All you need is horses and donuts! Bake some up and take them to the barn—there’s plenty to go around. This recipe makes about 12 three-inch horse treat donuts and is a great way to kick off those morning rides. Your horse will certainly think so!
This recipe contains only horse-safe ingredients, but be sure to speak with your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your horse, particularly if he has a health condition that makes him sensitive to sugar.
Ingredients
Dough:
◆ 3 ½ cups flour
â—† 2 cups molasses
â—† 2 tsp cinnamon
Frosting:
â—† 1 cup powdered sugar
â—† Water
â—† Sprinkles & sugar for decorating (optional)
Baking the Donuts
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325° F.
Step 2: Mix flour and cinnamon in a large bowl.
Step 3: Add in molasses and mix together. If your dough is too runny, add a little bit more flour. If your dough is too dry, add a little bit more molasses until the mixture reaches a dough-like consistency.
Step 4: Flour a flat surface. Using a rolling pin, roll out your dough.
Step 5: Using a round cookie cutter or glass/cup, cut out your donuts. Use a smaller cookie cutter or smaller glass/cup to cut out the donut hole.Â
Step 6: Place donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.Â
Step 7: Bake for 10-15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.Â
Frosting & Decorating
Step 1: While your donuts cool, slowly mix small amounts of water with the powdered sugar until you have a smooth, slightly liquid-like consistency.
Step 2: Once the donuts have cooled, transfer to a cooling rack.Â
Step 3: One at a time, dip each donut upside down into the frosting. Swirl it around and then carefully lift it up, letting the excess frosting drip off.Â
Step 4: Place on the cooling rack, right-side up, and decorate with sprinkles or sugar (optional).
Step 5: Let dry and then take to the barn as a fun treat for your horse!
This article about DIY horse treat donuts appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!
