If you are looking to brighten your kitchen and your taste buds this season, look no further than this delightful Spring Donuts Recipe + VIDEO Recipe. These fluffy, lightly sweet donuts boast the perfect balance of soft, tender crumb and joyful pastel glazes—each bite bursting with the freshness of spring celebrations. Easy enough for any home baker, these donuts transform simple pantry staples into a colorful treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re planning a festive brunch or craving a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for springtime happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of different baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface, including a large white bowl filled with white all-purpose flour at the center, a smaller white bowl with white confectioners sugar placed below and slightly right, a small bowl holding a brown egg above the flour, a clear glass measuring cup filled with milk to the right of the egg, a small white bowl with pastel yellow, white, pink, and blue mini eggs below the milk, a small white bowl with melted yellow butter to the left of the flour, a small white bowl with colorful Easter sprinkles below the butter, a small white bowl with white sugar placed below the sprinkles, a tiny bowl with white baking powder to the bottom right of the confectioners sugar, and a small bowl with light pink salt next to baking powder; three small bottles of colored food dye in yellow, blue, and red at the bottom left, two glittery Easter eggs in gold and purple near the edges, all arranged neatly on a pale pink background; photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple, straightforward, and each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and vibrant look of your spring donuts. From the tenderizing richness of butter to the lightness brought by baking powder, every element has its purpose.

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation providing structure and tenderness.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the donuts rise light and fluffy.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully without being overpowering.
½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and assists with browning for that golden crust.
1 large egg (room temperature): Binds ingredients and adds richness.
1 cup whole milk (room temperature): Keeps the batter moist and smooth.
¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Gives a tender crumb and buttery flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warm, aromatic depth to the donuts.
Easter sprinkles: Perfect colorful decoration to celebrate springtime.
Mini eggs: Adds a festive, chocolatey crunch on top.
Baking spray: Ensures your donuts release easily from the pan.
1 cup powdered sugar: Key for creating the luscious glaze.
2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts glaze consistency for perfect dipping.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds extra flavor note to the sweet glaze.
Food coloring (pastel pink, blue, yellow, etc.): Brings the lovely spring color palette to life.

How to Make Spring Donuts Recipe + VIDEO Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with butter or nonstick spray to ensure your donuts pop right out after baking. This small step makes clean removal effortless, so your donuts keep their perfect shape for decorating.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until evenly combined. This careful mixing distributes rising agents and salt uniformly, promoting a consistent crumb throughout each donut.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. These give your batter moisture, richness, and that subtle sweet scent that sets your donuts apart.

Step 4: Combine Batter

Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet, folding just until combined. This light stirring ensures your donuts stay tender and airy; a few lumps are perfectly okay. Avoid overmixing to prevent heaviness.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer your batter to a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off for easy control. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling about three-quarters full to leave room for rising in the oven.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake your donuts in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Look for a golden hue and a light spring-back when touched. A toothpick inserted should come out clean. Your oven may vary, but 12 minutes often hits the mark perfectly.

Step 7: Cool and Prepare Glaze

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to create your glaze. Adjust consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.

Step 8: Color and Decorate

Divide the glaze into smaller bowls and add your chosen pastel food colors. Just a drop or two goes a long way to give your donuts that charming springtime look. Dip each donut to coat evenly, then immediately decorate with sprinkles or mini eggs before the glaze sets.

How to Serve Spring Donuts Recipe + VIDEO Recipe

A close-up view of a gray donut baking tray with round molds, each mold having a raised center. One mold is being filled with smooth, creamy light beige batter from a piping bag, the batter forming an even layer around the center. In the soft-focus background, a white bowl holds an assortment of small candy eggs in pastel colors like yellow, blue, and pink, and another white bowl at the lower edge shows colorful sprinkles in bright green, orange, pink, and yellow. All items sit on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding sprinkles and mini eggs not only makes the donuts festive but adds an appealing texture contrast. Consider edible flowers or pastel-colored sugar crystals for an extra-special touch that feels like a spring garden party.

Side Dishes

Pair your spring donuts with a light, fresh fruit salad or a cup of bright, citrusy tea to complete your seasonal spread. The fruity brightness perfectly complements the sweetness of the donuts and keeps your meal balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these donuts stacked on a decorative cake stand or arranged on a rustic wooden board garnished with spring blossoms. Wrapping each in a clear cellophane bag tied with pastel ribbons can also turn them into charming edible gifts for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their freshness. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out and dull the glaze’s lovely sheen.

Freezing

If you want to save your donuts for later, freeze them unglazed in a single layer wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Glaze them fresh after thawing to enjoy the best texture and appearance.

Reheating

To warm your donuts, gently heat them in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) for 3-5 minutes. This restores their soft, fresh-baked feel and slightly softens the glaze, making them irresistible again.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

While a donut pan helps achieve that classic shape, you can use a muffin tin with inserts or even bake the batter in small ramekins. Keep an eye on baking time as it might vary slightly without the traditional shape.

Is it possible to make the glaze dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute regular milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk in the glaze for a dairy-free version without compromising flavor or texture.

What if I don’t have pastel food coloring?

You can make your own by diluting standard food coloring with a little bit of water or use natural alternatives like beet juice powder for pink or turmeric for yellow. This keeps the colors soft and spring-like.

Can I add flavors to the donut batter?

Definitely! A bit of lemon zest, almond extract, or even a splash of orange blossom water can add a lovely floral or citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with the seasonal theme.

How do I prevent the glaze from cracking?

Make sure your donuts are completely cool before glazing; any warmth can cause the glaze to crack. Also, avoid making the glaze too thick—adjust with milk until it has a smooth, flowy consistency for an even coat.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about making and sharing the Spring Donuts Recipe + VIDEO Recipe. These donuts are not just a treat for the palate but a celebration of color, texture, and joy that brightens any day. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe yourself and experience the simple happiness it brings to your spring gatherings and quiet moments alike. Happy baking!