Spicy Carrot Doughnuts

These spicy carrot doughnuts are fun to make and are great for Halloween parties.

Cool Carrot Doughnuts

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon allspice
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/3 cup milk
1 cup carrots, shredded
vegetable oil

Icing:

2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons orange juice
3 tablespoons carrots, grated
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1-2 drops orange food coloring (or yellow and red)

In a bowl, combine 2 cups flour with the dry ingredients (baking powder,baking soda, spices, and salt).

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until smooth. Add eggs and beat until light and fluffy. Next add flour mixture a spoonful at a time, then a spoonful of milk, mixing as you go. Next add carrots and stir. Add the rest of the flour about a half a cup at a time and stir until well blended.

Turn out dough onto a clean counter or board that is dusted with flour. Roll dough so it is about 1/2 inch thick. Use a doughnut cutter to cut out doughnut shapes.

In a deep fryer or deep saucepan heat oil to about 375F degrees. (Be sure to have an adult do this part or help you with the frying.) Carefully lower 2 or 3 doughnuts into the oil and cook. The doughnuts will rise up to the top, then turn them over. Should take only a minute or two on each side.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the doughnuts. Drain on paper towels. Glaze donuts with icing. Cover with Halloween sprinkles or chocolate sprinkles. You can also make a face (two eyes and a mouth) with chocolate icing.