Fluffy Lemon Glazed Donuts: Your New Favorite Baked Treat

Prepare to fall in love with these incredibly fluffy, irresistibly tangy, and perfectly sweet Lemon Glazed Donuts! Crafted from scratch using Greek yogurt and baked to golden perfection, these aren’t just any donuts—they’re a healthier, more delightful way to enjoy a classic treat. Whether you’re looking for a bright start to your day, a show-stopping brunch item, or a zesty dessert that truly impresses, this easy lemon donut recipe promises to deliver. Dive into the world of homemade baking and discover how simple it is to create these sun-kissed delights that are bursting with vibrant lemon flavor, guaranteed to brighten your day.

Looking for more amazing donut ideas? Don’t miss these Delectable Glazed Blueberry Donuts, these Easy Baked Apple Donuts, and these Chocolate Sprinkle Donuts for more delicious inspiration!

Why You’ll Adore These Luscious Lemon Glazed Donuts

These aren’t just ordinary donuts; they’re a celebration of citrus flavor and a testament to simple, delightful home baking. Here’s why these baked lemon yogurt donuts will quickly become a cherished recipe in your kitchen:

A Lemon Lover’s Dream Come True: If the bright, zesty taste of lemon makes your heart sing, these donuts are tailor-made for you. They strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart, ensuring every bite is a delightful explosion of fresh lemon goodness. The natural acidity of the lemon cuts through the sweetness of the glaze, creating a refreshingly vibrant flavor profile that is utterly addictive and truly satisfying.
Incredibly Light & Fluffy Texture: Forget heavy, greasy donuts! Our baked lemon donuts boast an unbelievably light and airy crumb, achieved by incorporating Greek yogurt into the batter. This secret ingredient not only adds a subtle tang but also contributes significantly to the moistness and tender texture, making them feel wonderfully indulgent without being overly rich or dense.
Effortless to Make from Scratch: Don’t let the gourmet appearance fool you; this homemade lemon donut recipe is surprisingly straightforward and beginner-friendly. Designed for bakers of all skill levels, the clear, step-by-step instructions ensure a successful batch every single time. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can create bakery-quality treats right in your own kitchen with minimal fuss.
A Healthier Indulgence: Baked, Not Fried: Unlike traditional fried donuts that soak up a lot of oil, these are baked, significantly reducing the fat content while retaining all the flavor and satisfying texture. This makes them a smarter, guilt-free choice for breakfast, a delightful snack, or a lighter dessert, allowing you to enjoy your favorite treat more often without compromise.
Versatile Sizing for Any Occasion: Whether you prefer classic full-sized donuts or adorable mini versions, this recipe is easily adaptable. It yields 12 regular donuts or 24 mini donuts, making them perfect for sharing at parties, brunches, potlucks, or simply enjoying with your morning coffee. The mini donuts are especially fun and visually appealing for summer gatherings and dessert displays.
Perfect for Any Time of Day: These lemon glazed beauties are wonderfully versatile. Serve them for a cheerful breakfast to kickstart your morning, an elegant brunch centerpiece that will impress guests, a light afternoon snack to beat the cravings, or a refreshing dessert after dinner. Their bright, vibrant flavor profile makes them suitable for any occasion and any mood.

Essential Equipment You’ll Need for Baking Success

Before you begin your lemon donut baking adventure, gather these basic kitchen tools to ensure a smooth and enjoyable process. Having everything prepped makes baking much more relaxing!

Donut Pans: You’ll need at least two standard donut pans to bake 12 regular-sized donuts. If you plan on making mini donuts, you’ll need mini donut pans. Non-stick pans are highly recommended for easy donut release and cleanup.
Mixing Bowls: Have two medium-sized mixing bowls ready—one for your dry ingredients and another for your wet ingredients.
Whisk: An essential tool for thoroughly combining dry ingredients and ensuring your wet ingredients are perfectly emulsified.
Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Ideal for gently folding the wet and dry ingredients together without overmixing the batter.
Piping Bag (Highly Recommended): While not strictly mandatory, a piping bag makes filling the donut pan cavities much easier, cleaner, and more consistent, resulting in perfectly shaped donuts. Alternatively, you can use a sturdy Ziploc bag with one corner snipped off.
Wire Cooling Rack: Crucial for allowing your baked donuts to cool completely after coming out of the oven and for letting the lemon glaze set properly without becoming sticky.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurate measurements are absolutely key in baking. Ensure you have a full set for both dry and liquid ingredients.
Zester/Grater: For getting that aromatic, vibrant fresh lemon zest, which is vital for an intense lemon flavor in both the donuts and the glaze.

