There’s something magical about a tray of fresh, homemade Pink Party Donuts — soft, fluffy, and coated in a glossy pink glaze that sparkles with sprinkles. They’re sweet, cheerful, and guaranteed to make everyone smile. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, brunch, or just a Saturday morning treat, these donuts bring all the fun of a bakery right into your kitchen.
The first time I made them, it was for my daughter’s birthday breakfast. I wanted something festive but easy — so I baked these light vanilla donuts and dipped them in a pink glaze made from milk and powdered sugar. The look on her face when she saw the pink frosting and colorful sprinkles? Pure joy. Now, Pink Party Donuts have become our go-to for celebrations, right next to my Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow and Pistachio Chocolate Bar Cookies.
Pink Party Donuts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 6-count donut pan lightly with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Don’t overmix — the batter should be thick but smooth.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into each cavity, filling about ¾ full.
- Bake for 9–10 minutes or until the donuts spring back lightly when touched. Cool for 5 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, food coloring, and vanilla until smooth. Dip each donut into the glaze, let the excess drip off, then top with sprinkles. Let set for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Pink Party Donuts
These baked donuts are soft, buttery, and full of vanilla flavor. The pink glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and that perfect party vibe. They’re easy to make (no frying needed!) and they look so festive, you’ll want to make them for every special occasion.
If you love bright, fun desserts like my Birthday Cake Muddy Buddies or Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies, these donuts will fit right in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Donuts:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Pink Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (more if needed)
- 1 drop red or pink food coloring
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: rainbow sprinkles or edible glitter
If you love colorful baking recipes, you’ll also enjoy my Garten’s Cranberry Orange Bread — another cheerful bake perfect for gifting or brunch.
How to Make Pink Party Donuts
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 6-count donut pan lightly with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Don’t overmix — the batter should be thick but smooth.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon or pipe the batter into each cavity, filling about ¾ full.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake for 9–10 minutes or until the donuts spring back lightly when touched. Cool for 5 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 7: Glaze and Decorate
In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, food coloring, and vanilla until smooth. Dip each donut into the glaze, let the excess drip off, then top with sprinkles. Let set for 10–15 minutes before serving.
If you love quick, no-fuss bakes like this, you’ll also adore my White Chocolate Macadamia Bars — same level of ease, just as irresistible.
Tips for Perfect Pink Party Donuts
- Don’t overmix: This keeps your donuts soft and fluffy.
- Use a piping bag: Makes filling the pan neat and easy.
- Cool before glazing: Warm donuts can make the glaze melt right off.
- Have fun with toppings: Sprinkles, crushed freeze-dried berries, or coconut flakes all look amazing.
The same “simple tricks for pretty results” apply to my Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole — proof that small steps make a big difference.
How to Store and Freeze
Storage: Keep donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze fresh for best texture.
Reheating: Warm unglazed donuts in the microwave for 10 seconds before glazing.
Like my Christmas Bread Recipe, these donuts stay soft even after freezing — a lifesaver for busy mornings!
Flavor Variations
- Strawberry Shortcake Donuts: Add ¼ cup crushed freeze-dried strawberries to the batter.
- Chocolate Pink Donuts: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the batter and glaze in pink.
- Lemon Pink Donuts: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice to the glaze.
- Valentine’s Donuts: Use heart-shaped sprinkles or drizzle white chocolate on top.
If you love recipes that are easy to customize, this one’s as versatile as my Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes — just add 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Can I bake these as mini donuts?
Absolutely! Bake mini donuts for 6–7 minutes instead of 10.
3. How do I make the glaze thicker?
Add a bit more powdered sugar. For thinner glaze, add a touch more milk.
4. Can I make them chocolate-flavored?
Yes — just replace 2 tablespoons of flour with cocoa powder.
The Final Bite
These Pink Party Donuts are soft, sweet, and full of joy. They’re easy to make, easy to love, and impossible to resist. Every bite tastes like a celebration — fluffy donut, silky glaze, and the perfect touch of fun from colorful sprinkles.
Serve them for breakfast, birthdays, or anytime you need something happy and homemade. Pair with my Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe for the ultimate treat combo.
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