If you're in the mood for a festive treat that feels like a warm holiday hug, this Christmas Donuts Recipe fits the bill perfectly. Ideal for a cozy winter morning or an after-dinner indulgence during the holiday season, these donuts deliver that classic cinnamon-nutmeg aroma with a glossy vanilla glaze and a pop of cheerful sprinkles that instantly lift your spirits.
Jump to:
What Sets This Apart
This Christmas Donuts Recipe stands out because it perfectly balances festive spices with a light, tender crumb. You're not just baking donuts; you're creating memories with each bite, thanks to the subtle hint of orange juice that complements the cinnamon and nutmeg beautifully.
- Consistent Results: The recipe's simple ratios and clear instructions reliably yield moist, fluffy donuts every time, even if you're new to baking donuts.
- Rich, Balanced Flavor: The warm spices and optional fresh orange juice brighten the flavor without overwhelming the classic vanilla glaze.
- Pantry-First Ingredients: With common baking staples like flour, eggs, and spices, you won't need a special trip to the store.
- Weeknight Friendly: From start to finish, it takes just about 30 minutes, so you can whip these up without special planning.
Ingredient Snapshot
Choosing quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference in this Christmas Donuts Recipe. I always opt for fresh spices and real buttermilk to achieve that tender, juicy crumb and warm holiday flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Make sure it's fresh and not overly sifted; it provides the structure and lightness.
- Granulated sugar: Regular white sugar works best to balance sweetness and caramelization.
- Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: Freshly ground spices elevate the aroma and flavor.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture; fresh buttermilk or cultured works great.
- Butter: Unsalted and melted, for richness and a slightly crisp exterior.
- Vanilla extract: Real vanilla ensures depth in the glaze and batter.
- Orange juice (optional): Adds a fragrant, festive brightness but feel free to skip it if you don't have any.
- Powdered sugar: For a flawlessly smooth glaze that sets to a light sheen.
- Milk or heavy cream: Use cream if you want a richer, more decadent glaze.
- Sprinkles: Red and green for that signature holiday pop, optional but always fun.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Christmas Donuts Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing your donut pan - this simple step ensures your donuts come out cleanly without sticking. Meanwhile, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. You'll notice the spices release their cozy aromas as you stir, which is always a signal that holiday magic is underway.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the optional orange juice. I find the orange juice adds a lovely brightness, but it's totally fine if you want to keep things classic. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mix - aim to just combine to keep your donuts tender and fluffy. Overmixing can make them tough, so stop when they're glossy and barely combined.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
Fill your greased donut pan about three-quarters full - I like using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a snipped corner for neatness. Bake for 12-15 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and tops are golden but not browned. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set before transferring to a wire rack. While they cool completely, mix up your glaze until silky smooth, then gently dip each donut top to coat it. The glaze should hold a glossy finish once set.
Cook's Notes & Tricks
When I first tried this Christmas Donuts Recipe, I quickly realized the importance of timing your glaze right. Glazing donuts while slightly warm can cause the sugar to melt unevenly, so waiting until they're fully cooled makes a huge difference. Also, if you're using orange juice, fresh works best - it gives a subtle zing that feels surprisingly festive.
- Doneness Cue: Look for donuts that spring back when gently pressed and a toothpick that comes out clean.
- Temperature Trick: Let donuts cool fully before glazing to keep the glaze shiny and smooth.
- Make-Ahead Move: Donuts can be baked a day ahead and stored at room temperature, then glazed just before serving.
- Avoid This Pitfall: Don't overmix batter - it's tempting, but it'll make your donuts dense and chewy.
Serve & Enjoy
Finishing Touches
I love finishing these Christmas donuts with a handful of red and green sprinkles while the glaze is still wet. It's the little festive touch that makes them feel special even if you're making these on a regular weekday. You can also try finely chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon sugar if you want to mix things up.
Pairs Beautifully With
These donuts shine alongside a hot cup of spiced chai tea or rich coffee, balancing sweetness with warm, aromatic drinks. If you're serving them for breakfast, a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream adds freshness and lightness to the plate.
Simple Plating Wins
Spread out the glazed donuts on a festive platter with pine sprigs or cinnamon sticks for color and scent. For smaller gatherings, stack them in a tiered stand or wrap individually in clear bags tied with twine to give as charming homemade gifts.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheat
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft and moist. If your kitchen is warm or humid, a fridge helps extend freshness, but the donuts might firm up slightly - you'll want to rewarm gently before serving.
Freezing Tips
These donuts freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently before glazing to preserve their fresh-baked texture.
Reheating Christmas Donuts Recipe Without Drying Out
The best way to warm these donuts is in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes, wrapped loosely in foil to retain moisture. A quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave is fine too, but be mindful not to overheat or they'll dry out quickly. An air fryer at 320°F for 3-4 minutes also brings back that fresh-baked softness and lightly toasted edges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet as small drop donuts or use a muffin tin as a loose substitute. The shape and baking time will differ slightly, so keep a close eye on doneness.
Yes, if you don't have buttermilk, mix ¾ cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using-this adds the tang and acidity that helps the donuts rise perfectly.
Start with less milk when mixing your glaze and add it slowly. The glaze should be thick enough to coat but still smooth. If it's too runny, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it back up.
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with cardamom, ginger, or even a splash of almond extract for a twist. Just keep the balance so the classic Christmas Donuts Recipe flavor remains comforting.
Final Thoughts
Making this Christmas Donuts Recipe has become one of my favorite holiday rituals-it's quick, reliable, and brings that cozy festive spirit into the kitchen with minimal fuss. You'll enjoy the way the spices wrap around each donut like a warm scarf, and how the glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness without overwhelming. Give it a try-you might just find yourself baking these year-round, not just at Christmas.
PrintFull Recipe
Christmas Donuts Recipe
This festive Christmas Donuts recipe brings holiday cheer with soft, spiced donuts glazed with a sweet vanilla icing and decorated with colorful sprinkles. Perfect for a seasonal breakfast or holiday treat, these baked donuts combine warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors with a hint of orange for a delightful festive twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice (optional, for a festive flavor)
For the Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoon milk (or heavy cream for a richer glaze)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or lightly spray a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Donut Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and orange juice if using. Gradually combine the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined without overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
- Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about ¾ full to allow space for rising without overflow.
- Bake the Donuts: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the donuts cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and glossy.
- Glaze the Donuts: Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Return them to the wire rack to let the glaze set for a few minutes.
- Decorate (Optional): While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle red and green sprinkles or other holiday decorations on top to add festive color.
Notes
- For a richer glaze, substitute milk with heavy cream.
- Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off to fill the donut pans neatly.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to avoid tough donuts.
- You can omit the orange juice if you prefer a more traditional flavor profile.
- Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Donuts can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Leave a Reply