Strawberry Frosted Donut from Dunkin' features a soft, fluffy donut coated with a vibrant pink strawberry-flavored frosting and topped with colorful sprinkles, delivering a sweet and visually delightful treat.
Equipments
- Stand mixer (with dough hook)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Dough scraper
- Rolling pin
- Donut cutter (or round cutters)
- Sheet pan/baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Cooling rack
- Saucepan (for frosting)
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Small offset spatula or butter knife (for frosting the donuts)
- Sprinkles shaker/container
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract or flavoring
- Pink gel food coloring
- Colorful sprinkles
Active dry yeast must be fresh and properly proofed in warm milk to ensure the dough rises effectively. Whole milk and unsalted butter contribute to the donut's tender crumb and rich flavor, so using high-quality dairy products will enhance your results. Precision in measuring all-purpose flour is crucial to achieving the right dough consistency--too much flour can make the donuts dense. The frosting's vibrant pink color relies on pink gel food coloring and strawberry extract, both of which balance flavor and aesthetics; adjust the amount of food coloring carefully to avoid overpowering artificial hues. Your Strawberry Frosted Donut from Dunkin' copycat will taste and look just like the original when you follow these ingredient tips precisely.
Instructions
- Warm milk to 110°F (43°C).
- Dissolve active dry yeast in warm milk; let stand 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In stand mixer bowl, combine yeast mixture, granulated sugar, eggs, unsalted butter, and salt.
- Attach dough hook; add flour gradually. Mix until soft, smooth dough forms (5–6 minutes).
- Transfer dough to greased bowl; cover and let rise until doubled (1–2 hours).
- Punch down dough; turn onto floured surface.
- Roll dough to 1/2-inch (1.5 cm) thickness using rolling pin.
- Cut donut shapes with donut cutter (or round cutters).
- Place donuts on parchment-lined sheet pan; cover and let rise 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry donuts 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove with slotted spoon or spider strainer; drain on cooling rack.
- In saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter for frosting.
- Whisk in powdered sugar, 3–4 tbsp milk, vanilla extract, strawberry extract, and pink food coloring; mix until smooth.
- Dip cooled donuts in strawberry frosting; let excess drip off.
- Place on cooling rack; immediately top with colorful sprinkles.
- Allow frosting to set before serving.
Substitution
Strawberry Frosted Donut from Dunkin' copycat recipes call for active dry yeast, but instant yeast can be used as a substitute; just reduce the amount by about 25% and skip the proofing step. Whole milk adds richness to the dough, yet you can replace it with any milk substitute like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option without compromising softness. If you find deep frying challenging, baking the donuts at 375degF for 10-12 minutes is a healthier alternative, though the texture will be less crispy. When preparing the frosting, use any strawberry-flavored syrup or jam if strawberry extract is unavailable, adjusting sweetness accordingly. Your sprinkles can be swapped for any colorful edible decoration to maintain the iconic look of these bright and sweet treats.
Tips
Ensure the milk temperature is precisely 110degF (43degC) before adding yeast to activate it properly without killing the yeast cells. When kneading dough in the stand mixer, avoid overmixing to maintain a soft, fluffy texture for your donuts. Maintain oil temperature at 350degF (175degC) during frying to achieve a golden-brown crust without absorbing excess oil. You should let the frosting set completely on your donuts before adding sprinkles to prevent them from sliding off and to achieve an even coating.
Nutritions
The Strawberry Frosted Donut from Dunkin' contains roughly 350-400 calories per serving, with a notable amount of sugar due to the powdered sugar frosting and granulated sugar in the dough. Each donut provides approximately 15-20 grams of fat, primarily from the frying oil and butter used in both the dough and frosting. Carbohydrate content is high, typically around 50 grams, stemming from the all-purpose flour and sugary toppings, which can impact blood sugar levels. Your enjoyment of this sweet treat should be balanced with consideration of its calorie density and sugar content.
Storage
Store your Strawberry Frosted Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent the frosting from drying out. For longer storage, place the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be kept for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen donuts at room temperature and refresh the frosting with a light dip or additional sprinkles before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute strawberry extract with fresh pureed strawberries for a more natural and fruity frosting, adjusting the powdered sugar to maintain the right consistency. Experiment with baking the donuts at 375degF (190degC) for 8-10 minutes instead of frying to reduce oil absorption and create a lighter texture. For a twist, try using almond extract in the frosting along with the strawberry flavor to add depth and complexity. Swap vegetable oil with a high smoke point oil like peanut or canola to achieve a crispier exterior when frying.
Allergies
The Strawberry Frosted Donut from Dunkin' contains common allergens such as eggs, milk, and gluten from all-purpose flour. The sprinkles and frosting may also contain artificial colorings and flavorings, which can cause sensitivities in some individuals. You should be cautious if you have allergies to dairy, eggs, wheat, or food dyes when enjoying this treat.
Why this recipe?
Strawberry Frosted Donut from Dunkin' restaurant is favored for its perfect balance of sweet, fruity frosting and soft, fluffy donut texture. The vibrant pink strawberry glaze is visually appealing and provides a refreshing burst of flavor with each bite. You can replicate this treat at home to enjoy an authentic taste experience while customizing sweetness and freshness. Its popularity lies in combining classic donut nostalgia with a delightful strawberry twist, making it a must-try for dessert enthusiasts.