Key Ingredients for Bright & Zesty Lemon Glazed Donuts

The magic of these delightful donuts comes from a carefully selected blend of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Using room temperature ingredients is particularly crucial for a smooth batter and even baking, ultimately leading to that desired fluffy and tender texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

For the Fluffy Lemon Yogurt Donuts:

2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the primary structure of our baked donuts. Ensure you measure it correctly (spoon and level) to avoid dry donuts.
2 teaspoon baking powder: A key leavening agent that helps the donuts rise beautifully, contributing to their light and airy texture.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Works in conjunction with the baking powder and the acidity of the Greek yogurt and lemon juice to create additional lift and tenderize the crumb.
1 teaspoon salt: A small but mighty ingredient that balances the sweetness, enhances the lemon flavor, and brings out the overall deliciousness.
⅔ cup granulated sugar: Provides the perfect amount of sweetness to complement the tangy lemon without being overpowering.
2 large eggs, room temperature: Eggs add richness, moisture, and help bind the ingredients. Room temperature eggs emulsify better into the batter, leading to a smoother consistency.
½ cup milk of choice, room temperature: I prefer almond milk for a lighter flavor, but any dairy or non-dairy milk will work. Room temperature milk blends seamlessly into the batter.
½ cup Vanilla Greek yogurt, room temperature: This is our secret weapon! Greek yogurt adds incredible moisture, a tender crumb, and a delightful tang. Vanilla Greek yogurt adds an extra layer of flavor, but plain Greek yogurt or sour cream can also be used.
4 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted & cooled: Butter contributes a rich flavor and tenderness. Ensure it’s melted but allowed to cool slightly before adding to prevent cooking the eggs.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that adds warmth and depth, beautifully complementing the bright lemon notes.
Juice of 1 lemon + fresh lemon zest: The absolute star of the show! Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant, authentic lemon flavor. The zest contains essential oils that provide an intense aroma and taste.

For the Zesty Lemon Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar, sifted: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this forms the smooth, pourable base of our glaze. Sifting is crucial to prevent lumps.
Juice of 1 lemon + lemon zest: Fresh lemon juice provides the necessary liquid and tang for the glaze, while the zest intensifies the overall lemon experience.
2-3 tablespoon milk of choice: I used almond milk, but any milk will work. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more a tiny bit at a time to achieve your desired glaze consistency.
Optional: More fresh lemon zest on top or colorful sprinkles for an added visual appeal and flavor boost.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Baked Lemon Donuts

Follow these simple, clear instructions to bake a batch of homemade lemon donuts that are guaranteed to be a fluffy, zesty hit every single time. Precision in baking leads to perfection!

Crafting the Lemon Donut Batter:

1. Prepare Your Pans: Begin by preheating your oven to 350℉ (175°C). Lightly and thoroughly spray two standard donut pans with a good quality non-stick cooking spray. This step is crucial for easy donut release after baking. Set the prepared pans aside.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar until they are well combined and uniformly mixed. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Set this bowl aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the room temperature eggs, milk of choice, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, fresh lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and the melted and cooled unsalted butter. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Using a spoon or a rubber spatula, gently mix them together until they are just combined. It’s important not to overmix the batter; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and will actually help ensure light, fluffy donuts. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough, chewy donuts.
5. Fill the Donut Pans: For the best results and perfectly shaped donuts, scoop the batter into a piping bag (or a sturdy large Ziploc bag with one corner snipped off). Pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each one about two-thirds full. Be careful not to overfill, as the donuts will rise during baking and you want to avoid them overflowing.
6. Bake to Perfection: Place both filled donut pans in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven’s calibration. The donuts are done when they are golden brown around the edges, feel springy to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
7. Cool and Release: Once baked, carefully remove the pans from the oven. Let the donuts cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows them to firm up slightly, making them much easier to release without breaking. After 10 minutes, gently invert the pans to transfer the donuts to a wire cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely on the rack before proceeding to the glazing step.

Crafting the Zesty Lemon Glaze

This simple, vibrant glaze is the crowning glory of our lemon donuts, adding an extra layer of tangy sweetness and a beautiful, shiny sheen that makes them utterly irresistible.

1. Prepare the Glaze Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, fresh lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and start with 2 tablespoons of your milk of choice.
2. Whisk to Perfection: Use a whisk to mix all the ingredients thoroughly until the glaze is completely smooth, creamy, and free of any lumps. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable for easy dipping. If it’s too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of milk, a tiny bit at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency. If it becomes too thin, simply whisk in a little more sifted powdered sugar until it thickens up.
3. Glaze the Donuts: Once the baked donuts are completely cool (this is important to prevent the glaze from melting), gently dip the top of each donut into the lemon glaze. Allow any excess glaze to drip off back into the bowl.
4. Garnish and Set: For an extra pop of flavor and delightful visual appeal, feel free to sprinkle more fresh lemon zest or colorful sprinkles on top of the glazed donuts immediately after dipping. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire cooling rack and allow the glaze to set and firm up before serving. This usually takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of your glaze and humidity.

