Santa Belly Festive Donuts

Featured in: Sunrise Spoonfuls

These Santa Belly donuts are light and pillowy, fried to a golden brown and coated with a vibrant red glaze. With a hint of vanilla and a touch of spice, each donut is decorated with melted chocolate or mini chips to create Santa’s iconic belt, finished with a yellow candy buckle. Perfect for festive breakfasts or holiday parties, they bring a cheerful touch to any celebration. The dough is easy to prepare, fried quickly, and cooled before dipping in the glossy glaze. This treat pairs wonderfully with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy festive experience.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:17:00 GMT
Fluffy Santa Belly Donuts, glazed in red with chocolate belt detail, ready to enjoy this Christmas. Save It
Fluffy Santa Belly Donuts, glazed in red with chocolate belt detail, ready to enjoy this Christmas. | sunnyspoonful.com

Festive, pillowy donuts decorated to resemble Santas iconic red suit perfect for holiday breakfasts or parties.

I enjoy making these donuts during the holidays because they bring a festive spirit and delight everyone at the table.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour:
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar:
  • 2 tsp baking powder:
  • 1/2 tsp salt:
  • 1/2 cup whole milk:
  • 2 large eggs:
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted:
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract:
  • Vegetable oil: for frying
  • 2 cups powdered sugar:
  • 2 3 tbsp milk:
  • Red gel food coloring:
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or melted dark chocolate:
  • 8 yellow chocolate candies such as M&Ms or yellow fondant for belt buckles:

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Step 2:
In a separate bowl, mix milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Step 3:
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
Step 4:
Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
Step 5:
Using lightly floured hands, shape dough into 8 balls. Flatten slightly and use a floured bottle cap or small cutter to create holes in the center.
Step 6:
Fry donuts in batches, 1 2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and cool completely.
Step 7:
For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with 2 3 tbsp milk until smooth. Tint with red food coloring until vibrant.
Step 8:
Dip cooled donuts into red glaze and set on a rack. Let set 10 minutes.
Step 9:
For Santas belt, pipe or draw a horizontal line of melted chocolate or arrange mini chocolate chips across each donut. Add a yellow candy or fondant square in the center as the belt buckle.
Step 10:
Allow decorations to set before serving.
These vibrant Santa Belly Donuts show a rich red glaze with chocolate belt and yellow buckle. Save It
These vibrant Santa Belly Donuts show a rich red glaze with chocolate belt and yellow buckle. | sunnyspoonful.com

My family looks forward to these donuts every year creating sweet memories of holiday cheer and togetherness.

Notes

Pair with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, whisk, deep frying pan or Dutch oven, slotted spoon, cooling rack, piping bag or zip-top bag for decorating

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, and possible soy in chocolate products. Check all decorations for nut traces if allergies are a concern.

Warm, homemade Santa Belly Donuts, a cheerful holiday dessert, fresh from the frying pan. Save It
Warm, homemade Santa Belly Donuts, a cheerful holiday dessert, fresh from the frying pan. | sunnyspoonful.com

These Santa Belly Donuts add festive joy to your holiday celebrations and are sure to impress your guests.

Santa Belly Festive Donuts

Pillowy, festive donuts with red glaze and chocolate belts, ideal for holiday breakfasts or gatherings.

Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Duration
45 mins
Authored by Lana Bright

Recipe Type Sunrise Spoonfuls

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Style American

Recipe Yield 8 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Donuts

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 cup whole milk
06 2 large eggs
07 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
08 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frying

01 Vegetable oil, for frying

Decoration

01 2 cups powdered sugar
02 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
03 Red gel food coloring
04 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or melted dark chocolate
05 8 yellow chocolate candies or yellow fondant for belt buckles

Directions

Step 01

Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Step 02

Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.

Step 03

Form dough: Add the wet mixture to dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined without overmixing.

Step 04

Heat oil: Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F.

Step 05

Shape donuts: With lightly floured hands, shape dough into 8 balls, flatten slightly, then create holes in the center using a floured cutter or bottle cap.

Step 06

Fry donuts: Fry donuts in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and cool completely.

Step 07

Prepare glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons milk until smooth; tint with red gel food coloring until vibrant.

Step 08

Glaze donuts: Dip cooled donuts into the red glaze and place on a rack to set for 10 minutes.

Step 09

Decorate with belt: Pipe or draw a horizontal line of melted chocolate or arrange mini chocolate chips across each donut. Add a yellow candy or fondant square as the belt buckle.

Step 10

Set decorations: Allow decorations to set completely before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
  • Slotted spoon
  • Cooling rack
  • Piping bag or zip-top bag

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, and possible soy in chocolate products.
  • Check decorations for nut traces if allergies are a concern.

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

This nutritional data is for reference only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 310
  • Fats: 12 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 47 grams
  • Proteins: 5 grams