If you’ve just bought a dozen freshly glazed donuts, you’re probably not planning to eat them right away. Donuts are the perfect choice for a quick breakfast or a tasty, no-prep dessert. But once you bring your fresh-baked donuts home, you face a tough decision. Should you leave them out on the counter and risk possible spoilage? Refrigerate your glazed donuts, where they might become runny and sticky? Should you freeze your donuts and try to thaw them out later? Donuts can be one of the most difficult foods to store properly. But if you know what you’re doing, you can enjoy fresh, delicious donuts for the rest of the week!
Do you have to refrigerate glazed donuts?
Should You Refrigerate Donuts?
Once you’re done snacking, your first instinct might be to throw the donuts in the fridge. But is refrigeration really the best way to preserve glazed donuts? In fact, refrigeration can make your firm glazed donuts turn soggy and mushy. The moist environment inside the fridge causes the glaze to melt and be absorbed by the donuts, resulting in mushy blobs of dough that’s positively unappetizing. Using a plastic bag makes the situation even worse, as the bag traps the plastic inside. But if your donuts are cream-filled, you don’t want to leave them sitting out on the counter, as the cream or filling could spoil. Cover them with plastic wrap on a plate or stick them in the freezer.
Can You Store Donuts at Room Temperature?
If you plan on eating your donuts within the next few days, storing them at room temperature is the best option. Room temperature won’t cause the glaze to melt–but it will cause filling to spoil, so keep those donuts frozen or refrigerated. For your traditional, non-filled donuts, place them in a bag and store them in a cool, dry place. They won’t last long, so make sure you eat them quickly if you use this storage method.
What About Freezing Donuts?
Freezing donuts takes some extra time, but it makes your donuts last much longer. A frozen donut can last up to three months. To freeze your donuts, wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and stash them in the freezer. (Traditional donuts only–donuts with cream or custard filling cannot be frozen.) When you defrost your donuts, place them uncovered on the counter and wait fifteen minutes. Any kind of covering will trap moisture in the donut, causing the glaze to melt and produce a sticky mess.
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