If there is one delightful treat that truly embodies festive cheer, it is this Christmas Doughnuts Recipe. Featuring tender, fluffy doughnuts infused with warm holiday spices and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze and colorful sprinkles, these doughnuts bring joy with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or looking for a charming homemade gift, this recipe combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps to fill your kitchen with that magical Christmas spirit. Trust me, once you try these doughnuts, they’ll become a beloved holiday tradition you’ll want to make year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking success, and this Christmas Doughnuts Recipe is all about simple pantry staples that come together to create a perfect balance of flavor and texture. From aromatic spices to creamy glaze elements, each ingredient plays a crucial role in making your doughnuts irresistibly festive and delicious.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides the structure you need for fluffy, tender doughnuts.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): The leavening agent that makes your doughnuts light and airy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors in the dough.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a warm, slightly nutty holiday flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds classic Christmas spice character.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add richness.
- Milk (3/4 cup): Keeps the dough moist and tender.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the dough and glaze with a sweet aromatic note.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup): Adds richness and helps with a soft crumb.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): The perfect frying medium for even browning.
- Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups): The base for the smooth, sweet glaze.
- Milk for glaze (2 tablespoons): Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency.
- Red and green sprinkles (for garnish): Gives that festive pop of holiday color.
How to Make Christmas Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. This blend of dry ingredients is the foundation that lends your doughnuts their characteristic flavor and light texture. Don’t skip sifting or thorough mixing; it ensures your dough is well aerated and free of lumps.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the two large eggs and then mix in the milk, vanilla extract, and melted unsalted butter. The richness of the eggs and butter complements the spices beautifully, and the vanilla elevates it all with its sweet aroma. Combine everything gently; you want moist dough, not overworked batter.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. Over mixing will make the doughnuts tough, so it’s essential to stop as soon as everything is incorporated. This balance is key to achieving that tender, fluffy consistency that makes this Christmas Doughnuts Recipe so special.
Step 4: Shape the Doughnuts
Once your dough is ready, turn it onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small) to shape your doughnuts and holes. This part is so much fun and really lets you get into the holiday spirit as you prepare these classic shapes ready for frying.
Step 5: Fry the Doughnuts
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large heavy pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the doughnuts in batches for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; they need room to puff and cook evenly. Once done, drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 6: Make the Vanilla Glaze
While the doughnuts cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth, glossy glaze. This simple glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and a lovely sheen that makes the doughnuts look as good as they taste. Adjust the milk amount to get your preferred thickness—thicker for dipping, thinner for drizzling.
Step 7: Glaze and Decorate
Dip each warm doughnut into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off, then immediately sprinkle with red and green holiday sprinkles. The colorful sprinkles bring a joyful festive touch and a little crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the soft doughnut. Enjoy watching the glaze set quickly as these doughnuts come to life!
How to Serve Christmas Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the classic red and green sprinkles, you can get creative with crushed peppermint candies, edible glitter, or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar. These finishing touches not only enhance the visual appeal but also bring additional festive flavors that complement the spices in the dough.
Side Dishes
These doughnuts pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate, peppermint tea, or even mulled cider. For a more indulgent holiday brunch, serve them alongside fresh fruit or creamy mascarpone cheese to balance the sweetness and offer a varied flavor experience to your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Christmas Doughnuts Recipe on a rustic wooden platter with pine branches or holly sprigs for a natural festive look. You can also arrange them in tiers or stack them in a doughnut tower tied with a bright ribbon for holiday parties. Individual paper boxes or cellophane bags with a bow make perfect edible gifts for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the doughnuts soft while preserving their glaze. Avoid refrigerating them as this can dry out the dough and dull the glaze’s shine.
Freezing
You can freeze unglazed doughnuts by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month. When you want to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature and then glaze and decorate as usual to maintain freshness and flavor.
Reheating
To refresh the doughnuts, warm them gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for about 5 minutes. Avoid overheating to keep them soft and delicious. Add glaze and sprinkles after reheating for the best festive experience.
FAQs
Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying?
Absolutely! While frying brings out the classic crispy edges and tender inside, you can bake the doughnuts at 375°F for 10-12 minutes for a lighter alternative. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Do I need special equipment to make these doughnuts?
You don’t necessarily need a doughnut cutter; two round cutters or even a drinking glass with a small bottle cap to cut the holes will work. For frying, a deep pan or pot and a thermometer to monitor oil temperature are helpful but not mandatory.
Can I use other spices in this Christmas Doughnuts Recipe?
Feel free to customize! Cloves, allspice, or ginger make excellent alternatives or additions to nutmeg and cinnamon and can boost the holiday flavor even more. Just adjust quantities to your taste.
How long do these doughnuts stay fresh?
These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, but properly stored, they will stay moist and tasty for up to two days at room temperature.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough a few hours in advance and refrigerate it covered. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping and frying to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Doughnuts Recipe is a wonderful way to bring warmth, sweetness, and fun to your holiday celebrations. The combination of spices, fluffy texture, and festive glaze makes these doughnuts irresistible to all ages. I encourage you to try making them yourself—you’ll not only impress family and friends but also create joyful memories around this delightful holiday treat. Happy baking, and may your holidays be as sweet as these doughnuts!
Print
Christmas Doughnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These festive Christmas Doughnuts are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. Soft, fluffy, and spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon, they are fried to golden perfection and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze topped with colorful red and green sprinkles to add a cheerful touch. Enjoy these doughnuts fresh and warm for a delicious Christmas morning or holiday party snack.
Ingredients
Doughnuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Vegetable oil for frying
Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green sprinkles (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Doughnuts: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the milk, vanilla extract, and melted unsalted butter. Mix well to combine all the wet ingredients thoroughly.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep doughnuts tender.
- Shape the Doughnuts: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Using a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one larger and one smaller for the center hole), cut out doughnut shapes from the dough and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Re-roll scraps as needed.
- Heat Oil for Frying: In a heavy-bottomed deep pan or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature for even frying.
- Fry the Doughnuts: Carefully place a few doughnuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry each side for about 1 to 2 minutes or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to turn them gently and remove once cooked. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. Adjust the milk quantity if needed for a perfect dipping consistency.
- Glaze and Decorate: Dip each warm doughnut into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place glazed doughnuts on a cooling rack and immediately sprinkle with red and green sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Serve: Allow glaze to set for a few minutes, then serve the doughnuts fresh and enjoy their soft, sweet, and warmly spiced flavors perfect for holiday celebrations.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature stays steady at 350°F to prevent greasy doughnuts or burnt crusts.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the doughnuts light and fluffy.
- If you don’t have a doughnut cutter, use two different-sized round cutters or a glass and a bottle cap for the doughnut holes.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter alternative.
- Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat briefly if desired.
