Effortless Baked Donuts with Luscious Strawberry Glaze: Your Quickest Homemade Treat Using Refrigerated Biscuits!
Happy Friday! What an incredibly long week it has been, wouldn’t you agree? I’m absolutely ready for the weekend, and I bet you are too! This past week, I’ve had all four of my energetic boys home with me, all day, every single day. And yes, I might be gently regretting my decision not to sign them up for any day camps this summer! (Just kidding, mostly!)
In all seriousness, we’ve been having a fantastic summer so far. I’ve been making a conscious effort to plan exciting activities for them daily, aiming to keep them engaged and away from endless screen time. But even with all the outdoor adventures, there are always those times we spend at home, and that’s when I truly cherish having my boys join me in the kitchen for some cooking and baking fun.
The Secret to Super Easy Homemade Donuts: Refrigerated Biscuits!
One sunny afternoon, while searching for a simple yet satisfying treat, I stumbled upon a brilliant idea: transforming a humble can of Pillsbury Grands Biscuits from the fridge into delightful donuts. This method is an absolute game-changer for anyone craving homemade donuts without the fuss and mess of yeast dough or deep-frying. It’s an unbelievably quick and easy way to enjoy fresh, warm donuts in minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or an impromptu dessert.
The beauty of using refrigerated biscuits lies in their convenience and versatility. They already have that fluffy, tender texture that bakes up beautifully, mimicking traditional donuts with minimal effort. Plus, baking them instead of frying means less oil, less mess, and a slightly healthier indulgence, without compromising on flavor or that irresistible donut experience.
A Family Affair: Baking Fun with Little Helpers
Involving the kids in the baking process makes it even more special. I laid the biscuits out on a cookie sheet, and then, my little boys took turns pressing a small lid – a bottle cap or a piping tip works perfectly – into the middle of each biscuit to create that classic donut hole shape. Their faces lit up with excitement as they created their “donuts”! This simple step is not only fun for them but also a great way to develop fine motor skills and foster a love for cooking.
Once our biscuit donuts were ready, we popped them into the oven. While they baked to a beautiful golden brown, we whipped up the star of the show: a luscious, homemade strawberry glaze. This glaze is truly something special. It’s vibrant, sweet, and perfectly complements the warm, tender donuts. You’ll want to drizzle it generously, and trust me, you’ll find yourself wanting to eat any leftover glaze straight from the bowl with a spoon!
The Irresistible Strawberry Glaze: A Spoon-Worthy Delight
Speaking of the strawberry glaze, I cannot emphasize enough how incredibly delicious it is. It’s smooth, fruity, and has just the right amount of sweetness to make these easy baked donuts an unforgettable treat. I won’t lie – there was definitely extra glaze after we generously coated all the donuts, and yes, I absolutely helped myself to a spoonful (or two!) of the leftover goodness. It’s that good!
The entire batch of these homemade baked donuts disappeared in record time, thanks to my four hungry boys. Within about 20 minutes, they had devoured nearly every single one. I was lucky enough to snatch one (or maybe two!) for myself before they vanished completely. And let me tell you, they were absolutely fantastic! This recipe is a proven crowd-pleaser and is sure to become a family favorite in your home too.
Baked Biscuit Donuts with Strawberry Glaze
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Ingredients
- 1 16-oz container Pillsbury Grands Biscuits
- melted coconut oil for spreading on top of biscuits (or melted butter/cooking spray)
- 1 cup strawberries I used fresh, but frozen (thawed) works too
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar depending on how thick and sweet you want your glaze
- 1 Tbsp. milk adjust for desired consistency
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 425º F (220º C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Carefully open the container of Pillsbury biscuits and separate them. Place each biscuit evenly spaced on the prepared cookie sheet. To create the donut holes, use a small, round object like a bottle lid (about an inch in diameter) or a round cookie cutter to press firmly into the center of each biscuit. Remove the small dough circles – these are your donut holes, which can be baked alongside the donuts!
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Once all biscuits have a hole in the center, lightly brush the tops of each biscuit and the donut holes with a little melted coconut oil. This helps them achieve a beautiful golden crust and adds a subtle flavor. Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 6 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. Baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them.
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While the donuts are baking, prepare your delicious strawberry glaze. In a food processor or blender, puree the fresh (or thawed frozen) strawberries until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and milk to the puree. Blend until you achieve your desired glaze consistency. For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner glaze, add a tiny bit more milk, one teaspoon at a time.
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Once the baked biscuit donuts are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly. Then, transfer them to a wire rack. While still warm, generously spread or drizzle the homemade strawberry glaze over each donut. The warmth of the donuts will help the glaze set beautifully. Serve immediately and enjoy these incredibly delicious and easy homemade treats!
Tips for Perfect Baked Biscuit Donuts Every Time
Making these easy baked donuts is straightforward, but a few tips can elevate your experience and ensure a consistently delicious result:
- Choosing Your Biscuits: While Pillsbury Grands Biscuits are recommended for their size and fluffiness, any brand of refrigerated flaky or homestyle biscuits will work. The larger the biscuit, the more substantial your donut will be!
- Donut Holes: Don’t discard the center cutouts! Bake them alongside the donuts. They make delightful mini donut bites, perfect for tasting or for the kids to enjoy. You can glaze these too!
- Coconut Oil Alternatives: If you don’t have coconut oil, melted butter or a light cooking oil (like vegetable or canola oil) can be brushed on the biscuits before baking for a similar golden finish.
- Glaze Consistency is Key: The amount of powdered sugar in the glaze can be adjusted to your preference. If you prefer a thinner, more translucent glaze, add a little more milk (half a teaspoon at a time). For a thicker, opaque glaze, add more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide the best vibrant flavor, but frozen, thawed strawberries are an excellent alternative when fresh ones are out of season. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid from thawed berries.
- Cooling Rack Importance: Allowing the donuts to cool slightly on a wire rack before glazing prevents them from getting soggy on the bottom and helps the glaze set evenly.
Flavor Variations and Topping Ideas
While the strawberry glaze is undeniably delicious, don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and toppings to customize your baked biscuit donuts:
- Lemon Glaze: Replace strawberries with fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, tangy glaze.
- Chocolate Glaze: Melted chocolate chips mixed with a little milk or cream makes a rich chocolate topping.
- Cinnamon Sugar: For a classic donut shop feel, toss warm baked donuts in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar is always a good choice for a less sweet option.
- Sprinkles: Add a festive touch with colorful sprinkles while the glaze is still wet.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) over the glaze for added texture.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
These baked biscuit donuts with strawberry glaze are more than just a quick recipe; they’re an experience. They embody everything you want in a homemade treat: simplicity, speed, and incredible taste. They’re perfect for a special weekend breakfast, a fun activity with children, or a last-minute dessert when a craving strikes. The joy of warm, freshly baked donuts combined with the sweet tang of homemade strawberry glaze is truly unbeatable. Give this recipe a try, and prepare to be amazed at how easy and satisfying homemade donuts can be!
Looking for more yummy treats? You’ll love these ones too:
Easy Peach & Blueberry Cobbler
Healthy Eggless Cookie Dough
Easy 30-Minute Orange Rolls