Introduction
The holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy warm, festive treats, and what better way to celebrate than with baked Christmas donuts? These delightful treats are not only easy to make but also bursting with the flavors of the season, from cinnamon and nutmeg to vanilla and chocolate. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cozy family gathering, or simply treating yourself, this recipe will guide you through making the most delicious, fluffy, and festive donuts.
Unlike traditional fried donuts, these are baked, making them a slightly healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor. Plus, decorating them with festive icing, sprinkles, and holiday-inspired toppings will make them the highlight of your dessert table!
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
- 1/4 cup applesauce (for extra moisture, optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green food coloring (optional)
Decorations (Optional but Fun!):
- Christmas sprinkles
- Crushed candy canes
- White chocolate drizzle
- Mini chocolate chips
- Shredded coconut (for a snowy effect)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan or use a non-stick spray to ensure easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then, add the buttermilk and applesauce, mixing until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts dense instead of light and fluffy.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the donut molds, filling each about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the donuts for 10-12 minutes, or until they spring back when lightly pressed. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Prepare the Glaze
Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. If desired, divide the glaze into separate bowls and add a few drops of red and green food coloring for a festive touch.
Step 8: Dip and Decorate!
Dip each donut into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and immediately add Christmas sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or any toppings of your choice.
Allow the glaze to set for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Variations & Flavor Twists
1. Chocolate Peppermint Donuts
Swap out 1/2 cup of flour for cocoa powder and add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract to the wet ingredients. Top with crushed candy canes for a minty twist!
2. Gingerbread Spice Donuts
Add 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves to the dry ingredients for a festive gingerbread flavor. A molasses drizzle makes them even more special!
3. Eggnog Glaze
Replace the milk in the glaze with eggnog and add a pinch of nutmeg for a true holiday flavor.
4. Maple Pecan Donuts
Add 1/4 cup chopped pecans to the batter and swap vanilla extract for maple extract for a nutty-sweet flavor.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
If you’re planning to bake these ahead of time, here’s how to store them:
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerated: They last up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Freezer-Friendly: Wrap donuts individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes or warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
For best results, glaze and decorate right before serving to keep them fresh and visually appealing.
Fun Ways to Serve Christmas Donuts
- Hot Cocoa & Donuts Bar – Serve these donuts with a DIY hot chocolate bar featuring marshmallows, whipped cream, and cinnamon sticks.
- Holiday Brunch Treat – Pair with pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fruit for a festive Christmas breakfast.
- Gift Boxes – Arrange these donuts in decorative boxes with ribbons for a homemade holiday gift.
- Kids’ Decorating Party – Let kids decorate their own donuts with icing, sprinkles, and candy toppings.
The Tradition of Christmas Baking
Baking is an essential part of the Christmas season, bringing families together in the kitchen to create sweet memories. Donuts are a fun alternative to traditional cookies and cakes, offering an easy and creative way to celebrate the holiday spirit. Many cultures have their own variations of holiday donuts, from Italian zeppole to German Berliner, each adding a unique twist to the festive season.
Incorporating homemade donuts into your Christmas traditions can be a great way to spend quality time with loved ones, teaching kids the joy of baking and sharing delicious treats with family and friends.
Final Thoughts
Baking Christmas donuts is a fun and festive way to bring joy to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family tradition, or just to satisfy a seasonal craving, these donuts are guaranteed to be a hit. With easy-to-find ingredients and endless decorating possibilities, they’re the perfect addition to any Christmas spread.
So, preheat that oven, grab your donut pan, and get baking! Merry Christmas and happy baking! 🎄🍩🎅