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    Home Β» Desserts Β» Guinness Doughnuts with Irish Whiskey Frosting

    Feb 12, 2019 Β· Modified: Feb 24, 2021 by Sues Β· This post may contain affiliate links, uses cookies, and generates income via ads Β· View privacy policy + disclosure statement linked in footer Β· 34 Comments

    Guinness Doughnuts with Irish Whiskey Frosting

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    These Guinness Doughnuts with Irish Whiskey Frosting are incredibly moist and perfectly potent, making for a superb St. Patrick's Day celebration.

    Stack of four Guinness doughnuts with baking rack with more doughnuts in the background, a tall can of Guinness beer, glitter shamrocks, and the recipe title at the top of the image

    (This recipe for Guinness Doughnuts with Irish Whiskey Frosting was originally published in March 2013, but was updated with new photos and content in 2019).

    Am I a bad part Irish Bostonian if I say I'm not really a huge fan of St. Patrick's Day? Probably. I'm also probably a 93-year-old. Because I think it's really just that I don't like holidays on which people feel the need to get ridiculously drunk for no apparent reason, which is exactly what so many Bostonians do. 

    Of course, this is not to say I can't get into the St. Patrick's Day eating (corned beef!) and drinking spirit. You know I enjoy a cocktail or five myself. And now that I'm a 30-something living in the suburbs, there's a lot less pressure to go crazy, which allows me to enjoy the finer things about St. Patrick's Day... Like wearing green, eating green foods, and drinking a couple Irish libations (but no green beer, please!).

    And so you won't be surprised to hear that these doughnuts contain two types of alcohol between the cake and the frosting. And yes, that frosting? Let's just say the whiskey was diluted by NOTHING, which is exactly how it should be. Potent.

    I'm not really sure what kind of transition I just made here. From talking about how I hate drunken holiday stereotypes to discussing the green alcohol-laden doughnuts I just made. But come on, whether you're a St. Patrick's Day lover or not, you can enjoy one of these. Or ten.

    And considering I'm talking about St. Patrick's Day a month out, I must not dislike it that much (I have another recipe coming at you next week!). But really, you can make these Guinness doughnuts any day of the year... You may just want to go with a frosting that's not quite so vibrantly green.

    How to Make Guinness Doughnuts

    As much as I wanted the beer flavor to come through in these Guinness donuts, I also knew it would be a little bit too much if there wasn't another flavor profile. I figured chocolate would be perfect, but opted for chocolate milk for a lighter creamier chocolate as opposed to a cocoa powder. I used chocolate soy milk, but you can use any milk or dairy alternative.

    Baked doughnuts are like really ridiculously easy to make and these baked Guinness doughnuts are no exception. I couldn't even believe how quickly they came together. And let me tell you, I am not speedy in the kitchen.

    Start by whisking the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. And then combining the wet ingredients in a separate large bowl, including the Guinness and chocolate milk.

    Stir the wet ingredients into the dry. This is where you need to be careful to stir just until the ingredients are combined, taking great care not to over-mix. Over-mixing your batter will give you cakey doughnuts, which is a big reason why people say they don't love baked doughnuts. Too cakey is not good!

    Spray your doughnut pan with oil and fill about ΒΎ of the way full with batter.

    Collage showing process for making baked doughnuts, including wet ingredients in a bowl, wet and dry ingredients combined in a bowl, and batter in a doughnut pan

    And bake the donuts for 8-10 minutes at 325 degrees until they're cooked through and light and springy to the touch. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing to cooling racks. Repeat with second batch of doughnuts (if your doughnut pan only holds six).

    Remember, you want your Guinness doughnuts to be completely cooled before frosting! Otherwise…. disaster.

    How to Make Irish Whiskey Frosting

    If you thought those doughnuts were easy, wait till you see this Irish whiskey frosting. Pretty much all you need to do is whisk all the ingredients together.

    And then add a little bit of food coloring and stir to combine. The first time I made these, I went with a super light green whiskey frosting, but this time I decided to go all out and be bright and bold!

    Overhead view of bright green Irish whiskey frosting in a bowl

    Other Varieties of Beer Doughnuts

    Don't have Guinness? Want beer doughnuts in October and not on St. Patrick's Day? The good news is that you can use any beer in these doughnuts. You can substitute regular milk for chocolate milk in the batter (if chocolate doesn't go with the beer choice) and substitute milk for the Irish whiskey in the frosting (or you can use another flavoring of choice).