Storing Your Lemon Glazed Delights

While these baked lemon yogurt donuts are undeniably at their absolute best when enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can certainly store them to savor for a bit longer. Proper storage ensures they remain moist and delicious for days.

Room Temperature Storage: For optimal freshness and flavor, store your glazed lemon donuts in an airtight container or a large resealable plastic bag at room temperature for 1-2 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm or humid, or if you prefer a cooler treat, refrigerating them might be a better option.
Refrigeration: To extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate the donuts for up to one week. Make sure to place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other food odors from your fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy them, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes for the best taste and texture.

Freezing Baked Lemon Donuts for Later Enjoyment

Want to have these delightful treats on hand for a future craving or special occasion? Freezing is a fantastic option, especially for unglazed donuts, allowing you to enjoy fresh-tasting treats anytime.

Freezing Unglazed Donuts: Baked, unglazed donuts can be frozen for up to 2 months. Ensure they are completely cooled to room temperature first. Then, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap (this prevents freezer burn) and place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date.
Thawing Frozen Donuts: When you’re ready to enjoy them, transfer the frozen donuts from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. Once thawed, allow them to come to room temperature on your kitchen counter for about an hour before glazing. You can then prepare a fresh batch of lemon glaze and dip them as usual for a fresh-from-the-bakery experience.
Freezing Glazed Donuts (Use Caution): While technically possible, freezing already glazed donuts can sometimes affect the glaze’s texture, making it sticky, watery, or less appealing upon thawing. For the best results and superior glaze consistency, it is highly recommended to glaze fresh or freshly thawed unglazed donuts.

Expert Tips for Achieving Perfectly Light and Fluffy Lemon Donuts!

Creating those dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth lemon donuts is easier than you think, especially when you follow these key baking principles. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure every batch is a success:

Avoid Over-Baking at All Costs: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for any baked good, especially donuts! Over-baking is the quickest way to dry out your donuts, making them dense, crumbly, and tough instead of wonderfully light and fluffy. Start checking for doneness at the 9-minute mark. The edges should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the thickest part of a donut should come out clean.
Do Not Overmix the Donut Batter: Just like with muffins or quick breads, overmixing donut batter develops the gluten in the flour too much. This leads to a tough, chewy, and unpleasant texture. Mix only until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined—a few small lumps are perfectly acceptable and even desirable for a tender crumb! Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks of flour remain.
Measure Your Flour Correctly: Accurate flour measurement is absolutely vital for achieving the right batter consistency and, consequently, the perfect donut texture. Too much flour will inevitably result in dry, dense, and unappetizing donuts. The best method is to lightly spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge (often called the “spoon and level” method). Never scoop directly from the flour bag, as this compacts the flour and adds too much.
Utilize Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your refrigerated ingredients, specifically eggs, milk, and Greek yogurt, are at room temperature before you begin mixing. When all ingredients are at a similar temperature, they emulsify and combine much more smoothly and evenly, creating a uniform batter. This also allows the donuts to bake more evenly and consistently, contributing significantly to that sought-after fluffy and tender texture. Remember to melt your butter and then allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the wet ingredients.
Prepare Donut Pans Properly for Easy Release: A good quality non-stick cooking spray (like olive oil spray or Baker’s Joy with flour) is your best friend here. Thoroughly spray the donut cavities, ensuring every crevice is coated, to guarantee easy release after baking. After baking, allow the donuts to rest in their pans for about 10 minutes before attempting to remove them. This gives them time to firm up slightly and cool enough, preventing them from sticking, breaking apart, or deforming when transferred to the cooling rack.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Glazed Donuts

