# What you'll need:
→ Donuts
01 - 36 mini glazed donuts (store-bought or homemade), room temperature
→ Icing
02 - 2 cups powdered sugar
03 - 3–4 tablespoons whole milk
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Decorations
05 - 1/2 cup assorted colorful sprinkles
06 - Edible gold stars, optional
07 - Graduation-themed toothpick toppers, optional
→ Assembly
08 - One 12-inch foam cone or cone-shaped tower base
09 - Wooden skewers or toothpicks
10 - Serving platter or cake stand
# Method:
01 - Allow freshly made or store-bought donuts to come to room temperature so icing adheres evenly.
02 - Whisk powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk and vanilla in a bowl until smooth and pourable; add the remaining tablespoon of milk only if the icing is too thick.
03 - Invert each donut and dip the top into the icing, letting excess drip back into the bowl; immediately press the iced surface into sprinkles so they adhere, then set on a rack or parchment to set for about 15 minutes.
04 - Place the foam cone on the serving platter or cake stand and ensure it sits level and stable before beginning assembly.
05 - Starting at the base of the cone, impale each donut through its center with a short wooden skewer or toothpick and secure it to the cone, arranging donuts closely to form a solid bottom ring.
06 - Stack subsequent rings slightly overlapping the previous row, trimming or halving donuts with a knife where needed for a snug fit; continue until the cone is fully covered and the tower narrows naturally toward the top.
07 - Tuck extra donuts into any gaps for an even appearance, then scatter additional sprinkles or press edible stars into visible surfaces for added sparkle.
08 - Place a graduation-themed topper at the summit, present immediately or cover and keep at room temperature for up to 2 hours before serving.
