While I’m off being a newlywed, I’ve invited some schnazy talented pals of mine to share DIYs, recipes and more to get you ready for Thanksgiving (and beyond!). Today Ashley of Sugar & Cloth is taking over!
Hey, it’s Ashley from Sugar & Cloth here! Since we’re all Studio DIY fans, I’d say it’s safe to assume we’re also fans of color… and donuts, of course. With Thanksgiving around the corner, I gave an old-fashioned cake donut recipe a colorful twist using a wishbone cookie cutter for a playful, festive spin.
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cup sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more if dough is sticky)
About 2 cups neutral oil (for frying)
Wishbone cookie cutter
Your favorite icing, glaze, or cinnamon sugar for topping
Method:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Beat briefly, then add the eggs, milk, and melted butter, mixing until smooth.
2. Stir in 3 cups of flour and mix until incorporated. Add the remaining cup of flour and continue to beat until the dough is soft and slightly sticky but firm enough to handle. If the dough is too soft—especially in humid conditions—add up to an additional 1/2 cup flour.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for two hours to firm up.
4. When ready, heat about 1 inch of oil in a large metal pan to 360°F (182°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
5. Work with half the dough at a time. On a floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness and cut wishbone shapes with the cookie cutter.
6. Carefully lower the shapes into the hot oil in small batches. Flip them as they puff and continue turning until evenly golden; total cooking time is roughly 2–3 minutes per batch depending on your stove and oil temperature.
7. Transfer cooked donuts to paper towels or paper plates to drain excess oil.
8. Once slightly cooled, dip each wishbone donut into your chosen glaze or icing. For a clean line, dip across a rounded-edge plate so the icing coats evenly, then finish with sprinkles if desired.
All photos by Jared Smith
These wishbone donuts bring color and whimsy to Thanksgiving morning, and they’re a fun activity for kids who will love trying to grab the bigger end. A friendly warning to parents: prepare for sugar-fueled excitement.
Thanks so much, Ashley! For more DIYs and recipes, check out Sugar & Cloth.