Rounding out this week of St. Patrick’s Day ideas, here are three simple and fun ways to dress up store-bought or homemade donuts for March 17th. From Lucky Charms to gold and rainbows, these quick techniques add festive flair without fuss.
Lucky Charms Donuts
One childhood favorite—Lucky Charms—meets a glazed donut. Use plain glazed donuts as your base. To make the cereal adhere, spread a thin layer of extra glaze or frosting on top; you can use your usual glaze recipe or try a cereal-milk glaze for extra flavor. Immediately after glazing, press the marshmallows and cereal pieces onto the donut so they stick before the glaze sets. This is a playful, nostalgic topping that’s quick to assemble and great for kids and adults alike.
Gold-Dipped Donuts
Gold-dipped donuts are elegant and surprisingly simple. Frost your donuts with a dark chocolate or vanilla glaze, then add edible gold accents. Options include brushing on gold pearl dust mixed with a tiny amount of clear alcohol or lemon extract, using an edible gold spray for an even coating, or applying edible gold leaf for a dramatic finish. Use a clean, food-safe brush to paint the pearl dust onto the frosting for a precise look. This technique turns ordinary donuts into showstoppers—perfect for a centerpiece or special treat.
Rainbow Sprinkle Donuts
Rainbow sprinkle donuts are a classic, but separating the colors gives them a fresh twist. Rather than sorting sprinkles yourself, look for assortments that come with colors already divided into small containers or compartments. Frost your donuts, then lightly brush the glaze with a few drops of water so the sprinkles have something to stick to if the glaze has already set. Press one color at a time onto sections of the donut for neat, bold color bands that mimic a rainbow.
Photos by Studio DIY
Which version will you try this St. Patrick’s Day? All three make great options to serve at parties, classroom treats, or just because.