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
Equipment
- Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Whisk
- Small round cutter
Ingredients
- 16.3 ounces Flaky biscuits, 1 can
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Unicorn Glaze
- 1 ½ cups Powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring
- Purple food coloring
- ¼ cup Unicorn sprinkles
Instructions
- Place a cooling rack over a baking sheet and set aside.
- Fill a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil. Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches 350 degrees F.
- Separate the biscuits and cut a hole from the center of each one using a small round cutter. Gently stretch each donut slightly to widen the center hole.
- Working in batches, fry the donuts for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Transfer the donuts to the prepared cooling rack and allow excess oil to drain.
- Once all of the donuts have been fried, let them cool slightly while preparing the glaze.
- Add the powdered sugar to a medium bowl. Whisk in the milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add a drop of pink food coloring to one area of the glaze and a drop of purple food coloring to another area.
- Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the colors together. Do not overmix or the colors will blend completely.
- Dip the top of each donut into the glaze and return it to the cooling rack.
- Immediately decorate with unicorn sprinkles before the glaze begins to set.
- Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before serving.
Christina’s Notes
- Flaky-layer biscuits create the most donut-like texture and puff beautifully when fried.
- If the dough becomes sticky while cutting the centers, refrigerate it for a few minutes before continuing.
- Keep the oil at 350 degrees F for evenly cooked donuts. Oil that is too cool can make them greasy.
- Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- For the prettiest marbled effect, swirl the food coloring only a few times.
- Overmixing will create a single color glaze.
- Add the sprinkles immediately after glazing so they stick properly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- These donuts are best enjoyed the day they are made.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.
