Save Festive, pillowy donuts decorated to resemble Santas iconic red suit perfect for holiday breakfasts or parties
I love making these donuts each year with my family to celebrate the season
Ingredients
- For the Donuts: 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
- For Frying: Vegetable oil for frying
- For Decoration: 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 My family cherishes the mornings when we sit down together to enjoy these festive donuts fresh and warm
Notes
For a shortcut, use store-bought plain donuts and focus on decorating
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 These Santa Belly Donuts always bring joy and a festive spirit to our holiday celebrations
Recipe FAQs
- → What oil is best for frying these donuts?
Vegetable oil works well for frying, providing a neutral flavor and a crisp golden crust.
- → How do I prevent the donuts from absorbing too much oil?
Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) to ensure quick frying and minimal oil absorption. Drain donuts on paper towels after frying.
- → Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes, but it's best to fry and decorate them shortly before serving to preserve freshness and texture.
- → What alternatives can I use for the yellow candy decorations?
Yellow fondant squares or small yellow candies like M&Ms work well as belt buckles for decoration.
- → How can I add extra holiday flavor to the donuts?
Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm, festive spice note.