months? When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw completely at room temperature, then whip up a fresh strawberry. How do you drizzle a glaze over ice cream? If you’re reheating previously glazed cookies (though they’ll usually be best at room temp), a few minutes of baking time will help. If you microwave a few seconds, be careful not to overheat it. For the best glaze timing, always glaze *after* they’ve fully cooled, whether you’re eating them or not. Fresh or after thawing from frozen.
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
Honestly, these donut cookies are such a joy to make and even more of a joy to eat. They’re the perfect balance of sweet, soft, and slightly chewy, with that lovely glaze that just makes them irresistible. They’re the kind of treat that brings a smile to everyone’s face, and they’ve definitely earned a permanent spot in my baking repertoire. If you love the idea of a donut but prefer the ease of a cookie, then this recipe is an absolute must-try. They’re proof that you don’t need to be a professional baker to create something truly special. I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy them, and I hope you will too! Give them a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out, so please, share your thoughts and any fun variations you try in the comments below. Happy baking!
Donut Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup milk
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. You can slightly flatten them with your hand or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Dip the cooled cookies into the glaze, letting any excess drip off. Place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