    Some of my favorite options are:

    • Chocolate Stout Doughnuts: Guinness is a delicious stout, but chocolate stout adds even more chocolate-y flavor.
    • Coffee Porter Doughnuts: Coffee and chocolate? Sign me up! (p.s. peanut butter porter works, too)
    • Holiday Spiced Beer Doughnuts: During the holiday season with some holiday sprinkles on top, holiday spiced beer doughnuts are perfect.

    But I should also say that Guinness doughnuts with Irish whiskey frosting can be enjoyed any time of year and not just on St. Patrick's Day.

    Once the Irish whiskey frosting is made, you're done! Well, you still have to frost the doughnuts. Which is probably the most difficult part of this whole shenanigans. The frosting is drippy and messy. And green. But in a really good way.

    I also recommend adding some festive sprinkles. Gold would be pretty, but I loved my mix from Sweetapolita!

    Overhead view of bright green Guinness doughnuts with colorful sprinkles on a baking rack

    Smelling the whiskey frosting might get you a little tipsy though. So, I'm not sure what that says about tasting it? Yes, it's potent. I briefly considered mixing some vanilla or something into the frosting, but then said no.

    The Irish would not approve of that. And the sugar does a good job of balancing the liquor.

    I mean, not that the Irish would probably approve of adding chocolate soy milk to Guinness donuts. But oh well. Just focus on the Guinness people...

    Overhead view of a stack of Guinness doughnuts with bright green Irish whiskey frosting and sprinkles on a marble surface with glitter shamrocks and can of Guinness beer in the background

    Whenever I make baked doughnuts, it's always my goal to make a doughnut that's super moist rather than cakey and dense.

    These definitely succeeded. Thank you Guinness and soy milk. And the care I took in not over-mixing the batter (LOL).

    More St. Patrick's Day Desserts

    Guinness donuts make the most perfect St. Patrick Day dessert (or breakfast... shhh), but if they're not quite your thing or you want to make multiple treats, I have lots of desserts perfect for your March 17 celebrations! Here are some of my favorites:

    • Lucky Charms Cookie Dough Bars
    • Mint Macarons with Bailey's Buttercream
    • Lucky Charms Ice Cream
    • Chocolate Stout Cupcakes with Irish Whiskey Filling
    • Lucky Charms Donuts
    • Chocolate Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcakes
    • Lucky Charms Granola Bars
    • Shamrock Pretzel Sticks (from No Plate Like Home)
    • Mint Chocolate Chip Truffles (from Sweet and Savory Meals)
    Head-on closeup view of three Guinness doughnuts stacked with green frosting and sprinkles and baking rack with more doughnuts in the background with glitter shamrocks

    You can go out and drink a ton on St. Patrick's Day (might I recommend a Lucky Charms Martini??). Or you can sit home and eat a bunch of these Guinness doughnuts. Wait, I don't think either of those options is overly healthy. But maybe you could just go out for a little bit and then come home and eat ONE of these?

    That sounds more reasonable.

    Stack of four Guinness doughnuts with baking rack with more doughnuts in the background, a tall can of Guinness beer and glitter shamrocks on marble surface

    But you've got to make them. Because I'm pretty sure they don't sell anything like this at Dunkin' Donuts. Annnd they'd probably be sued if they did based on the alcohol content. And then Boston would get a whole lot rowdier.

    How do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

    Stack of 3 Guinness doughnuts with bright green Irish whiskey frosting on a platter with Shamrock's and a can of Guinness with more donuts in the background

    Guinness Doughnuts with Irish Whiskey Frosting

    These Guinness Doughnuts with Irish Whiskey Frosting are incredibly moist and perfectly potent, making for a superb St. Patrick's Day celebration.
    No ratings yet
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    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American, Eclectic, Irish
    Keyword: Baked Donuts, Baked Doughnuts, Beer Desserts, Guinness Desserts, St. Patrick's Day Dessert, St. Patrick's Day Recipes
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Makes: 12 doughnuts
    Author: Sues

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • ΒΎ cup granulated sugar
    • 2 tsp baking powder
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 2 large eggs
    • 2 Tbsp melted unsalted butter
    • β…” cup Guinness
    • ΒΌ cup chocolate milk (can use soy or other dairy alternative)
    • 1 batch Irish Whiskey Frosting (recipe below)
    • Sprinkles (optional)

