Introduction
Get ready to fill your kitchen with the sweet aroma of the holidays! These 21 classic baked donuts bring festive cheer to any morning or dessert table, featuring flavors like gingerbread, peppermint, and cinnamon sugar. Each recipe is easy to make and perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with a cozy cup of cocoa.
1. Classic Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
These donuts are simple yet full of holiday warmth with a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon for coating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, mix buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
- Fill donut pan 3/4 full and bake for 12–14 minutes.
- Let cool slightly, then toss in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
How to Serve It
Serve warm with a cup of hot cocoa. Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar for a festive touch.
2. Gingerbread Donuts
These donuts are packed with molasses and holiday spices for a cozy, festive flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease donut pan.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs and molasses.
- Gradually mix in flour and milk until smooth.
- Fill donut pan 3/4 full, bake 12–15 minutes.
- Cool slightly before glazing or dusting with powdered sugar.
How to Serve It
Top with a simple glaze or crushed gingerbread cookies for a festive look.
3. Peppermint Glazed Donuts
A refreshing peppermint glaze makes these donuts perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- Crushed candy canes for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease donut pan.
- Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Combine butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla; fold into dry ingredients.
- Fill pan 3/4 full, bake 12–14 minutes.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract for glaze.
- Dip cooled donuts in glaze and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
How to Serve It
Serve chilled or at room temperature with a peppermint hot chocolate.
4. Eggnog Donuts
Soft donuts infused with eggnog flavors bring holiday nostalgia to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp eggnog for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease donut pan.
- Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
- Beat butter and sugar, add eggs, then eggnog and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, fill pan 3/4 full, bake 12–14 minutes.
- Mix powdered sugar and eggnog for glaze, drizzle over cooled donuts.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle with a little extra nutmeg for a festive finish.
5. Cranberry Orange Donuts
The bright citrus notes and tart cranberries make these donuts cheerful for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp orange juice for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease donut pan.
- Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Combine butter, eggs, milk, vanilla, and orange zest; fold into dry ingredients.
- Fold in dried cranberries. Fill pan 3/4 full, bake 12–14 minutes.
- Mix powdered sugar and orange juice for glaze; drizzle over donuts.
How to Serve It
Garnish with extra cranberries or orange zest.
6. Chocolate Hazelnut Donuts
Decadent chocolate meets crunchy hazelnuts for a holiday treat that feels indulgent yet cozy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread
- 1/4 cup crushed toasted hazelnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- Mix flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Whisk butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla, then combine with dry ingredients.
- Fill pan 3/4 full and bake 12–14 minutes.
- Warm chocolate-hazelnut spread and drizzle over cooled donuts; top with crushed hazelnuts.
How to Serve It
Serve slightly warm with coffee or hot cocoa.
7. Maple Pecan Donuts
Sweet maple flavor paired with crunchy pecans brings autumn and winter vibes to the holidays.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease donut pan.
- Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Combine butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla, then mix with dry ingredients.
- Fill pan 3/4 full, bake 12–14 minutes.
- Make glaze by mixing maple syrup and powdered sugar, then drizzle over cooled donuts; sprinkle pecans on top.
How to Serve It
Pair with a warm cup of spiced tea or cider.
8. Pumpkin Spice Donuts
A classic holiday favorite featuring pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease donut pan.
- Whisk dry ingredients with spices.
- Beat butter, sugar, eggs, pumpkin, milk, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients; fill donut pan 3/4 full.
- Bake 12–14 minutes; cool slightly before glazing or dusting with cinnamon sugar.
How to Serve It
Serve with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for extra festive flavor.
9. Caramel Apple Donuts
Sweet apple flavor and sticky caramel make these donuts a perfect holiday indulgence.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely chopped apples
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease donut pan.
- Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Combine butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla; fold in dry ingredients.
- Stir in chopped apples. Fill pan 3/4 full, bake 12–14 minutes.
- Drizzle with caramel and sprinkle walnuts if desired.
How to Serve It
Serve warm with extra caramel sauce on the side.
10. Chai Spice Donuts
Warm chai spices like cardamom and cinnamon make these donuts aromatic and festive.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cardamom
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease donut pan.
- Mix dry ingredients with spices.
- Combine butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla; mix with dry ingredients.
- Fill pan 3/4 full and bake 12–14 minutes.
- Optionally, drizzle with a simple sugar glaze and sprinkle cinnamon.
How to Serve It
Pair with a cup of spiced chai tea for a cozy holiday morning.
11. White Chocolate Raspberry Donuts
Sweet white chocolate and tart raspberry combine for a pretty, holiday-ready treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried raspberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease donut pan.
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Combine wet ingredients; fold into dry mixture.
- Stir in white chocolate chips and raspberries. Bake 12–14 minutes.
- Optional: drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled donuts.
How to Serve It
Top with a few extra freeze-dried raspberries for a festive touch.
12. Mocha Donuts
Coffee and chocolate flavors make these donuts a sophisticated holiday treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp instant coffee dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water
- 1/2 cup chocolate glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease donut pan.
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Whisk butter, eggs, milk, vanilla, and coffee; combine with dry ingredients.
- Fill pan 3/4 full, bake 12–14 minutes.
- Glaze cooled donuts with chocolate glaze.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle lightly with cocoa powder or coffee granules for a finishing touch.
13. Toasted Coconut Donuts
Sweet coconut adds a tropical twist to the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut, toasted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease donut pan.
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Combine wet ingredients, then fold into dry mixture.
- Bake 12–14 minutes; cool slightly.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut on top or dip in glaze first.
How to Serve It
Pair with a coconut glaze or sprinkle extra toasted coconut.
14. Spiced Almond Donuts
Warm almond flavor with a touch of spice makes these donuts perfect for the season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2–3 tbsp milk for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease donut pan.
- Mix dry ingredients with spices.
- Combine butter, eggs, milk, and almond extract; fold into dry ingredients.
- Fill pan 3/4 full, bake 12–14 minutes.
- Mix glaze ingredients, drizzle over cooled donuts, sprinkle almonds on top.
How to Serve It
Garnish with extra almond slivers and serve with holiday tea.
15. Lemon Cranberry Donuts
Bright lemon flavor paired with tart cranberries brings a cheerful note to holiday mornings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp lemon juice for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease donut pan.
- Mix dry ingredients, add lemon zest.
- Combine butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla; fold into dry mixture.
- Fold in cranberries, fill pan 3/4 full, bake 12–14 minutes.
- Drizzle with lemon glaze after cooling.
How to Serve It
Garnish with extra cranberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
16. Sugar Cookie Donuts
Fun and colorful, these donuts taste just like classic holiday sugar cookies.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease donut pan.
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Combine wet ingredients and fold into dry mixture.
- Fill pan 3/4 full, bake 12–14 minutes.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk for glaze, dip cooled donuts, add sprinkles.
How to Serve It
Perfect for holiday parties or gifting in decorative boxes.
17. Brown Butter Donuts
Nutty brown butter flavor makes these donuts rich and comforting for winter mornings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown butter (cooled)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease donut pan.
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Combine brown butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla; fold into dry mixture.
- Fill pan 3/4 full, bake 12–14 minutes.
- Make glaze by mixing powdered sugar and milk, drizzle over cooled donuts.
How to Serve It
Optional: sprinkle with cinnamon or crushed nuts for added texture.
18. Candy Cane Twist Donuts
Peppermint-striped donuts make a cheerful addition to holiday desserts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Red food coloring (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease donut pan.
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Combine wet ingredients, optionally add red food coloring to a portion of batter.
- Layer or twist batters in pan, bake 12–14 minutes.
- