If you’re searching for a festive treat that perfectly captures the warmth and joy of the holiday season, this Christmas Doughnuts Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. These doughnuts are fluffy, lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and dipped in a sweet vanilla glaze that sparkles with red and green sprinkles. Every bite is a nostalgic celebration of Christmas morning, making them ideal for sharing with family and friends or surprising your holiday brunch guests with something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating incredible Christmas doughnuts. The simplicity of these staples—flour, sugar, warm spices, and vanilla—comes together beautifully to build both the doughnut’s tender texture and its festive flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your doughnuts, providing structure and tenderness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures your doughnuts are light and fluffy with a perfect rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Brings warm, aromatic holiday spice that’s unmistakably Christmas.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy, familiar spice that pairs beautifully with nutmeg.
- 2 large eggs: Provide richness and help bind the dough together.
- 3/4 cup milk: Moistens and softens the batter for tender doughnuts.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely, sweet aroma that lifts the entire doughnut.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture and a bit of indulgence.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Essential for achieving that golden, crispy exterior.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: The sweet base for the glaze that coats each doughnut.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Thins out the powdered sugar to a smooth glaze consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds flavor and aroma to the glaze.
- Red and green sprinkles: Festive garnish that instantly makes these doughnuts holiday-ready.
How to Make Christmas Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a large bowl. This blend of dry ingredients is the foundation of your doughnuts, giving them their structure and the signature holiday spice that makes this Christmas Doughnuts Recipe so memorable.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. These wet ingredients bring moisture and richness, which are essential for that soft, tender doughnut crumb everyone loves.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the doughnuts light and fluffy. The batter will be slightly thick but easily spoonable for frying.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pan, filling it to about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining a steady temperature is key so your doughnuts cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior.
Step 5: Fry the Doughnuts
Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, carefully drop the doughnut batter into the hot oil in batches. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through. Once cooked, transfer the doughnuts to paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Glaze and Garnish
Combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl to create a smooth glaze. Dip each warm doughnut into the glaze, letting the excess drip off before sprinkling with festive red and green sprinkles. This finishing touch is what makes this Christmas Doughnuts Recipe truly shine.
How to Serve Christmas Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkles are the classic choice, but feel free to mix it up with crushed peppermint candies, edible glitter, or even tiny bits of candied fruit to enhance the festive vibe. These fun garnishes add color and texture that make the doughnuts irresistible.
Side Dishes
Serve these doughnuts alongside a rich hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or a warm cup of coffee for a cozy holiday experience. Fresh fruit like orange slices or a cinnamon-spiced fruit compote also complements the sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your doughnuts on a festive platter surrounded by pine branches or holly for a stunning holiday centerpiece. You can stack them in a doughnut tower or wrap individual treats in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon as charming Christmas gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cool, store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep them away from moisture to preserve their golden crust and soft interior.
Freezing
You can freeze glazed doughnuts by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep up to one month and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring your doughnuts back to life, heat them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This refreshes that delightful crispy exterior while warming the doughnut through, just like fresh from the fryer.
FAQs
Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying?
Absolutely! While frying gives that classic crispy edge, you can bake spoonfuls of batter in a doughnut pan at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes. The texture will be a little different but still delicious.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can substitute the all-purpose flour. Just be mindful that the texture might vary slightly, but the flavors will remain festive and delightful.
What’s the best type of oil for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, to ensure the doughnuts fry evenly without absorbing too much oil.
How do I prevent my doughnuts from being greasy?
Keep the oil temperature steady and at 350°F. If the oil is too cool, doughnuts absorb more oil. Placing them on paper towels immediately after frying helps soak up excess oil.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze early and cover it tightly. If it thickens too much before glazing, simply whisk in a little more milk to loosen it up.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Doughnuts Recipe is a holiday treasure you’ll want to make year after year. Each warm, spiced doughnut dipped in sweet vanilla glaze feels like a warm hug on a chilly winter morning. So gather your ingredients, fire up the fryer, and dive into this delicious tradition that’s sure to light up your festive celebrations.
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Christmas Doughnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Festive and fluffy Christmas Doughnuts, perfectly spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon, fried to golden perfection, and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze and colorful red and green sprinkles. These holiday treats are easy to make and sure to bring cheer to your festive celebrations.
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 and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green sprinkles (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon until well combined. This mixture forms the flavorful base of your doughnuts.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir these together until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the doughnuts light and tender.
- Heat the oil for frying: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), suitable for frying doughnuts.
- Fry the doughnuts: Using a doughnut cutter or two round cutters of different sizes, cut out doughnut shapes from the dough. Carefully place them into the hot oil, frying a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for approximately 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the glaze and decorate: In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to make a simple glaze. Dip the warm doughnuts into the glaze, then immediately sprinkle with red and green sprinkles for a festive look. Let the glaze set slightly before serving.
Notes
- Maintain the oil temperature at around 350°F for even frying and to avoid greasy doughnuts.
- Do not overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay to keep the doughnuts tender.
- Doughnuts are best served fresh and warm.
- Use a thermometer to check oil temperature for best results and safety.
- The glaze thickens as it cools; add a little more milk if needed to reach dipping consistency.