    Irish Whiskey Frosting

    • 2 cups confectioners' sugar
    • 1 Β½ Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
    • ΒΌ tsp salt
    • 4-5 Tbsp Irish whiskey
    • 1-3 drops green food coloring

    Instructions

    • Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees and lightly spray a doughnut pan with cooking oil.
    • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
    • In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, Guinness, and chocolate milk.
    • Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined, taking care not to over-mix. 
    • Fill each cavity in the doughnut pan about ΒΎ of the way with batter. I like to put batter in a plastic bag, cut off the corner, and squeeze the batter into the doughnut pan (you could also use a pastry bag).
    • Bake doughnuts for 8-10 minutes until they're cooked through and light and springy to the touch. Let cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing to cooling racks to cool completely. Repeat with second batch of doughnuts (if your doughnut pan only holds six). 
    • Once doughnuts are completely cooled, frost with Irish whiskey frosting and add sprinkles, if desired.

    Irish Whiskey Frosting

    • In a large bowl, whisk together confectioners' sugar, softened butter, salt, and 4 Tbsp whiskey until well combined. If frosting is still too thick, add additional Tbsp of whiskey.
    • Add green food coloring 1 drop at a time and stir until it's blended and desired color is achieved. 
    Share a Photo of Your Finished Recipe!Mention @wearenotmartha and share a photo if you've made the recipe!

    View web story for this recipe.

    Guinness Doughnuts with Irish Whiskey Frosting -- These Guinness chocolate donuts are incredibly moist and perfectly potent, making for a superb St. Patrick's Day celebration | wearenotmartha.com #stpatricksday #doughnuts #donuts #guinness #whiskey #beer
    Guinness Doughnuts with Irish Whiskey Frosting -- These Guinness chocolate donuts are incredibly moist and perfectly potent, making for a superb St. Patrick's Day celebration | wearenotmartha.com #stpatricksday #doughnuts #donuts #guinness #whiskey #beer
    Guinness Doughnuts with Irish Whiskey FrostingGuinness Doughnuts with Irish Whiskey FrostingGuinness Doughnuts with Irish Whiskey FrostingGuinness Doughnuts with Irish Whiskey Frosting
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Simply Life says

      March 13, 2013 at 8:03 am

      I would much rather get up early and celebrate this holiday with these for breakfast than stay out late!

    2. Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says

      March 13, 2013 at 8:36 am

      You just justified alcohol for breakfast. Love it.

    3. leslie says

      March 13, 2013 at 8:41 am

      These are festive little yummies!

    4. Odetta says

      March 13, 2013 at 9:18 am

      These would make me love St. Patty's Day! Nothing like a shot of whiskey.. Top o' the Mornin' to ya!

    5. Kelly Senyei | Just a Taste says

      March 13, 2013 at 9:34 am

      Oh my heavens! Yes, please! How do I go about ordering one to have with my coffee right now? πŸ™‚

    6. Marie says

      March 13, 2013 at 9:56 am

      Will you deliver locally? I'd like a couple of those sent to my office in downtown STAT!

    7. Monique says

      March 13, 2013 at 10:34 am

      I NEED A DONUT pan!!!
      although, DBF and i are trying to slim down a bit before MEXICO! but this is def on the list for after!
      I love when you make donuts- they are one of the ultimate comfort foods.
      My all time favorite though is a blueberry cake donut. If you visit NYC, you must go to Doughnut Plant. best cake donuts ever!

    8. Ashley says

      March 13, 2013 at 11:58 am

      Holy crow, you rocked my socks off. I know what I'm making for my coworkers and Eric this weekend! In addition to soda bread and twice baked potatoes with corned beef - those are my plans!

    9. Michelle Collins says

      March 13, 2013 at 2:47 pm

      Great minds! πŸ˜‰ These look so festive. This St. Patrick's Day I think we're going to head into Boston, but won't be doing anything too exciting.

    10. Gia Grossman says

      March 13, 2013 at 3:23 pm

      How awesome! Doughnuts are good as is but with beer and whiskey they are even better!

    11. Kitchen Belleicious says

      March 13, 2013 at 4:07 pm

      how fun! How cute! and how Delicious

    12. peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says

      March 13, 2013 at 7:16 pm

      That is also my husband's view about St. Patrick's day. Those donuts are pretty, specially the ones with gold sprinkles!

