Donut Decorating

Shopping List

Donuts (pick 2-3 types):

• Plain glazed donuts
• Cake donuts (unfrosted)
• Old-fashioned donuts
• Donut holes
• Long johns (bar donuts)
• Croissant donuts

Frosting:

• Vanilla frosting
• Chocolate frosting
• Strawberry frosting
• Cream cheese frosting
• Food coloring to tint frosting

Toppings:

• Sprinkles (rainbow, chocolate, seasonal)
• Chocolate chips (mini and regular)
• Crushed Oreos
• Crushed candy bars
• M&Ms
• Reese's Pieces
• Crushed graham crackers
• Shredded coconut
• Chopped nuts (peanuts, pecans, almonds)
• Mini marshmallows
• Cereal (Fruity Pebbles, Cocoa Puffs)

Drizzles & Sauces:

• Chocolate syrup
• Caramel sauce
• Strawberry syrup
• White chocolate melts
• Nutella
• Peanut butter (melted)

Extras:

• Whipped cream
• Fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries)
• Bacon bits
• Edible glitter
• Candy eyes

Setup Instructions

Before Decorating:

1. Buy donuts: Get plain or lightly glazed donuts from local bakery or grocery store (1-2 per person)
2. Prep frosting: Divide canned frosting into bowls and tint with food coloring
3. Melt drizzles: If using chocolate melts, melt according to package directions
4. Arrange toppings: Put all toppings in small bowls with spoons
5. Set up stations: Give each person a plate, butter knife, and napkins

During the Activity:

1. Let everyone choose their donut(s)
2. Spread or dip donuts in frosting
3. Add toppings while frosting is still wet
4. Drizzle with sauces for finishing touch
5. Let dry for a few minutes before eating (if you can wait!)

Homemade Donut Glaze

Want to make your own glaze? Super easy!

Simple Vanilla Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Whisk all ingredients together until smooth
2. Adjust consistency: add more milk for thinner glaze, more sugar for thicker
3. Dip donuts face-down into glaze
4. Let excess drip off and place on wire rack

Chocolate Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Creative Donut Ideas

S'mores Donut:

• Chocolate frosting
• Mini marshmallows
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Chocolate drizzle

Cookies & Cream:

• Vanilla frosting
• Crushed Oreos on top
• White chocolate drizzle

Maple Bacon:

• Maple glaze (or vanilla frosting + maple extract)
• Crumbled bacon

Birthday Cake:

• White frosting
• Rainbow sprinkles
• Colorful candy pieces

Peanut Butter Cup:

• Chocolate frosting
• Drizzled peanut butter
• Chopped Reese's cups

Fruity Pebbles:

• Vanilla frosting
• Fruity Pebbles cereal
• Colorful and fun!

Salted Caramel:

• Caramel frosting
• Sea salt flakes
• Toffee bits

Donut Hole Variations

Donut holes are perfect for trying multiple flavors!

• Cinnamon Sugar: Roll in melted butter, then cinnamon sugar
• Powdered Sugar: Toss in powdered sugar
• Glazed: Dip in various colored glazes
• Chocolate Covered: Dip in melted chocolate and roll in toppings
• Cake Pop Style: Put on stick, dip in frosting, add sprinkles

Tips for Success

• Buy fresh: Get donuts the day of your activity for best results
• Warm slightly: Microwave donuts for 5-10 seconds to make frosting stick better
• Frosting tip: Microwave canned frosting for 10-15 seconds for easier spreading
• Less mess: Put parchment paper under decorating area for easy cleanup
• Variety: Get a mix of donut types so everyone has options
• Quantity: Plan for 2 donuts per person
• Take photos: Snap pictures before everyone devours their creations!

Activity Ideas

• Donut decorating contest with categories (Most Creative, Best Use of Color, Prettiest, etc.)
• Recreate famous donut shop styles (Krispy Kreme, Dunkin', etc.)
• Mystery ingredient challenge - everyone must use a specific topping
• Partner decorating - decorate a donut for your partner based on their personality
• Seasonal themes (Christmas, Halloween, Valentine's Day)
• Donut hole skewer creations - make patterns on sticks
• Create donut "faces" or characters
• Pair with coffee/hot chocolate bar

Why Donut Decorating is Perfect for FHE

• Quick: No baking required - just buy and decorate!
• Easy cleanup: Minimal mess compared to other baking activities
• All ages: Kids and adults all enjoy decorating
• Budget-friendly: Donuts are inexpensive
• Flexible: Can accommodate any group size
• Interactive: Everyone participates in hands-on activity
• Instant gratification: Eat your creation right away!