How to Make the Most Gorgeous Pink Orange Donuts at Home

I’ve always had a soft spot for donuts, there’s just something about that fluffy, golden dough and sweet glaze that makes them irresistible. But when you add a pop of color and a burst of citrus, it takes everything to a whole new level! These pink orange donuts are the perfect treat to brighten up any day. The vibrant icing, topped with sprinkles, is not only delicious but so fun to make! If you’re like me and love playing with colors and flavors in the kitchen, then you’re going to adore this recipe.

Making homemade donuts might sound a little intimidating at first, but I promise it’s easier than it looks. All you need is a bit of patience for the dough to rise (a perfect excuse for a cup of coffee or tea) and some simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Trust me, the effort is totally worth it when you take that first bite – the dough is light and fluffy, and the glaze? Oh, it’s the perfect sweet and tangy combo. It’s such a fun recipe to do on a lazy afternoon or for a special occasion!

These pink orange donuts are my go-to when I want to make something a little extra special. Plus, they’re completely customizable. You can play around with the colors, add your favorite sprinkles, or even experiment with a different flavored glaze. I can’t wait for you to give them a try! I promise your kitchen will smell like heaven, and your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients

• 3 yolks: These rich yolks give the donuts a soft, tender texture and a lovely golden color.

• 1-2 cups any oil (for frying): The oil is essential for frying your donuts to a crispy, golden perfection.

• 2 ½ cups self-rising flour: Self-rising flour ensures your donuts are light and fluffy without the need for extra leavening.

• 1 cup milk: The milk helps bring the dough together, giving it the right consistency for easy shaping.

• 1 tbsp olive oil: A bit of olive oil adds a smooth richness to the dough, enhancing its flavor.

• ½ cup caster sugar: Caster sugar dissolves quickly, making the dough sweet without any grittiness.

• 1 tbsp dry yeast: This little bit of yeast works wonders, making your donuts rise to soft, pillowy perfection.

• ½ cup butter: Butter adds a delicious richness and depth to the flavor of the dough.

Icing:

• 1 cup icing sugar: Icing sugar creates a smooth, glossy glaze that coats your donuts beautifully.

• 2 tbsp water: Just enough water to turn the icing sugar into the perfect glaze consistency.

• Orange, pink, and white sprinkles: These colorful sprinkles add a fun, festive touch that makes the donuts irresistible!

Step-by-Step Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. In a medium bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, yeast, and sugar. Stir with a spatula, then add the eggs and continue mixing. Add the milk and butter, and work the dough until it forms a rounded shape. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and set it in a warm place to rise for about 2 hours.

2. Once the dough has risen, divide it into portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it into a small disc. Place the discs onto parchment paper, sprinkled with flour. Use a round cutter to cut out rounds, and a ¾-inch cutter to make small holes in the center.

3. Preheat a dish filled with vegetable oil or a deep fryer. Carefully place 1-2 donuts at a time into the hot oil and fry for about 2 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove the donuts and place them on a plate to cool.

4. For the icing, slowly add water to icing sugar and mix until smooth. Pour the glaze onto each donut and decorate with orange, pink, and white sprinkles.

Tips for the Perfect Pink Orange Donuts

• Let the dough rise properly: Don’t rush the rising process! Give your dough time to rise for about 2 hours, it ensures the donuts are light and fluffy.

• Use the right oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or sunflower oil. This will help fry your donuts evenly without burning.

• Don’t overcrowd the fryer: Fry only one or two donuts at a time to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which can result in greasy donuts.

• Check the oil temperature: The oil should be around 350°F (175°C), too hot and your donuts will burn; too cold and they’ll be soggy. A quick test is to drop a small piece of dough into the oil, it should sizzle and float to the top.

• Cool before glazing: Let the donuts cool slightly before glazing them, so the icing doesn’t melt into a puddle.

• Get creative with sprinkles: Don’t be afraid to mix up your sprinkles! You can use other fun colors or even add a little sparkle to make them extra special.

• For extra flavor: If you want a zesty kick, add a little bit of orange zest to the dough for an even more intense citrus flavor.

Get Creative!

• Mix up the icing: While the pink orange glaze is delicious, you can try swapping in other citrus flavors like lemon or grapefruit for a different twist. You could even create a gradient effect with the icing for an ombre look.

• Add fillings: Experiment with filling the donuts with creamy lemon curd, chocolate ganache, or orange marmalade for an extra surprise in each bite.

• Try flavored glazes: Instead of just orange and pink, you could add a hint of vanilla, almond, or even cinnamon to the glaze to change the flavor profile.

• Top with toppings: Beyond sprinkles, try topping your donuts with chopped nuts, crushed candy, or even edible flowers for a fresh and festive touch.

• Make donut holes: Instead of full-size donuts, roll the dough into small balls for cute donut holes that are perfect for snacking!

• Play with colors: Experiment with adding food coloring to the dough itself for vibrant, colorful donuts, or use different colored icing to create a rainbow effect.

• Pair with a drink: Serve your donuts with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, a citrus iced tea, or even a fun mocktail to elevate your brunch or snack time.

Serving & Storing

• Serve fresh: For the best flavor and texture, serve your pink orange donuts fresh. They’re at their fluffiest and most delicious right after frying and glazing.

• Let them cool: Allow the donuts to cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth with that hot glaze. Plus, it lets the icing set just right!

• Perfect for brunch or parties: These donuts make a fun and colorful addition to any brunch table or party spread. Serve them as a special treat at birthdays, baby showers, or just a weekend family breakfast.

• Store in an airtight container: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll stay fresh but might lose a bit of their crispiness.

• Freeze for later: If you want to keep them longer, freeze the donuts before glazing. Once completely cool, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw and glaze them fresh!

• Reheat gently: If you need to reheat a donut, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or warm it in the oven at a low temperature for a couple of minutes to restore some of that crispness.