Soft Butter Pecan Donuts with Glaze

Soft Butter Pecan Donuts with Glaze are simply delightful. They are sweet, soft, and bursting with flavor. Just thinking about them can bring a smile to your face. I still remember the first time I had a butter pecan donut at a cozy little bakery. The warmth of the fresh donuts and the sweet aroma filled the air. It was a comforting experience that I will never forget. People love this recipe because it combines the wonderful crunch of toasted pecans with soft, moist donut goodness. Plus, the sweet glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. They make every bite a treat worth savoring. This recipe is simple and perfect for making at home, whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting out.

Why Make This Recipe

So, why should you give this recipe a try? There are a few wonderful reasons. First, it’s super easy to make. You don’t need fancy equipment; a bowl and a whisk will do the trick. The ingredients are mostly pantry staples, so you might already have everything on hand. And if you don’t, a quick trip to the grocery store will set you up nicely.

This recipe is special because it mixes rich flavors. The butter gives the donuts a soft texture, while the toasted pecans add a touch of crunch and a lovely nutty taste. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm donut, tasting the buttery goodness, and then experiencing the delightful crunch of pecans. It’s a little piece of heaven! This recipe is also great for family time; everyone can chip in and help, from mixing the batter to drizzling the glaze.

Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or just as a snack, these donuts are sure to bring joy. Plus, they are perfect for sharing. Imagine serving these donuts at a gathering or as a sweet surprise for your kids when they get home from school. Everyone will appreciate your kindness, and the delicious donuts will spark happy conversations.

How to Make Soft Butter Pecan Donuts with Glaze

Making Soft Butter Pecan Donuts with Glaze is a fun and rewarding process. You’ll start with a few simple steps that come together beautifully. Picture this: as you mix the flour and spices, the warm, cozy scent of cinnamon and nutmeg fills your kitchen. That smell will make you feel right at home.

You’ll first preheat your oven, which sets the stage for baking those delicious donuts. While the oven warms up, greasing your donut pan is essential; it ensures your donuts pop out easily when they are done. Now, grab a large bowl, and whisk together your dry ingredients. This step is not just about mixing; it’s about bringing the flavors together.

In another bowl, you’ll combine melted butter, buttermilk, the egg, and vanilla extract. Mixing these wet ingredients is where the magic begins to happen. The smell of vanilla will brighten your kitchen and make you feel excited about what’s coming next. Combining the wet and dry ingredients creates a smooth batter. Don’t forget to fold in those toasted pecans, which are packed with flavor and add a delightful crunch.

Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, making sure not to overfill it. You want to fill each cavity about two-thirds full, so the donuts have room to rise. The anticipation builds as you place the pan in the oven. After about 10 to 12 minutes, the smell of baking donuts will fill your home. You’ll want to check them with a toothpick to see if they are done. This is often the most exciting part—seeing if your hard work has paid off!

Once you take them out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. This will help them hold their shape. The final touch comes with drizzling the melted butter glaze over the cooled donuts and adding some extra chopped pecans on top for that perfect crunch.

Ingredients

Let’s look at the ingredients that bring these Soft Butter Pecan Donuts with Glaze to life:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base that gives the donuts structure and fluffiness.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a beautiful texture.
• 1/2 tsp baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent so the donuts rise and become soft and fluffy.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to give the donuts an airy feel.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, inviting flavor that pairs beautifully with the pecans.
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: Brings a hint of spice and earthiness to the donuts.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled: Contributes to a soft texture and richness in flavor.
• 1/2 cup buttermilk: Keeps the donuts moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing milk with a little vinegar or lemon juice.
• 1 large egg: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Introduces a lovely sweet aroma and flavor.
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted: Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Toasting them enhances their flavor even more.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter for the glaze: Makes the glaze rich and delicious.

Each ingredient plays a role in making these donuts not just tasty but also special. If you have dietary needs, feel free to experiment with gluten-free flour or dairy-free milk options!

Directions

Now, let’s break down the steps to make these delightful donuts clearly:

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your donuts bake evenly and develop a beautiful golden color.

2. Prepare the donut pan: Grease your donut pan well. You can use cooking spray or a bit of melted butter on a paper towel. This little step helps your donuts come out easily later.

