Rose Water Donuts Recipe
Introduction
Rose Donuts offer a delightful floral twist on a classic treat. Infused with fragrant rose water and topped with a sweet glaze, these donuts are perfect for a special breakfast or an elegant dessert.

Ingredients
- Donut dough (enough for 8-10 donuts)
- 1 teaspoon rose water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Glaze (powdered sugar and milk or water mixture)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare your donut dough according to your favorite recipe or package instructions.
- Step 2: Fry the donuts in hot oil until golden brown or bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes until cooked through.
- Step 3: While the donuts are still warm, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a small amount of milk or water and add the rose water to infuse flavor.
- Step 4: Dip each donut into the rose-flavored glaze, allowing excess to drip off, then place on a rack to set.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh rose water for the best floral aroma, but start with a small amount and adjust to taste to avoid overpowering the donuts.
- Try adding finely chopped pistachios or edible rose petals on top of the glaze for a decorative touch.
- For a lighter option, bake the donuts instead of frying them.
Storage
Store rose donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week, but note that the glaze may soften. Reheat briefly in a toaster oven or microwave before serving to refresh their softness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use rose extract instead of rose water?
Yes, but rose extract is usually more concentrated, so use it sparingly—start with a few drops to avoid overpowering the flavor.
Are rose donuts suitable for gluten-free diets?
If you use a gluten-free donut dough recipe, these rose donuts can be made gluten-free. Otherwise, traditional recipes typically contain wheat flour.
PrintRose Water Donuts Recipe
Delight in these fragrant and charming Rose Donuts, featuring soft donut dough infused with delicate rose water and topped with a sweet rose-flavored glaze. Perfect for a special breakfast, afternoon tea, or elegant dessert, these donuts combine the classic comfort of fried or baked doughnuts with a unique floral twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (frying) or 12 minutes (baking)
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American with Persian influence
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Donut Dough
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon rose water
Rose Water Sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon rose water
Rose Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon rose water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For Frying (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, salt, eggs, melted butter, and rose water. Add the activated yeast mixture and mix well. Gradually add flour and knead until a soft, elastic dough forms. This may take about 5-7 minutes by hand or 4-5 minutes with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape Donuts: Once risen, turn the dough onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (e.g., 3-inch for outer circle, 1-inch for hole) to cut out donut shapes. Place the cut donuts and holes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Cook Donuts: Choose to fry or bake.
For frying: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts a few at a time until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
For baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. - Prepare Rose Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, rose water, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust milk quantity to reach desired consistency.
- Glaze Donuts: While donuts are still slightly warm, dip the tops into the rose glaze and place on a wire rack to set.
- Optional Rose Sugar Topping: Mix granulated sugar with rose water. Sprinkle over glazed donuts before the glaze sets for extra fragrance and texture.
- Serve: Allow glaze to set fully, then serve fresh and enjoy the delicate rose-flavored treats.
Notes
- Rose water is a potent floral flavor, so adjust the quantity to your taste preference.
- For a lighter donut, opt for baking instead of frying.
- Use fresh ingredients and warm liquids for successful yeast activation.
- Donuts are best enjoyed the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
- Rose sugar topping adds a lovely crunch and extra aroma but is optional.
- Ensure oil temperature is stable when frying to avoid greasy donuts.
Keywords: rose donuts, rose water donuts, floral donuts, homemade donuts, fried donuts, baked donuts, rose glaze donuts

