Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, lukewarm (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 6 cups or 1.4 Liters)
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 6-8 tablespoons (90-120ml) whole milk, or more as needed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Red food coloring (gel is best for vibrant color)
  • Rainbow sprinkles

Instructions:

  1. Combine lukewarm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar in a bowl. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the yeast mixture, remaining sugar, salt, eggs, and melted butter.
  3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, or in a stand mixer with a dough hook for 4-5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down the dough and roll it out to about ½-inch (1.25cm) thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use a donut cutter to cut out donuts. Place donuts on parchment paper lined baking sheets to proof.
  7. Cover the donuts and let rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
  8. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Carefully fry the donuts in batches for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
  10. Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly.
  11. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach the desired consistency.
  12. Dip the warm donuts in the pink glaze, letting the excess drip off. Immediately sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles.
  13. Let the glaze set slightly before serving and enjoy your Simpsons donut!