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King Cake Donuts Recipe

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4 from 14 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 donuts

Description

These King Cake Donuts are a festive and flavorful treat inspired by the traditional Mardi Gras King Cake. Made with a soft cinnamon-spiced dough, baked to perfection, and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze and colorful Mardi Gras sprinkles, these donuts offer a delicious twist on a classic dessert perfect for celebrations or any time you crave a sweet, cinnamon-infused treat.

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup whole milk, heated to 115°F
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 – 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (divided into 2 cups and 1 1/2 cups), plus more for kneading
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter at room temperature, cut into 1-inch cubes

For the Vanilla Icing

  • 2 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Purple, yellow, and green sprinkles for decorating

Instructions

  1. Prepare the egg and sugar mixture: In the bowl of a freestanding electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine 1 large egg and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until well combined, about 1 minute.
  2. Activate the yeast: Briefly whisk together 1 cup whole milk (heated to 115°F), 1 tablespoon active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add this mixture to the egg and sugar on low speed.
  3. Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Add this to the wet mixture on low speed, about 1/2 cup at a time, beating until the dough becomes thick and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  4. Add butter: Stop the mixer and switch to the dough hook attachment. Turn the mixer back to medium speed and add 1/2 cup cubed unsalted butter one piece at a time, continuing to beat for about 3 to 5 minutes until no large chunks remain.
  5. Add remaining flour: Reduce mixer speed to low and add the remaining flour (up to 1 1/2 cups) one cup at a time until the dough gathers around the hook and cleans the sides of the bowl. The dough should be soft, moist, but not overly sticky.
  6. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently until it no longer sticks to your hands. Transfer the kneaded dough to a lightly greased mixing bowl and turn the dough over to coat all surfaces.
  7. First rise: Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
  8. Preheat oven and shape donuts: Preheat oven to 400°F. Punch down the dough on a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Using a 3 1/2-inch donut cutter, cut out donuts and their centers.
  9. Second rise: Place donuts at least 1 inch apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a Silpat mat. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let donuts rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 20 minutes.
  10. Bake: Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 5 to 8 minutes or until light golden brown. Avoid overbaking. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 30 minutes before glazing.
  11. Make vanilla icing: In a small bowl, stir together 2 cups confectioner’s sugar, 2 tablespoons whole milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and glaze-like. Use immediately.
  12. Glaze and decorate: Dip the top half of each cooled donut into the vanilla glaze. Place the glazed donuts on a cooling rack with a plate underneath to catch drips. Immediately sprinkle with purple, yellow, and green Mardi Gras colored sprinkles before the glaze hardens.

Notes

  • The dough should feel soft and moist but not overly sticky; adjust flour as necessary during mixing.
  • Use a damp tea towel to cover the dough during rises to retain moisture.
  • Be careful not to overbake the donuts; they should be lightly golden.
  • Glaze the donuts immediately before sprinkling to ensure decorations stick well.
  • Use a donut cutter the size specified (3 1/2 inches) to achieve the classic donut shape.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/king-cake-donuts-recipe/