Baked Lemon Donuts with Lemon Glaze

In recent years, baked donuts have surged in popularity, captivating dessert lovers with their light, fluffy texture and delightful flavors. Unlike their fried counterparts, baked donuts offer a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. With an ever-growing array of flavors, these treats have become a staple in many kitchens, inviting creativity and experimentation among home bakers.

Discover the joy of baking with these Zesty Baked Lemon Donuts! This simple recipe features a delightful combination of fresh lemon juice and zest, offering a refreshing twist and a light, fluffy texture. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, these donuts are not only delicious but also healthier than fried versions. With a quick glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon, enjoy a burst of bright flavor in every bite. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make treat!

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Ingredients

For the Donuts:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 large egg

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Pinch of salt

Optional: Yellow food coloring (for a vibrant glaze)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the egg, then add the milk, melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined; do not overmix. The batter will be lumpy but should be thick.

Fill the Pan: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.

Bake Donuts: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool Donuts: Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until smooth. If desired, add a few drops of yellow food coloring for a bright look.

Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts are completely cooled, dip the tops of each donut in the lemon glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.

Let it Set: Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to let the glaze set for about 10 minutes.

Serve: Enjoy your delicious baked lemon donuts as a sweet snack or a delightful breakfast treat!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12 donuts