Description
These vibrant pink leopard print donut holes are quick and easy to make, featuring a light, fluffy interior and a crunchy pearl sugar glaze that sparkles like tiny diamonds. Perfect for parties, brunches, or a fun snack that impresses without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (180 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon pink gel food coloring
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, sifted
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for leopard spots)
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) milk (for glaze)
- ¼ cup (40 g) pearl sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sifted all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs with milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and pink gel food coloring until smooth and vibrant.
- Slowly add dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Batter should be thick but scoopable.
- Mix cocoa powder with powdered sugar. Using a fine sieve or stencil, lightly dust spots onto the surface of the batter scoops on parchment.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot.
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized dollops of batter into hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
- Remove donut holes with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make glaze, adjusting milk for desired consistency.
- Dip each donut hole halfway into glaze or drizzle glaze over top. Immediately sprinkle with pearl sugar.
- Let glaze set for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt donut holes. Use gel food coloring for vibrant pink color. If leopard spots fade during frying, dust cocoa powder mixture onto donut holes immediately after frying before glazing. Adjust glaze thickness by slowly adding milk or powdered sugar as needed. Donut holes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a warm oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to refresh crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 donut holes
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Protein: 4
Keywords: donut holes, pink donut holes, leopard print donuts, pearl sugar glaze, fried donuts, party snacks, brunch desserts