Unicorn Donuts
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My Unicorn Donuts are whimsical, pastel swirled donuts come together in minutes thanks to store-bought biscuit dough. They’re crispy outside, fluffy inside, and perfect for birthdays, brunches, or just a little everyday magic.
You can make a variety of fun donuts for breakfast or brunch. They are easy and delicious. Try my Pink Sprinkle Donuts and my Peanut Butter Donuts they are family favorites.
Why this Unicorn Donut Recipe Works
These magical unicorn donuts start with canned biscuits and are transformed into fun, colorful treats perfect for birthdays or unicorn parties. Quick, delicious and always a crowd pleaser.
- .No yeast, no fuss: Biscuit dough means no proofing or kneading.
- Kid-friendly and party-perfect: Easy to decorate, fun to eat.
- Customizable glaze: Swirl your favorite pastel shades for a dreamy unicorn effect.
- Quick turnaround: From fridge to table in under 30 minutes.
Can I use Cake Mix to Make these Biscuit Donuts?
Yes, you can absolutely make unicorn-themed donuts using cake mix, though the result will be quite different from biscuit dough donuts. Cake mix donuts are soft, moist, and more cupcake-like in texture, while biscuit dough gives you a flaky, layered bite with a crisp exterior when fried. To make them with cake mix, you’ll need a donut pan.
Pro Tip for Unicorn Doughnuts
Kid-friendly station: Set up bowls of glaze and toppings for a DIY unicorn donut bar—great for birthdays!
Ingredient Notes for Magical Unicorn Donuts
You need only a few simple ingredients to make this fun snack. The colorful presentation are always a hit due to their pastel colors. The flaky donuts taste amazing too.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Biscuit Dough: Pre-made biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers) is the ultimate shortcut—no yeast, no rising time, and it fries up into golden, fluffy donuts with a tender crumb. The layers give a satisfying bite and a bakery-style texture without the fuss.
- Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar is the base for a smooth, glossy glaze. Its fine texture dissolves easily in milk, creating a pourable consistency that clings perfectly to warm donuts. It also sets beautifully, making it ideal for holding sprinkles and shimmer.
- Sprinkles: The finishing touch. These colorful, whimsical sprinkles add sparkle, crunch, and instant joy. Look for mixes with stars, hearts, or edible glitter to really lean into the unicorn theme. They also help the donuts feel festive and photo-ready.
Variations and Substitutions such as Cake Donuts and Glaze
There are many variations that you can make for this recipe. One fun way is to make a display board.
- Glaze: Swap vanilla for almond, lemon, or strawberry extract.
- Dough: Try different flavors of canned dough.
- Colors: Use gel food coloring for vibrant pastels. Natural options like beet or turmeric work too.
- Toppings: Try edible glitter, shimmer sugar, mini marshmallows, or unicorn horn candies.
Special Equipment Needed for Homemade Biscuit Donuts
Of course there are ways to make this recipe even easier. The tools listed below will help you perfect making these colorful donuts.
- Cooling Rack: This along with parchment paper will really cut down on the mess.
- Dutch Oven: Provides even temperature placement for the perfect, non greasy donut.
- Candy Thermometer: Temperature is key to a delicious finished product.
How to Make Homemade Donuts with Biscuits
You can make these magical unicorn treats quickly and easily. These fantastical donuts are always a hit.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Cut & Prep the Dough: Open the biscuit can and separate the biscuits. Use a small cutter or bottle cap to punch out the centers for donut holes.
- Fry Until Golden: Heat oil to 350°F in a deep skillet. Fry donuts and holes in batches, 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Divide and tint with pink and purple food coloring. Swirl gently for a marbled effect.
- Dip & Decorate: Dip warm donuts into glaze. Use a spoon to smooth out if necessary. Then top with unicorn sprinkles while glaze is wet. Let set on a wire rack for 15–20 minutes.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Unicorn Donuts
You can prep these delightful donuts to make the recipe even easier. Make them for Easter or for a Mardi Gras party. They will enhance any party with their colorful appearance.
