Doughnut Cookies

Whenever I crave something sweet and special, I find myself turning to Doughnut Cookies. These delightful treats blend the best of cookie and doughnut worlds, transforming ordinary sugar cookies into a festive and fun dessert. I remember the first time I made these with my kids; the kitchen was filled with laughter, frosting, and a sprinkle explosion that would make any bakery proud! Each bite of these cookies brings a wave of nostalgia, reminding me of the joyous times spent decorating them together. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a simple afternoon craving, Doughnut Cookies never fail to bring a smile to my face.

They’re surprisingly simple to make, yet they hold a charm that makes them perfect for sharing. The process of cutting out the center of each cookie reminds me of crafting little masterpieces. Plus, you can customize the toppings; from colorful sprinkles to shredded coconut, the only limit is your imagination. I love letting my kids choose their favorite decorations, which adds a personal touch to each batch. Every time I serve these cookies, they become an instant hit, proving that a little creativity goes a long way in the kitchen.

If you’re looking for a fun activity that results in a sweet treat, I can’t recommend Doughnut Cookies enough. They’re soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, making them ideal for any gathering. So, grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!

Main Ingredients for Doughnut Cookies

The ingredients for Doughnut Cookies are simple yet effective. They come together to create a delightful treat that’s fun to decorate. The key players include sweet sugar cookies, delicious frostings, and a variety of toppings that bring color and texture.

• 12 soft sugar cookies – You can either purchase these from the store or make them from scratch. They form the base of our delicious doughnuts!
• Chocolate Frosting – A rich addition that contrasts beautifully with our sugar cookies. I generally use half a can of store-bought frosting for convenience.
• Vanilla Frosting – Another half can of store-bought frosting enhances the flavor profile and adds a classic touch.
• Toppings: Add a variety of sprinkles, coconut, or chopped nuts to give your cookies that extra flair. These toppings elevate the visual appeal and add delightful textures.
• Optional: flavorings like extracts or food coloring can be added to customize your frosting.

Making This Doughnut Cookies

Creating Doughnut Cookies is a fun and engaging process. Follow these simple steps to transform your ingredients into delightful treats that are sure to impress. Let’s get started!

1. Assemble all your ingredients. Gather everything you need for this fun baking adventure, ensuring you have quick access to your sugar cookies, frostings, and toppings.
2. Cover a cookie sheet with wax paper. This step is essential as it prevents your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. You want a nice surface to work on!
3. Make sure your cookies are soft and fresh. If you are using store-bought cookies, check the packaging for the freshest date. Stale or crunchy cookies will break when you cut them.
4. Use a small round cookie cutter to cut out the center of each cookie. This is where the magic happens! Forming the doughnut shape not only looks adorable but also creates space for your frosting.
5. Place frostings in separate microwave-safe bowls. This makes it easier to heat them up later. You’ll want to have each frosting nicely separated, ready for spooling.
6. Heat in the microwave for about 10 to 20 seconds. This step softens the frostings, making them easier to spread on your cookies. Watch closely to avoid overheating!
7. This is also the time to color or flavor your frosting, if desired. You can add a few drops of food coloring or flavor extracts to make the frostings even more enticing.
8. Spoon or spread the frosting on the top of each doughnut cookie. Be generous! The frosting is the star of the show, so don’t hold back.
9. Sprinkle with toppings. This is where your creativity shines! Whether it’s colorful sprinkles, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts, feel free to go wild with your toppings.
10. You can even do the “doughnut holes.” Use the cookie circles you cut out earlier. Frost them and add toppings for a delightful bonus treat!
11. Chill to set. Place your decorated cookies in the refrigerator for a bit to help the frosting firm up.
12. Store loosely covered at room temperature. Make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place so they stay fresh!

Substitutions and Tips

Making Doughnut Cookies can be an adventure in creativity, so here are some helpful tips to make the most of your baking experience.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cookies before frosting them. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
• Pairing: These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different frostings and toppings! Try peanut butter frosting or crushed pretzels for a unique twist.
• Decoration Ideas: Use seasonal sprinkles for holidays to make them even more festive!

Perfect Matches for Doughnut Cookies

The beauty of Doughnut Cookies lies in their flexibility in serving! Here are some ideas to elevate your cookie game:

• Seasonal Desserts: Perfect for spring or summer gatherings with bright and colorful toppings.
• Kid-Friendly Parties: Serve them at birthday parties for a fun dessert table that kids will love.
• Afternoon Tea: Pair these cookies with tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
• Holiday Gatherings: Decorate them with festive colors for Christmas, Halloween, or Easter celebrations.
• Easy Snack: They make a great snack for after school or as a sweet treat during the day.
• Gift Ideas: Package them in decorative boxes as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.

FAQ

Conclusion

Doughnut Cookies are a charming and delicious treat that brings joy to any occasion. Their playful design and customizable flavors make them a favorite among kids and adults alike. I encourage you to try making these delightful cookies with your loved ones; you won’t regret it!

Get creative with your toppings, and take some time to enjoy the process. Baking should always be fun, and Doughnut Cookies are sure to create lasting memories in the kitchen!

Doughnut Cookies

The ultimate sweet treat awaits with these Doughnut Cookies. Soft sugar cookies topped with rich frosting and colorful sprinkles create a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to make, fun to decorate, and guaranteed to bring smiles, these cookies are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet cravings!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 cookies Soft sugar cookies from the store or homemade
• 1/2 can Chocolate Frosting I used 1/2 store-bought can
• 1/2 can Vanilla Frosting I used 1/2 store-bought can
• Toppings: sprinkles, coconut, chopped nuts
• Optional: flavorings like extracts or food coloring

Equipment

• Chef's Knife

Method

 

1. Assemble all your ingredients. Gather everything you need for this fun baking adventure, ensuring you have quick access to your sugar cookies, frostings, and toppings.
2. Cover a cookie sheet with wax paper. This step is essential as it prevents your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. You want a nice surface to work on!
3. Make sure your cookies are soft and fresh. If you are using store-bought cookies, check the packaging for the freshest date. Stale or crunchy cookies will break when you cut them.
4. Use a small round cookie cutter to cut out the center of each cookie. This is where the magic happens! Forming the doughnut shape not only looks adorable but also creates space for your frosting.
5. Place frostings in separate microwave-safe bowls. This makes it easier to heat them up later. You’ll want to have each frosting nicely separated, ready for spooling.
6. Heat in the microwave for about 10 to 20 seconds. This step softens the frostings, making them easier to spread on your cookies. Watch closely to avoid overheating!
7. This is also the time to color or flavor your frosting, if desired. You can add a few drops of food coloring or flavor extracts to make the frostings even more enticing.
8. Spoon or spread the frosting on the top of each doughnut cookie. Be generous! The frosting is the star of the show, so don't hold back.
9. Sprinkle with toppings. This is where your creativity shines! Whether it’s colorful sprinkles, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts, feel free to go wild with your toppings.
10. You can even do the “doughnut holes.” Use the cookie circles you cut out earlier. Frost them and add toppings for a delightful bonus treat!
11. Chill to set. Place your decorated cookies in the refrigerator for a bit to help the frosting firm up.
12. Store loosely covered at room temperature. Make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place so they stay fresh!

Notes

Making Doughnut Cookies can be an adventure in creativity, so here are some helpful tips to make the most of your baking experience.

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Meet Isla Banks

We eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make every dish look as bountiful as it tastes. I work on every stage of the process, from sourcing the freshest ingredients to styling the final shot. I tested this recipe repeatedly to provide you with the visual inspiration and reliability you need to cook with confidence.