3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is well combined.

4. Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the melted and cooled butter, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The aroma of the vanilla will make you smile!

5. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few small lumps!

6. Add the pecans: Gently fold in the toasted pecans. This is an exciting moment; the pecans will add a delightful crunch to each bite.

7. Fill the donut pan: Spoon the batter into each cavity of the prepared donut pan. Fill each one about two-thirds full. This allows space for the donuts to rise without overflowing.

8. Bake the donuts: Slide the donut pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be golden and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

9. Cool down: Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Prepare the glaze: While the donuts are cooling, melt the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter for the glaze in a small saucepan. Once melted, drizzle it over the cooled donuts. If you like, sprinkle some extra chopped pecans on top for added crunch.

How to Serve Soft Butter Pecan Donuts with Glaze

These Soft Butter Pecan Donuts are incredibly versatile. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet snack throughout the day. You can serve them warm for breakfast with a side of fresh fruit or a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a cozy start to your morning.

They make delightful companions to a casual weekend brunch with family or friends. Imagine sharing these donuts among your loved ones, each bite drawing out warm smiles. You can also enjoy them as an afternoon treat with milk or hot chocolate, making those quiet moments even sweeter.

For children, these donuts can be an exciting surprise after school. Pair them with a glass of cold milk for a delightful snack that’ll make them feel loved and cared for.

On special occasions, like birthdays or holidays, these donuts can easily become a featured dessert. Consider arranging them on a beautiful platter, maybe with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzled chocolate for an extra touch. You can even create a special moment around them—reading stories together or enjoying a family game night.

How to Store Soft Butter Pecan Donuts

If you have leftovers, you can store these delicious donuts easily! First, let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container. They will keep well at room temperature for a couple of days.

If you need to store them for longer, you can freeze them. When freezing, it’s best to slice them before you freeze or wrap them individually in plastic wrap for freshness. Store them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They will keep for up to three months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at a low temperature. The warmth will bring back that freshly baked feel and flavor.

Tips to Make Soft Butter Pecan Donuts

Here are some handy tips to ensure you get the best results with these donuts:

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined will keep your donuts light and fluffy. Some lumps are perfectly fine!
• Toast your pecans: Toasting pecans before adding them enhances their flavor. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring often.
• Use a piping bag: If you want a cleaner way to fill your donut pan, try using a piping bag to fill the cavities. It’s quick and helps avoid mess.
• Check for doneness: Always check your donuts a minute or two before the timer goes off. Ovens can be different, and you don’t want to overbake them.
• Let them cool: Allow the donuts to cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.

Variation

Feeling creative? Here are a couple of fun variations to try:

1. Chocolate Swirl Donuts: Mix some cocoa powder into the batter for a chocolatey twist. You can also drizzle chocolate glaze on top for an extra treat.

2. Pumpkin Spice Donuts: Replace half of the buttermilk with pumpkin puree, and add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice into the dry ingredients for a seasonal flavor.

3. Gluten-Free Option: Swap out all-purpose flour for a good-quality gluten-free flour blend. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious treats.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Soft Butter Pecan Donuts ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before filling the donut pan and baking.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat them?
To reheat, just place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at a low temperature. This will help restore their fluffy texture.

Q: Can I use a different flour or nuts?
Absolutely! If you need to avoid gluten, try a gluten-free flour blend. You can also experiment with different nuts like walnuts or even leave out the nuts altogether if you prefer.

Each bite of these Soft Butter Pecan Donuts with Glaze will surely bring joy. They are cozy, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed alone or shared with loved ones, these donuts are destined to become a favorite. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful recipe!

Soft Butter Pecan Donuts with Glaze

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• Author: phillip
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful soft donuts made with rich butter and crunchy toasted pecans, finished with a sweet glaze.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter for the glaze

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease your donut pan well.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together melted butter, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the toasted pecans.
7. Spoon the batter into each cavity of the donut pan, filling about two-thirds full.
8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
10. Melt unsalted butter for the glaze and drizzle over the cooled donuts, optionally adding extra chopped pecans on top.

Notes

For best results, avoid overmixing the batter to keep the donuts light and fluffy. You can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 donut
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: donuts, butter pecan, dessert, baking, easy recipe