Bright, colorful, and delightfully moist, these baked Funfetti donuts are a playful twist on classic vanilla treats.
Packed with sprinkles for a fun celebration vibe, they’re made with wholesome ingredients, offering a modest boost of protein and healthy fats from eggs and butter.
Quick to prepare and low in saturated fat, they’re perfect for an easy breakfast, snack, or treat anytime.
Baked Funfetti Donuts
Equipment
- 6-hole donut pan
- Mixing bowls (2 medium)
- Whisk
- Piping bag or large ziplock bag
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
Donuts:
- 1 cup 140 g all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup 70 g granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp melted butter cooled
- 1 large egg room temperature
- ⅓ cup 80 g buttermilk (or milk), room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ tbsp jimmie sprinkles
Glaze:
- 1 cup 120 g powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk warmed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, prepare a 6-hole donut pan by lightly spraying each cavity with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures your donuts release easily without sticking. Set the pan aside on a flat surface while you prepare the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk to blend the ingredients thoroughly, breaking up any lumps. This creates a smooth, even base for your donut batter and helps your donuts rise evenly during baking.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Add 2 tablespoons of melted butter (cooled to avoid cooking the egg), 1 large room-temperature egg, ⅓ cup of buttermilk (or milk), and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. Using room-temperature ingredients ensures a tender, uniform batter.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or whisk. Stir just until combined; small lumps are okay and will help keep the donuts light and airy. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the donuts dense.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Add 1½ tablespoons of jimmie sprinkles to the batter and gently fold them in using a spatula. Make sure the sprinkles are evenly distributed, but take care not to overmix, as this can cause the colors to bleed. Folding them in at this stage ensures a fun, colorful interior for each donut.
- Fill Donut Pan: Transfer the batter to a large piping bag or a sturdy ziplock bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full to allow room for the donuts to rise. Take your time to ensure each donut is evenly filled.
- Bake Donuts: Place the filled donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes. The donuts are done when they are lightly golden and spring back when touched gently in the center. You can also test with a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the donuts are ready.
- Cool Donuts: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 3–5 minutes. Then carefully transfer the donuts to a cooling rack to cool completely. Cooling is important before glazing, as warm donuts can cause the glaze to melt too much and slide off.
- Prepare Vanilla Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of warmed milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth. Adjust the consistency if needed add a tiny bit more milk for a thinner glaze or a little extra powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
- Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts are completely cooled, dip the top of each donut into the prepared glaze. Allow any excess glaze to drip off before placing the donut back on the cooling rack. Immediately sprinkle extra jimmies over the glaze while it’s still wet so they stick beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the glaze set for 5–10 minutes before serving. These donuts are best enjoyed fresh and slightly warm. Pair them with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea for a cheerful, satisfying breakfast or snack. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Notes
- These donuts are best enjoyed fresh for maximum softness and flavor, though they can be stored for a short period.
- Use room-temperature ingredients—especially eggs and milk—for a smoother batter and lighter texture.
- Folding in sprinkles gently prevents color bleeding and ensures your donuts stay visually vibrant.
- Measuring ingredients by weight (grams) gives more precise results than cups and makes cleanup easier.
- The glaze consistency can be adjusted depending on preference: thinner for a light coating, thicker for a richer finish.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Donuts
The key to perfectly baked Funfetti donuts lies in gentle handling and precise baking.
Always mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined; overmixing can make the donuts dense.
Using a piping bag or ziplock ensures even filling without mess.
Preheating the oven and lightly greasing the pan helps the donuts rise evenly and prevents sticking.
For a fun, professional touch, add extra sprinkles immediately after glazing while the surface is still tacky—they’ll adhere beautifully.
Serving Suggestions For Maximum Enjoyment
Serve these Funfetti donuts as a delightful breakfast treat, a colorful snack, or as party-friendly desserts.
Pair them with a simple cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk to balance the sweetness.
For an extra special touch, consider topping them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
They’re also excellent alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced breakfast plate.
Storage Tips To Keep Fresh
To preserve freshness, store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for up to four days, but allow them to come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving to restore softness.
The glaze may soften over time, so you can add a fresh drizzle just before serving for a visually appealing finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes! Regular milk works as a substitute, but buttermilk adds a slight tang and extra tenderness. If using milk, adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar can mimic buttermilk’s effect.
2. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Absolutely. You can use a muffin tin for mini donut muffins. Reduce baking time slightly and check with a toothpick to ensure doneness.
3. How do I prevent sprinkles from bleeding colors?
Fold sprinkles gently into the batter at the very end, and avoid stirring too vigorously. Using jimmie-style sprinkles instead of nonpareils helps maintain vibrant colors.
4. Can I freeze baked donuts?
Yes. Once fully cooled, wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently before serving.
5. How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Adjust the powdered sugar or milk gradually. For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner glaze, add a few drops of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
