Mardi Gras Colored Donuts

The first time I attempted Mardi Gras donuts, my kitchen looked like a rainbow had exploded. Purple sugar on the floor, green crystals in my hair, and gold sugar somehow making it into the coffee pot. But when those first warm, glazed donuts emerged from the oil sparkling with carnival colors, I understood exactly why New Orleans goes mad for this tradition.

I made these for a Fat Tuesday party last winter, and my friend Sarah actually gasped when she saw the platter. She is from Louisiana originally and told me these tasted exactly like the ones she grew up eating in NOLA. That might have been the nicest cooking compliment I have ever received.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This creates the perfect structure for fluffy donuts that still hold their shape during frying
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Essential for both flavor and helping the yeast activate properly
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast: One packet gives reliable rise every time, just make sure it is fresh
• ½ tsp salt: Do not skip this, it balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors
• ¾ cup whole milk, lukewarm: The fat content makes these incredibly tender, and warmth wakes up the yeast
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness that creates that luxurious mouthfeel you want in a donut
• 1 large egg: Gives structure and helps the dough hold together beautifully
• 4 cups vegetable oil: Needs to be enough for donuts to float freely while frying
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar: Creates that signature white glaze base
• 3 tbsp milk: Adjust this to get your glaze exactly how thick or thin you prefer
• ½ tsp vanilla extract: Pure vanilla makes such a difference in the final flavor
• Purple, green, and yellow colored sugars: The traditional Mardi Gras colors that make these absolutely festive

Instructions

Wake up the yeast:

Whisk flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl until everything is evenly distributed

Make the dough base:

Combine lukewarm milk, melted butter, and egg in a separate bowl, then pour into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms

Knead until smooth:

Work the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it feels elastic and springs back when you touch it

Let it rise:

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and leave in a warm spot for 1 hour until it has doubled in size

Shape your donuts:

Roll dough to ½ inch thickness and cut into rounds using a donut cutter or two differently sized round cutters

Second rise:

Arrange donuts and holes on parchment paper, cover, and let them puff up for 20 to 30 minutes

Fry to perfection:

Heat oil to 350°F and fry donuts in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn golden brown

Make the glaze:

Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until completely smooth and glossy

Dip and decorate:

Dip warm donuts in glaze, let excess drip off, then immediately sprinkle with sections of purple, green, and yellow sugar

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These donuts have become my go to whenever I need to bring something celebratory. Something about those traditional colors just makes people smile before they even take a bite.

Making Your Own Colored Sugar

Store bought colored sugar works perfectly fine, but making your own lets you control the exact shade and texture. Simply place granulated sugar in a zip top bag, add a drop of gel food coloring, and shake vigorously until every crystal is coated.

Frying Temperature Secrets

Keeping your oil at 350°F is crucial because too hot burns the outside before the inside cooks through, while too cool makes them absorb too much oil and become greasy. I keep my thermometer clipped to the pot the entire time.

Storage And Freshness

These really are best the day they are made when the glaze is still slightly tacky and the sugar sparkles the brightest. However, you can store them in an airtight container for up to two days if absolutely necessary.

• Never refrigerate donuts, as it makes them stale faster
• Bring leftover donuts to room temperature before serving
• The glaze may weep slightly overnight, but they will still taste delicious

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There is something magical about standing over a pot of hot oil, watching simple dough transform into something that brings such joy. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Recipe FAQs

→ What is the best oil for frying these donuts?

Vegetable oil is ideal for frying due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point, ensuring golden, crispy donuts without overpowering taste.

→ How can I achieve the colorful sugar decoration?

Mix granulated sugar with gel food coloring in a sealed bag and shake well to evenly coat for vibrant purple, green, and gold sugar crystals.

→ Can these donuts be made ahead of time?

They are best enjoyed fresh to preserve the soft texture and crispy exterior, but can be stored briefly and reheated lightly.

→ How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size after resting in a warm place, becoming visibly puffier and soft to the touch.

→ Can these donuts be filled with flavors?

Yes, inject your favorite jam or custard after frying and before glazing for a delicious filled version.