    13. Maggie @ A Bitchin' Kitchen says

      March 13, 2013 at 8:49 pm

      These donuts look delicious and so festive!

    14. Megan says

      March 13, 2013 at 9:01 pm

      I think these doughnuts might be one of the best ways I've ever heard of to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

    15. Jessica - The Novice Chef says

      March 13, 2013 at 9:03 pm

      EEK! Y'all know how much I love doughnuts...and I already have some Guinness in my fridge. Meant to be!! πŸ™‚

    16. Reeni says

      March 13, 2013 at 9:42 pm

      These are true beauties - boozy beauties! I wouldn't mind staying home with them We celebrated St. Patrick's day today with corned beef hash and a green cake - early so I could blog them.

    17. Juliana says

      March 14, 2013 at 12:08 am

      Cool doughnuts...especially with the whiskey frosting...perfect for St. Patrick's Day.
      Hope you are having a wonderful week πŸ™‚

    18. Joanne says

      March 14, 2013 at 6:37 am

      Ha! I'm celebrating St. patrick's day by running a half marathon...so yeah. in reality I'm totally ignoring the holiday...except through food! LOVE these doughnuts. Maybe I'll make them for breakfast after the race!

    19. Jenn says

      March 14, 2013 at 8:56 am

      Oh my word... those look amazing!! I think the only way they could possibly get any better is if you topped them with some crumbed chocolate covered bacon!!! lol YUM!!!

    20. Erica says

      March 14, 2013 at 11:47 am

      STOP! These look awesome (and I'm not even a doughnut fan!). I doubt we'll celebrate...we're lame πŸ˜‰

    21. Shannon says

      March 14, 2013 at 4:28 pm

      haha, these look awesome πŸ™‚ i think my mom will make some corned beef and cabbage, so luckily enough i'll be home to enjoy it!

    22. Lillian says

      March 14, 2013 at 5:37 pm

      These look amazing I will definitely make these Saturday morning. I have to ask, why soy milk and not regular chocolate milk?

    23. Susan says

      March 14, 2013 at 6:25 pm

      Well, you're Irish enough to like alcohol so you're okay πŸ™‚ Love these and the green frosting!

    24. The Duo Dishes says

      March 14, 2013 at 7:42 pm

      Another bad reality show! Oh man. Maybe, if you see them filming, you can toss a few of these green-frosted donuts of the cast? That's probably not nice. It might be better just to enjoy the donut and share them with a few others!

    25. Sues says

      March 14, 2013 at 7:51 pm

      @Lillian- I just love Silk Chocolate Soy Milk! But regular chocolate milk should definitely work here, too πŸ™‚

    26. Sues says

      March 14, 2013 at 7:52 pm

      @The Duo Dishes- I definitely just laughed out loud. Totally going to find them so I can throw doughnuts at them! πŸ™‚

    27. Pam says

      March 14, 2013 at 8:22 pm

      I could go for one of the doughnuts right now. They look very festive and I can imagine how good they are. I am celebrating the day by NOT going into Chicago. The last time we did that it was a nightmare and I imagine it's probably as bad as Boston, and probably worse on that day!

    28. Aimee @ ShugarySweets says

      March 15, 2013 at 7:31 am

      A little guiness donuts for breakfast? I'm on board!

    29. alex says

      March 17, 2013 at 12:40 am

      these look great! I need to get a donut pan!

    30. Leah | So, How's It Taste? says

      March 21, 2013 at 9:01 pm

      Well, if you're going to drink, why not do it in a dessert?! This recipe has my name all over it. Love whiskey, I have leftover Guinness from another recipe, and I was just staring at my donut pan thinking it's been too long since I've made donuts. Problem solved!

    31. Pauline says

      March 17, 2014 at 8:20 pm

      These are amazing! I only have a donut hole pan and I've eaten 5 while they cool. Thanks for the recipe. Slainte.

    32. Noelle says

      February 12, 2019 at 3:05 pm

      5 stars
      So festive! Love this recipe

    33. Molly Kumar says

      February 12, 2019 at 4:35 pm

      5 stars
      They look soooo pretty n loved making them.

    34. Ben Myhre says

      February 16, 2019 at 10:21 am

      I love this idea! Such a great way to combine booze into our St. Paddy's day treats!

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    Hi and thanks for visiting! I started We are not Martha to show you how to make recipes that impress without stress, including easy weeknight dinners, delightful desserts, + lots of cocktails.

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