Mardi Gras Donuts Colored Sugar (Print version)

Fluffy yeast donuts topped with vibrant colored sugar in Mardi Gras purple, green, and gold hues.

# What you'll 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 for frying

→ Topping

10 - 1 cup granulated sugar, divided into 3 bowls
11 - Purple, green, and yellow food coloring
12 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

# How to make it:

01 - Combine lukewarm milk and yeast in a small bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
02 - Whisk flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add eggs, softened butter, vanilla extract, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
03 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when pressed lightly.
04 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
05 - Punch down risen dough and roll out to 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (3-inch and 1-inch diameter) to cut out donuts and holes.
06 - Arrange cut donuts on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space between each. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
07 - Divide sugar into three separate bowls. Add a few drops of purple, green, and yellow food coloring to each bowl. Rub with fingers until evenly colored and vibrant.
08 - Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F. Fry donuts in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
09 - Brush warm donuts lightly with melted butter. Immediately dip or sprinkle with colored sugar in alternating purple, green, and gold bands to create the classic Mardi Gras pattern.
10 - Serve donuts fresh and warm for the best texture and flavor experience.

# Expert suggestions:

01 -
  • The combination of pillowy yeast dough and crunchy colored sugar creates texture that feels like celebration in every bite
  • Making your own colored sugar means you control the vibrancy and avoid artificial aftertaste
02 -
  • Oil temperature drops when you add donuts so let it return to 350 between batches
  • Let donuts cool just slightly before adding sugar or it will melt and slide off
03 -
  • Save the donut holes and fry them for bite sized treats perfect for testing colors
  • Let the oil return to temperature between batches for consistent results

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