Baseball Donuts

Baseball Donuts are whimsical, hand-decorated treats that bring a sporty twist to a classic favorite. These fluffy, golden donuts are dipped in smooth white glaze and finished with bright red icing in the shape of baseball stitching, making them an eye-catching addition to any game day spread or sports-themed party. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, tailgate, or a fun weekend activity with kids, these donuts are sure to be a home run.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These donuts are not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. Their soft, tender crumb and classic vanilla glaze are comforting and familiar, while the baseball decoration adds a creative, festive element. They’re easy enough for beginner bakers, yet impressive enough for themed events. Plus, decorating them offers a fun hands-on experience for kids and adults alike. Great for parties, bake sales, or game-day snacks, these donuts bring playful charm and satisfying flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the donuts:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the glaze and decoration:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3–4 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Red decorating gel or royal icing in a piping bag

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until a smooth dough forms.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
5. Using a donut cutter or ring mold, cut the dough into donut shapes.
6. Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil and fry for 1–2 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
7. Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined tray. Allow them to cool.
8. Prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
9. Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the glaze and place them on a wire rack to set.
10. Once the glaze is slightly set, use red decorating gel or royal icing to draw baseball stitching across the tops.
11. Let the decorations set completely before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 donuts
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 290 kcal

Variations

• Baked Version: Use a donut pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes for a lighter alternative.
• Flavor Twist: Add lemon zest or cinnamon to the dough for additional flavor.
• Chocolate Glaze: Replace the white glaze with a chocolate version and decorate for another sports theme.
• Color Variations: Use team colors in the glaze and stitching for customized party treats.
• Filled Donuts: Use the same dough to make filled donuts with jam or custard before glazing and decorating.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store undecorated donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Glazed and decorated donuts are best enjoyed the same day but can be kept for 1 day at room temperature.

Freezing:
Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before glazing and decorating.

Reheating:
To reheat plain donuts, warm in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Avoid reheating glazed or decorated donuts, as the icing may melt.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before frying.

Do I need a donut cutter?

No, you can use a round cookie cutter and a smaller one for the center hole, or shape the dough by hand.

Is nutmeg necessary?

Nutmeg adds a traditional bakery flavor, but it can be omitted if preferred.

How do I prevent the donuts from being greasy?

Ensure the oil stays at a consistent 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, the donuts will absorb more oil.

Can I use different types of flour?

All-purpose flour works best, but pastry flour can be used for a softer texture.

How long should I let the glaze set?

Let the glaze set for about 15–20 minutes before decorating to ensure it doesn’t smudge.

What’s the best way to pipe the red stitching?

Use a small piping bag with a fine tip, or a squeeze bottle for precision and control.

Can I use food coloring pens?

Yes, food-safe markers can be used once the glaze is fully dry for added detail.

Are these donuts kid-friendly?

Absolutely. They’re fun to decorate, soft to bite into, and not overly sweet—perfect for kids’ parties.

Can I make mini baseball donuts?

Yes, use a mini donut cutter or pan and reduce the frying time accordingly.

Conclusion

Baseball Donuts are a delightful blend of creativity and classic donut goodness. With their soft, tender texture, sweet vanilla glaze, and playful red stitching, they’re an ideal treat for sports fans of all ages. Whether you’re hosting a themed party, celebrating opening day, or simply looking for a fun kitchen project, these donuts are sure to score big with everyone at the table.

Baseball Donuts

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Knock it out of the park with these fun and fluffy Baseball Donuts—classic fried donuts topped with smooth white glaze and red icing stitches to look just like real baseballs! Perfect for game day snacks, sports-themed parties, or a creative baking day with the kids.

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 donuts
• Category: Dessert / Themed Treat
• Method: Fried
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. For the Donuts:

   • 2 cups all-purpose flour

   • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

   • 2 tsp baking powder

   • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

   • 1/2 tsp salt

   • 3/4 cup whole milk

   • 2 large eggs

   • 1 tsp vanilla extract

   • 2 tbsp melted butter

   • Vegetable oil (for frying)

   For the Glaze & Decoration:

   • 2 cups powdered sugar

   • 3-4 tbsp milk

   • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

   • Red decorating gel or royal icing (in piping bag)

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Instructions

• 1. Make Donut Dough:
     In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt.
     In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.

  2. Heat Oil:
     In a deep fryer or heavy pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).

  3. Shape & Fry Donuts:
     Use a donut cutter or round mold to shape dough. Carefully fry donuts in batches, 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
     Remove and drain on paper towel-lined tray.

  4. Glaze Donuts:
     Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Dip the tops of cooled donuts and place on a wire rack to set.

  5. Decorate as Baseballs:
     Once glaze is slightly set, use red decorating gel or royal icing to pipe baseball stitching on each donut.

  6. Serve:
     Let decorations firm up before serving or storing.

Notes

• Use gel food coloring for vivid red stitching.

• Donuts are best eaten the same day, but can be stored in an airtight container for 1–2 days.

• Let kids join in on decorating for a fun baking project.

Nutrition

• Calories: 290 kcal per donut