Mardi Gras Colored Donuts (Printable Version)
Soft yeast-raised treats coated in festive colored sugar for a lively Mardi Gras touch.
# What You Need:
→ Dough
01 - 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 3/4 cup whole milk, lukewarm
06 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
08 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Frying
09 - 1 quart vegetable oil
→ Topping
10 - 1 cup granulated sugar, divided into 3 bowls
11 - Purple, green, and yellow (or gold) food coloring
12 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
# How-To Steps:
01 - Combine lukewarm milk and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Whisk flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add eggs, softened butter, vanilla, and yeast mixture. Mix to form a sticky dough.
03 - Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
05 - Punch down dough. Roll out to 1/2-inch thickness. Using a donut cutter or two round cutters (3 and 1 inch diameter), cut out donuts and holes.
06 - Place donuts on parchment-lined baking sheets. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
07 - Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl of sugar and rub with fingers until evenly colored. Set aside.
08 - Heat oil in a large pot to 350°F. Fry donuts in batches, 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
09 - Brush warm donuts lightly with melted butter, then dip or sprinkle with colored sugar in alternating bands to mimic Mardi Gras colors.
# Helpful Tips:
01 -
- The combination of yeasted dough and festive colored sugar creates that perfect carnival celebration right at home
- They are easier to make than you would think and the result is absolutely stunning
02 -
- Let the donuts cool just slightly before adding the colored sugar or the moisture will make the colors bleed together
- Keep your oil temperature steady or the donuts will either be raw inside or burned outside
03 -
- Warm your eggs quickly by placing them in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes before using
- Save the donut holes and fry them separately for bite sized treats that cook even faster