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Crispy Shamrock Donuts Recipe Easy Homemade Treat with Glaze and Crunchy Toppings

crispy shamrock donuts - featured image

These Crispy Shamrock Donuts feature a perfect balance of a crispy exterior and soft, pillowy interior, topped with a sweet glaze and crunchy festive toppings. Ideal for St. Patrick’s Day or any celebration, they are quick, easy, and nostalgic treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 ½ teaspoons (10g) baking powder
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
  • ¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 3 tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
  • A few drops green food coloring (optional)
  • 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) milk (whole or dairy-free)
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (60g) chopped pistachios or almonds, toasted
  • ¼ cup (30g) festive green sprinkles
  • 2 tablespoons (12g) shredded coconut, lightly toasted (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together sifted flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt until evenly mixed.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and green food coloring if using; whisk until smooth.
  3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
  4. Cover dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to firm up.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to maintain temperature.
  6. Lightly flour work surface and roll dough to about ½-inch thickness; cut shamrock shapes using a donut cutter or two round cutters.
  7. Carefully fry donuts in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy; flip gently with a slotted spoon.
  8. Drain fried donuts on a wire rack over paper towels and let cool for 5 minutes.
  9. Prepare glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
  10. Dip tops of donuts into glaze, let excess drip off, then immediately sprinkle with toasted nuts, green sprinkles, and optional toasted coconut.
  11. Place donuts back on rack and let glaze set for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F (175°C) to avoid greasy or burnt donuts. Chill dough before cutting to maintain shape and crispiness. Use fresh oil for best flavor. Glaze donuts while slightly warm for better absorption. Toast nuts and coconut before topping for extra flavor and crunch. Donuts can be baked at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes as a lighter alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: shamrock donuts, crispy donuts, homemade donuts, St. Patrick's Day treats, glazed donuts, festive donuts, easy donut recipe