Mardi Gras Colored Donuts

The first time I made these donuts was the morning before our annual Mardi Gras brunch, and I ended up with purple-stained fingers and three separate bowls of sugar all over the counter because I could not decide which color went on which donut first.

My grandmother always said that celebration food should taste like joy, and these donuts somehow capture that feeling in every bite of purple and gold.

Ingredients

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives these donuts their structure and perfect pillowy texture
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the dough without overwhelming the topping
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast: The magic that makes these donuts rise into cloud-like perfection
• 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and bringing out all the flavors
• 3/4 cup whole milk: Creates a richer, more tender crumb than water alone
• 2 large eggs: Adds structure and helps the dough hold its beautiful shape
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Makes the dough incredibly tender and gives it that homemade comfort
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: A classic touch that enhances everything else
• 1 quart vegetable oil: For achieving that perfect golden exterior
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Divided into three bowls for creating those signature purple, green and gold toppings
• Purple, green and yellow food coloring: The colors that make these unmistakably Mardi Gras
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Melted for helping that beautiful colored sugar stick

Instructions

Wake up the yeast:

Combine the lukewarm milk and yeast in a small bowl, then walk away for about five minutes until you see it get foamy on top

Make the dough come together:

Whisk flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl, then add eggs, butter, vanilla and that foamy yeast mixture until it forms a sticky dough

Knead until smooth:

Work the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes, feeling it transform from shaggy to smooth and elastic under your hands

Let it rise:

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover it up, and leave it somewhere warm until it has doubled in size, which takes about an hour

Cut out your donuts:

Punch down that puffy dough, roll it to half an inch thick, then use a donut cutter or two round cutters to cut out donuts and their holes

Second rise matters:

Arrange donuts on parchment-lined sheets, cover them, and let them puff up again for 30 minutes while you heat the oil

Prepare the colors:

Add food coloring to each bowl of sugar and rub it in with your fingers until evenly colored, making sure the purple is deep and the gold is bright

Fry to golden perfection:

Heat oil to 350°F and fry donuts in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown, then drain them on paper towels

Add the festive finish:

Brush warm donuts lightly with melted butter, then dip or sprinkle with colored sugar in alternating bands so each donut wears all three colors

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Last year our neighbor's kids ran around the yard pointing out who got the all-purple donuts versus the all-green ones, and somehow it became the most important decision of the day.

Getting The Colors Right

I learned that gel food coloring works better than liquid because it does not make the sugar clumpy, and starting with a tiny amount is always smarter than adding too much.

Making Them Ahead

The dough can actually be made the night before and kept in the refrigerator, then brought to room temperature and rolled out in the morning for freshly fried donuts.

Serving Suggestions

These donuts absolutely shine alongside a steaming cup of chicory coffee, but they are also perfect for a brunch spread or an afternoon celebration.

• Set up a DIY donut bar with extra colored sugar for sprinkling
• Consider making some donut holes too, because everyone loves those
• Have plenty of napkins ready, because that sugar gets everywhere

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These festive treats have a way of making any morning feel like a celebration, no matter what time of year it is.

Recipe Q&A

→ How long should the dough rise?

Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until it doubles in size, and then let the shaped donuts rise another 30 minutes before frying.

→ What oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral, high-heat vegetable oil and maintain a temperature around 350°F (175°C) for even frying and golden donuts.

→ How can I get vibrant colored sugar?

Divide granulated sugar into bowls, add drops of food coloring, and rub with fingers until evenly colored for bright, festive sugar coats.

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

For best texture, enjoy fresh. However, cooled donuts can be stored and lightly reheated before adding sugar.

→ What variations can be added to the donuts?

Enhance flavor by filling donuts with jam or custard before applying the colored sugar topping.