Description
What’s better than waking up to the aroma of freshly baked donuts wafting through your kitchen? Meet your new best friend: Butter Pecan Donuts! These delightful treats are not only a feast for your taste buds but also a quick solution for busy mornings or a sweet way to impress your loved ones. With a perfect combination of fluffy texture and crunchy, buttery pecans, this recipe is a must-try. So, whether you’re “just because” or for a special occasion, let’s dive into the world of donut-making magic !
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk or milk with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar (a little trick for that perfect tang!)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted for that wonderful extra crunch
- For the Butter Pecan Glaze:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans (for that gorgeous garnish!)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grab your trusty donut pan and grease it with some nonstick spray or butter. We want those donuts to slide right out!
- Toast the Pecans: In a skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans until they’re fragrant. This step is essential—trust me, it brings out their nutty goodness. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This is your dry mixture—we’re building flavors, folks!
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk (or milk-vinegar combo), melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Bring It All Together: Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined, and then carefully fold in those delicious toasted pecans.
- Fill the Pan: Use a spoon (or a piping bag if you’re feeling fancy) to fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full with the batter.
- Bake to Perfection: Pop those beauties into the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Don’t forget to take a peek—this is when your house will start to smell like heaven!
- Make the Glaze: While your donuts cool slightly, let’s whip up that glaze! Melt the butter in a saucepan, then stir in the brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla. Cook until everything is smoothly combined, then remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until you’ve got a glossy glaze.
- Glaze and Garnish: Dip the warm donuts into the glaze and sprinkle with finely chopped pecans to give them that restaurant-quality finish.
Notes
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, remember—less is more! Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, and nobody wants that.
- Bake Just Right: Keep an eye on those donuts! Every oven is different, so check for doneness a minute or two early.
- Add Your Twist: Feeling adventurous? Try adding chocolate chips or a dash of nutmeg to the batter for an exciting twist!