Save Festive, pillowy donuts decorated to resemble Santas iconic red suit—perfect for holiday breakfasts or parties.
I first made these donuts during the holiday season and they quickly became a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar:
- 2 tsp baking powder:
- 1/2 tsp salt:
- 1/2 cup whole milk:
- 2 large eggs:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted:
- 1 tsp vanilla extract:
- Vegetable oil: for frying
- 2 cups powdered sugar:
- 2 3 tbsp milk:
- Red gel food coloring:
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or melted dark chocolate:
- 8 yellow chocolate candies such as M&Ms or yellow fondant for belt buckles:
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 2:
- In a separate bowl, mix milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Step 3:
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
- Step 4:
- Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 5:
- Using lightly floured hands, shape dough into 8 balls. Flatten slightly and use a floured bottle cap or small cutter to create holes in the center.
- Step 6:
- Fry donuts in batches, 1 2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and cool completely.
- Step 7:
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with 2 3 tbsp milk until smooth. Tint with red food coloring until vibrant.
- Step 8:
- Dip cooled donuts into red glaze and set on a rack. Let set 10 minutes.
- Step 9:
- For Santas belt, pipe or draw a horizontal line of melted chocolate or arrange mini chocolate chips across each donut. Add a yellow candy or fondant square in the center as the belt buckle.
- Step 10:
- Allow decorations to set before serving.
Save These donuts always bring smiles during our family Christmas morning celebrations.
Notes
Pair with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, deep frying pan or Dutch oven, slotted spoon, cooling rack, piping bag or zip-top bag for decorating.
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, and possible soy (in chocolate products). Check all decorations for nut traces if allergies are a concern.
Save Enjoy these festive donuts fresh for the best taste and texture.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What ingredients create the pillowy texture?
The combination of baking powder, eggs, and milk contributes to a light and airy texture in the dough.
- → How is the red glaze made vibrant and smooth?
Powdered sugar mixed with a few tablespoons of milk creates a smooth base, then red gel food coloring is added for a bright, festive hue.
- → What frying method achieves golden donuts?
Heating vegetable oil to around 350°F and frying the shaped dough balls 1–2 minutes per side ensures a crisp, golden exterior while keeping the inside tender.
- → How are the chocolate belts applied?
Melted chocolate or mini chocolate chips are used to draw a horizontal band on each donut. Yellow candy pieces serve as the belt buckles.
- → Can these donuts be prepared ahead?
Yes, donuts can be fried and cooled in advance, then decorated shortly before serving to maintain freshness.