- Dough: Punch out donuts and refrigerate up to 24 hours before frying. This dough has everything a batter would, flour, baking powder etc.
- Glaze: Make glaze and store in airtight containers. Rewarm slightly before dipping to frost.
- Decorate: Set up a decorating station with bowls of sprinkles and glaze for easy assembly.
Alternate Cooking Methods Bake Donuts or Mini Donuts
You can make these delicious donuts several different ways. You can bake then donuts if you use a cake mix or you can cut them and make them into bite size mini donuts.
- Air fryer: Spray donuts with oil and air fry at 350°F for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Mini: Cut in half, reshape and make mini doughnuts.
- Oven-baked: Bake the Unicorn Cake Donuts at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until golden. Brush with melted butter before glazing.
Store and Use Leftover Unicorn Donuts
If you making ahead of time. Just make the donuts and store and add the bright colors of icing and sprinkles before ready to serve.
- Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for 1–2 days.
- Leftovers: Chop and layer into a donut trifle with whipped cream and berries, or turn into unicorn bread pudding.
Common Questions About This Canned Biscuits Donuts Recipe
I use Grands Biscuits to make the biscuit donuts recipe. You want one that is fluffy and has multiple layers.
Use gel food coloring. It’s vibrant and won’t thin the glaze. Swirl gently. Think tie-dye, not smoothie.
Decorate fast. Rainbow sprinkles stick best while glaze is wet.
Expert Tips for Making Unicorn Themed Donuts
To make the cutest donuts, you can use these tips to make the canned biscuits donuts even better.
- Add sparkle: While glaze is wet, top with edible glitter, pastel sprinkles, or shimmer sugar. Gold stars or unicorn horn sprinkles add extra magic. Drizzle or use a piping bag to add even more color glaze.
- Candy unicorn horns: Use twisted lollipops or mold fondant into mini horns. Insert into the top of each donut.
- Eyes & ears: Pipe closed eyes with black icing or edible marker. Use fondant or white chocolate for ears.
- Mini marshmallow clouds: Add a few to the plate for a dreamy presentation.
- Make ahead: Fry and cool donuts, then glaze just before serving to keep the colors vibrant.
- Serve this recipe with: Pinwheels, Funfetti Dip and Grape Soda Cupcakes.
More Recipes You Might Like
Unicorn Glazed Donuts
Ingredients
- 16.3 ounces Biscuits, 1 can
- 1 ½ cups Powdered Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Pink and Purple Food Coloring
- ¼ cup Unicorn Sprinkles
Instructions
- Place a cooling rack on top of a large baking sheet and set aside.
- Add your frying oil in a dutch oven over medium heat. Use a candy thermometer to ensure you bring the oil to 350F.
- Cut out the center of each biscuit and then stretch the biscuit a bit to make the hole and biscuit a little bit wider.
- Once oil is hot, fry each donut individually for about 1 minute per side, until golden brown.
- Place each fried donut on the cooling rack to allow excess oil to drip off.
- Once all donuts have been fried, turn off the heat for the oil.
- Sift the powdered sugar into a large bowl.
- Whisk in the milk and vanilla extract.
- Add one drop of each pink and purple dye to separate areas of the vanilla glaze, then use a knife to swirl the colors together lightly, achieving a marbled effect.
- Dip each donut into the marbled vanilla glaze, then place back on the cooling rack and immediately sprinkle on unicorn sprinkles.
- Allow frosting to set completely before serving or storing.
Christina’s Notes
- Use flaky layers biscuit dough: Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers work great. They puff beautifully and create that classic donut texture.
- Punch out clean centers: Use a small round cutter or bottle cap to remove the centers. Chill the dough briefly if it gets sticky.
- Fry at 350°F (175°C): Use a thermometer for accuracy. Too hot = burnt outside, raw inside. Too cool = greasy donuts.
- Flip once, gently: Fry 1–2 minutes per side until golden. Don’t overcrowd the oil—work in batches.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.