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?: Yes, you can substitute regular plain yogurt for Greek yogurt. However, regular yogurt has a thinner consistency, so you might need to slightly adjust the amount of milk in the donut batter, or even add a tiny bit more flour (about 1-2 tablespoons) to achieve the right consistency. Greek yogurt is preferred for its thickness and higher protein content, which contributes to the donut’s moist and tender crumb and adds a lovely tang.
Can I fry these donuts instead of baking them?: This recipe is specifically formulated for baked donuts, which results in a distinct cake-like texture that is lighter and less greasy than traditional fried donuts. While you could technically attempt to fry them, the batter consistency might not be ideal for deep frying, and the final texture would be quite different from what this recipe aims for. For authentic fried donuts, it’s best to follow a recipe specifically designed for deep frying.
How can I make these donuts gluten-free?: To make these donuts gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Ensure all other ingredients you use are also certified gluten-free. Baking times might vary slightly, so keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes. The texture will be very similar, though sometimes a bit more delicate or crumbly.
My lemon glaze is too thick/thin. How do I fix it?: If your glaze is too thick, add more milk (or lemon juice) in very small increments (half a teaspoon at a time), whisking well after each addition, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, whisk in additional sifted powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it thickens up to a good dipping consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still flow off easily.
Can I make the donut batter ahead of time?: While it’s generally best to bake the donuts immediately after mixing the batter to get the best rise from the leavening agents, you can prepare the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately the night before. Store the dry ingredients covered at room temperature and the wet ingredients covered in the refrigerator. Bring the wet ingredients to room temperature before combining them with the dry ingredients just prior to baking. The fully mixed batter itself shouldn’t sit for more than 30 minutes before baking.
How do I get the maximum lemon flavor?: For the most intense lemon flavor, always use fresh lemons for both the juice and the zest. The zest contains most of the essential oils and aroma. You can also add a tiny amount of pure lemon extract (about ¼ to ½ teaspoon) to the donut batter or glaze for an extra boost, but be careful not to overdo it as it can become overpowering.

Delicious Variations & Customizations for Your Lemon Donuts

This lemon glazed donut recipe is absolutely fantastic as is, but it also serves as an excellent base for creative variations. Feel free to experiment and make these treats uniquely yours!

Poppy Seed Lemon Donuts: For a classic combination, add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the donut batter along with the dry ingredients. This adds a lovely visual texture and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with lemon.
Blueberry Lemon Zest: Fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen (do not thaw if frozen) blueberries into the donut batter right before piping it into the pans. The blueberries burst during baking, adding juicy pockets of fruity goodness that complement the lemon beautifully.
Coconut Lemon Dream: Mix a few tablespoons of finely shredded unsweetened coconut into the donut batter. For an extra tropical touch, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top of the wet lemon glaze.
Alternative Citrus Glazes: While lemon is king here, feel free to experiment with other citrus fruits! You can substitute the lemon juice and zest in the glaze with fresh orange juice and zest for Orange Glazed Donuts, or lime juice and zest for Key Lime Donuts.
Cream Cheese Lemon Glaze: For an extra rich and decadent treat, prepare a simple cream cheese glaze instead of the powdered sugar glaze. Combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, a touch of lemon juice, and a splash of milk for a luscious topping.

In conclusion, baking homemade lemon yogurt donuts with a vibrant, zesty lemon glaze is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to fill your home with irresistible aromas and your palate with unparalleled flavor. This simple and delicious recipe provides a touch of sunshine to any day, satisfying cravings for something wonderfully sweet and perfectly tangy, all while impressing everyone who tries them. So grab your ingredients, embrace the joy of baking, and get ready to enjoy these truly spectacular, fluffy lemon glazed donuts.

Perfect for all lemon lovers! Enjoy & Share on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook!

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Lemon Glazed Donuts Recipe

By Kim Lange

Brighten your day with the tangy sweetness of these homemade, baked Lemon Glazed Donuts. These easy baked yogurt lemon donuts are a true lemon lover’s dream, offering a light and zesty treat for any occasion.

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Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 9 mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Yields 12 Servings

Ingredients

Lemon Donuts

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
⅔ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs room temperature
½ cup milk of choice room temperature, I used almond milk
½ cup Greek yogurt room temperature, can also use sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
4 tablespoon unsalted butter melted & cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Juice of 1 lemon + fresh lemon zest

Lemon Glaze

2 cups powdered sugar
Juice of 1 lemon + lemon zest
2-3 tablespoon milk of choice I used almond milk
Optional more lemon zest on top or sprinkles

Instructions

Lemon Donuts

Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175°C). Spray two donut pans with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Set aside.
In another medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and melted butter. Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix together with a spoon or rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Scoop the lemon donut batter into a piping bag (or a sturdy Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off) to pipe the batter evenly into the donut pan for best results. Do not overfill; fill cavities about two-thirds full.
Bake both pans at the same time in the oven for 9-11 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the edges are golden.
To release the donuts, keep them in your donut pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Cool completely before icing.

Lemon Glaze

In a small bowl, mix the sifted powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and 2-3 tablespoons of milk together. Use a whisk to combine until it’s smooth, creamy, and has a nice glazing consistency for dipping. Adjust milk quantity as needed. Dip the tops of the completely cooled donuts into the glaze.
Feel free to top with extra lemon zest or sprinkles immediately after dipping. Let the glaze firm up on a cooling rack before serving.

Notes

This recipe makes 12 standard-sized donuts or 24 mini donuts.

Keyword donuts, glaze, Greek yogurt, lemon, baked donuts, homemade, easy recipe

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