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Fluffy Easter Donuts with Colorful Sweet Glaze

fluffy easter donuts - featured image

These fluffy Easter donuts are soft, light, and topped with a colorful sweet glaze perfect for spring celebrations. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they bring nostalgic comfort and festive fun to any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet or 7g) active dry yeast
  • ¾ cup (180ml) warm whole milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (neutral oil with high smoke point)
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 34 tablespoons whole milk (or dairy-free alternative like almond milk)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Food coloring gels or natural alternatives (beet juice, turmeric, spirulina powder) for pastel hues

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/43°C) with 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar from the total. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Whisk in the remaining sugar (¼ cup), 2 large eggs, ¼ cup melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
  3. Add dry ingredients: Gradually add 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix with a wooden spoon until dough starts to form.
  4. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until soft, smooth, and slightly tacky but not sticky. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with dough hook on medium speed for 6-7 minutes.
  5. First rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  6. Shape the donuts: Punch down dough, roll out to ½ inch thickness, and cut donuts and holes using a donut cutter or two round cutters.
  7. Second rise: Transfer cut donuts to a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  8. Heat oil: Pour 2-3 inches vegetable oil into a heavy pot and heat to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Fry donuts: Fry a few donuts at a time for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on cooling rack.
  10. Prepare glaze: Whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
  11. Color glaze: Divide glaze into small bowls and add food coloring or natural dyes to create pastel shades.
  12. Glaze donuts: Dip the top of each cooled donut into colored glaze, let excess drip off, and place back on rack to set for 10-15 minutes.

Notes

Proof yeast in warm milk to ensure activation. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best frying results. Avoid overcrowding the frying pot. Dip donuts in glaze while slightly warm for better adhesion. Dough can be refrigerated after first rise and used next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: Easter donuts, fluffy donuts, sweet glaze, homemade donuts, colorful glaze, spring treats, fried donuts