Name: Baked Funfetti Donuts from Scratch Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons active dry yeast; 2 tablespoons warm water (about 100°F); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk (at room temperature); ¼ cup butter (melted); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅓ cup sprinkles; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1-3 tablespoons milk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (clear vanilla preferred to keep glaze white); 3 tablespoons sprinkles

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 58 reviews

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings joy with every bite, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Baked Funfetti Donuts from Scratch Recipe. These donuts have everything you want—light, fluffy texture, a hint of vanilla, and a burst of colorful sprinkles that make every mouthful feel like a celebration. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, making them a slightly lighter but just as indulgent option that you can whip up conveniently at home. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these homemade donuts will become your go-to for breakfast, parties, or any time you want a sweet pick-me-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white mixing bowl filled with pale yellow cake batter that looks smooth and thick is in the center of the image. A light wooden spatula is resting inside the bowl, partially covered with the batter. In the top left, there is a clear container filled with colorful round sprinkles, mainly red, blue, green, yellow, and white. To the top right, a clear measuring cup with black measurement markings contains a small amount of white liquid. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a white and grey striped cloth partially visible at the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Baked Funfetti Donuts from Scratch Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient comes together to create soft, flavorful donuts with charming colorful specks. From the magic of yeast for that subtle lift to the creamy tang of buttermilk, every component plays a key role.

2 teaspoons active dry yeast: Gives the donuts a slight rise and a tender crumb.
2 tablespoons warm water (about 100F): Activates the yeast perfectly for a light texture.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the donuts, keeping them soft yet sturdy.
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning that golden crust.
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Works alongside yeast for an extra fluffy rise.
¼ teaspoon sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
2 large eggs: Contributes to moisture, richness, and helps bind the batter.
1 cup buttermilk (at room temperature): Brings a slight tanginess and tenderizes the dough.
¼ cup butter (melted): Adds richness and keeps donuts moist.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with warm, aromatic flavor.
⅓ cup sprinkles: The star ingredient that brings fun and color inside the donuts.
1 cup powdered sugar: Basis for the delightful sweet glaze.
1-3 tablespoon(s) milk: Adjusts glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (clear preferred): Keeps the glaze bright white with heavenly flavor.
3 tablespoons sprinkles for topping: Because more sprinkles mean more fun!

How to Make Baked Funfetti Donuts from Scratch Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by mixing warm water with your active dry yeast and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This little step wakes up the yeast and sets the stage for beautifully soft and slightly airy donuts.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

While the yeast is doing its job, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. These dry ingredients form the foundation of your dough, ensuring the right balance of sweetness and rise. Making a well in the middle prepares you for the next stage.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients with Dry

Into that well, add the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir everything until just combined. This wet mixture brings creaminess and binds the dough, beginning to resemble donut batter.

Step 4: Incorporate the Sprinkles

Add in the sprinkles gently so they don’t bleed too much color into the batter. The appearance of these colorful bits inside the dough is what makes this recipe a true funfetti delight—like little bursts of happiness in every bite!

Step 5: Fill Your Donut Pans

Using a spoon or tablespoon, fill your prepared donut pans with about a quarter cup of batter per donut. Smooth the tops slightly to help them bake evenly. This portion ensures your donuts come out perfectly shaped and uniform.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake the donuts at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye out for a light golden-brown color and a springy texture when touched. Once baked, let them rest in the pan for five minutes—this helps them firm up just right before glazing.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

While the donuts are still warm, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a thick yet pourable glaze. Adjust the milk gradually to get the perfect consistency that will coat your donuts with a shiny, sweet finish.

Step 8: Glaze and Decorate

Transfer your donuts to a wire rack and generously drizzle the glaze over each one. Immediately sprinkle the extra sprinkles on top while the glaze is wet so they stick beautifully. Let the glaze set slightly before indulging—though these donuts taste best while still warm!

How to Serve Baked Funfetti Donuts from Scratch Recipe

The image shows seven round donuts with a hole in the middle placed on a metal cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each donut has a light golden-brown base with small colorful bits baked in. They are covered with a smooth white glaze that looks slightly shiny and drips on the edges. On top of the glaze, there are many small round sprinkles in bright colors like red, green, purple, yellow, and blue, spread evenly on each donut. The overall look is fresh and festive. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkles are the obvious garnish for this recipe, but you can also try a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of colored icing to amp up the festive vibe. Fresh edible flowers or a tiny dollop of whipped cream could add an elegant touch for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Serve these donuts alongside a hot cup of coffee, chai, or even milk for an easy breakfast or brunch. Fresh fruit or a colorful fruit salad works beautifully to balance the sweetness, and a small bowl of yogurt can complement their fluffy texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your donuts stacked on a pretty cake stand or place them in colorful cupcake liners inside a box for gifting. For parties, you can even dip half the donuts in melted chocolate before glazing to create flavor combos that wow your friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover baked funfetti donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They might lose a touch of their fresh-baked softness, but they’ll still be delicious as a quick snack or sweet surprise.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead of time or save extras, freeze them unglazed in a single layer inside a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and then glaze them fresh for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

Warm your donuts gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a low oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This step revives their fluffy warmth and makes the glaze just a little melty and irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, regular milk can be used, but adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes mimics buttermilk’s tanginess, which helps tenderize the donuts and gives that slight tangy flavor.

What if I don’t have sprinkles? Can I substitute something else?

Absolutely! While the sprinkles give the signature funfetti look, you can mix in mini chocolate chips or even chopped nuts for a different texture and taste. Just keep in mind the visual fun factor is best with colorful sprinkles.

Can these donuts be made gluten-free?

They can, with some adaptation. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Be prepared for slightly different texture, but they’ll still be delicious and fun!

Why are the donuts baked and not fried?

One of the best parts of this recipe is that the donuts are baked, which means less mess, less oil, and a lighter treat overall. Baking still yields soft, fluffy donuts with a tender crumb, just without the extra grease.

How do I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding color?

The key is to gently fold the sprinkles into the batter just until incorporated, avoiding over-mixing, which can cause the colors to bleed. Using good-quality, coated sprinkles can also help maintain their color.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly joyful about making and sharing this Baked Funfetti Donuts from Scratch Recipe. Whether for a special occasion or a midweek treat, these homemade donuts bring together simplicity and celebration in the best way possible. I promise, once you bake them, you’ll be eager to share this colorful slice of happiness with everyone you love. So get your sprinkles ready, and enjoy every delightful bite!