How do I achieve the bright red glaze color?

Use a concentrated red gel food coloring and mix thoroughly into the powdered sugar and milk glaze until vibrant and smooth.

What’s the best oil for frying these donuts?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil to fry until golden and crisp without imparting strong flavors.

Yes, you can prepare and fry the donuts in advance then decorate shortly before serving to maintain freshness and glaze texture.

Flatten dough balls slightly and use a floured bottle cap or small cutter to create uniform holes in the center before frying.

Yellow candies like M&Ms or small pieces of yellow fondant can be used to mimic Santa's belt buckles effectively.

Festive, pillowy donuts decorated to resemble Santas iconic red suit&perfect for holiday breakfasts or parties.

I first served these at a holiday gathering and they were an instant hit with family and friends.

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:
Vegetable oil: for frying
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

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.

These donuts always bring a smile and get everyone excited for the holidays when shared with family.

Pair with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.

Mixing bowls whisk deep frying pan or Dutch oven slotted spoon cooling rack piping bag or zip-top bag (for decorating)

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, and possible soy (in chocolate products) Check all decorations for nut traces if allergies are a concern

Enjoy these festive donuts as a delightful holiday breakfast or party treat that everyone will love.

→ How do I achieve the bright red glaze color?: Use a concentrated red gel food coloring and mix thoroughly into the powdered sugar and milk glaze until vibrant and smooth.
→ What’s the best oil for frying these donuts?: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil to fry until golden and crisp without imparting strong flavors.
→ Can these donuts be made ahead?: Yes, you can prepare and fry the donuts in advance then decorate shortly before serving to maintain freshness and glaze texture.
→ How do I shape the donut holes evenly?: Flatten dough balls slightly and use a floured bottle cap or small cutter to create uniform holes in the center before frying.
→ What alternatives work for the yellow buckle decoration?: Yellow candies like M&Ms or small pieces of yellow fondant can be used to mimic Santa's belt buckles effectively.