1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Ensure the mixture is smooth and the ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense donuts.
5. Fill the Donut Pan:
- Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a large ziplock bag with the corner snipped off.
- Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
6. Bake the Donuts:
- Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Lemon Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more lemon juice for a thinner glaze.
- For extra lemon flavor, you can add a bit of lemon zest to the glaze.
8. Glaze the Donuts:
- Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the top of each donut into the lemon glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the baked lemon donuts immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
- These donuts are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, or as a bright, citrusy dessert.
Tips for Perfect Baked Lemon Donuts:
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor, making the donuts taste vibrant and refreshing.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the donuts as they bake, and remove them from the oven as soon as they’re done to prevent overbaking.
These baked lemon donuts are sure to be a hit, offering a zesty, sweet treat that’s both easy to make and delicious to eat. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or dessert, they bring a touch of sunshine to any occasion!