Name: Soft Butter Pecan Donuts with Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional); 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, browned; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted; 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 2 tbsp brown butter (for glaze); 2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream (for glaze); 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze); Pinch of salt (for glaze)

Soft Butter Pecan Donuts with Glaze are a tender, nutty treat that brings the cozy flavors of butter pecan ice cream into donut form. Baked instead of fried, these donuts are full of rich brown butter flavor, studded with toasted pecans, and topped with a sweet, buttery glaze that melts in your mouth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how soft and flavorful these donuts are without being overly sweet. The toasted pecans give them a beautiful crunch, and the brown butter adds a warm, nutty richness that sets them apart from regular baked donuts. The glaze brings everything together with just the right amount of sweetness and shine. They’re perfect for brunch, dessert, or a special weekend treat.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Donuts:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Ground cinnamon (optional)
Brown sugar
Eggs
Milk
Unsalted butter, browned
Vanilla extract
Chopped pecans, toasted

For the Glaze:

Powdered sugar
Brown butter
Milk or heavy cream
Vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
I brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden and nutty, then let it cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, I whisk the eggs, brown sugar, milk, vanilla, and cooled brown butter.
I combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed, then fold in the toasted pecans.
I spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
I bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the donuts are set and lightly golden.
While they cool, I prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, brown butter, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
I dip the cooled donuts into the glaze or drizzle it over the top, then let them set before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10–12 donuts. It takes 15 minutes to prepare, 10–12 minutes to bake, and about 10 minutes to cool and glaze—so it’s ready in under 40 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add a touch of maple extract to the glaze for extra fall flavor.
For more crunch, I sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top of the glaze.
I’ve made mini versions using a mini donut pan—just reduce the bake time to 7–8 minutes.
I swap in buttermilk for regular milk for a tangy twist.

storage/reheating

I store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 4 days. To reheat, I microwave them for 8–10 seconds just to soften them. If I want the glaze to stay intact, I enjoy them at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought glazed pecans?

Yes, I’ve used candied or glazed pecans in a pinch—they add a sweet crunch that works really well with the glaze.

Can I fry the donuts instead of baking?

This recipe is designed for baking, and the batter is too wet for frying. If I want fried donuts, I’d use a sturdier dough-style recipe.

What’s the best way to brown butter?

I melt it over medium heat, stirring frequently until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty smell. I take it off the heat quickly to avoid burning.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, I’ve used a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with good results. I make sure it includes xanthan gum for the right texture.

How long does the glaze take to set?

The glaze sets in about 10–15 minutes at room temperature. If I’m in a hurry, I pop the donuts in the fridge for 5 minutes to speed it up.

Conclusion

Soft Butter Pecan Donuts with Glaze are a warm, buttery delight that I love baking when I want something comforting and just a little indulgent. With their tender crumb, nutty richness, and smooth glaze, they’re everything I want in a homemade donut—easy, delicious, and gone way too fast.