A vibrant, sweet treat that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat. These donuts are soft, cakey, and topped with a classic vanilla glaze and lots of rainbow sprinkles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked, not fried — lighter texture and easier prep
Full of colorful sprinkles, both inside the donut and on top
Sweet vanilla glaze adds just the right amount of sugar and shine
Perfect for parties, birthdays, or any time you want something cheerful

ingredients

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

For the donuts

all‑purpose flour
baking powder
baking soda
salt
sugar (granulated)
butter, melted
buttermilk (or a substitute like milk + a bit of lemon, or yogurt)
egg
vanilla extract
rainbow sprinkles

For the glaze / topping

powdered (confectioners’) sugar
milk or heavy cream
vanilla extract
extra rainbow sprinkles

directions

Preheat your oven to about 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan so donuts won’t stick.
In a bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
In another bowl, combine wet ingredients: melted butter, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla.
Gradually mix wet into dry just until combined. Don’t over‑mix. Fold in the rainbow sprinkles gently.
Transfer the batter into the donut cavities. You can use a piping bag or spoon. Fill each about ⅔‑¾ full.
Bake in the preheated oven until tops are set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean — usually about 9‑12 minutes.
Remove donuts from oven, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Meanwhile, make the glaze: whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or cream), vanilla until smooth and of dipping consistency.
Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, letting excess drip off. While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle more rainbow sprinkles on top so they stick.
Let glaze set (maybe 10‑15 minutes) before serving.

Servings and timing

Makes about 8‑12 donuts depending on size of pan and how full you fill each cavity.
Prep time: ~ 15‑20 minutes
Bake time: ~ 10 minutes
Total time (including cooling & glazing): ~ 30‑40 minutes

Variations

Add citrus zest (lemon or orange) to batter for a fresh flavor.
Swap some of the vanilla extract for almond extract for a different twist.
Use food coloring in the batter to create marbled or rainbow‑layered donuts.
Change up the topping: chocolate glaze, maple glaze, or flavored icing.
Mix different types of sprinkles (jimmies, confetti, or sanding sugar) for texture/colors.

storage/reheating

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
If glazed, store on a tray or in a single layer to avoid the glaze sticking to other surfaces.
For longer storage, freeze un‑glazed donuts. When ready, thaw completely then glaze.
To refresh: warm gently in microwave for a few seconds to soften before eating.

FAQs

What type of sprinkles work best?

Jimmies or confetti sprinkles work well. Avoid very large sprinkles or heavier decorations that sink in the batter or melt too much under the glaze.

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes. You can bake them in muffin tins (they’ll be more like donut muffins) or use silicone molds. Adjust bake time as needed.

Can I fry instead of bake?

Yes, you can fry a donut dough version; you’ll need a different dough (yeast or cake‑doughnut batter) and fry in oil until golden, then glaze and sprinkle. But baked version is easier and healthier.

Can I use dairy‑free or plant‑based ingredients?

Absolutely. Use plant‑based milk (almond, soy, oat) and a non‑dairy butter substitute. Ensure glaze uses a non‑dairy milk too. Texture may differ slightly.

How do I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding into the batter?

Fold the sprinkles in gently at the end so they’re not overworked. Also jimmies (rod‑shaped) tend to bleed less than fine nonpareils.

What if glaze is too thick or too runny?

If too thick, add a little milk/cream a teaspoon at a time until it reaches a good dipping consistency. If too runny, add powdered sugar gradually until it thickens.

Can I make donut holes with this recipe?

Yes. If you have a cutter or small round cutter, you can cut out holes. Bake or fry the holes; they’ll cook faster so adjust time (often 6‑8 minutes for baked holes).

How do I get the best color on the donuts?

Don’t let them bake too long to avoid browning; bake just until done. Also, work quickly when adding sprinkles after glazing so they stay vibrant.

Do these donuts need to be served immediately?

They are best fresh (glaze fresh and sprinkles crunchy), but they’ll still taste good for 1‑2 days stored properly. Glaze may soften over time though.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Just double all ingredients and bake in batches. If using multiple pans, rotate them in the oven to ensure even baking.

Conclusion

Rainbow Sprinkle Donuts are a delightful, joyful treat — light, sweet, and visually appealing. They’re simple enough for a weekend baking project yet showy enough for parties. With only basic ingredients and a bit of fun in decorating, you’ll have a batch that brightens up any table. Let me know if you want a more specific recipe card (with metric measurements or local substitutions) and I can send one!