Print

Light and Zesty Lemon Donuts Recipe with Easy Glossy Citrus Glaze

lemon donuts recipe - featured image

These light and zesty lemon donuts feature a perfect balance of tangy lemon flavor and sweetness with a glossy citrus glaze. They are quick to make, fluffy, and ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
  • ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the glaze:
  • 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth but not overbeaten.
  4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined; a few lumps are okay.
  5. Spoon the batter into the donut pan cavities about two-thirds full.
  6. Bake for 12–14 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and edges are golden.
  7. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, lemon juice, corn syrup, and lemon zest until smooth and pourable.
  9. Dip the tops of cooled donuts into the glaze, let excess drip off, and place back on the rack to set for about 15 minutes.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to keep donuts light and fluffy. Fill donut cavities about two-thirds full to prevent overflow. Let donuts cool completely before glazing to avoid glaze sliding off. Use fresh lemon zest and juice for best flavor. For gluten-free, substitute flour with a gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use dairy-free milk plus lemon juice and vegan butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon donuts, lemon glaze, citrus donuts, baked donuts, easy donut recipe, zesty lemon, light donuts, homemade donuts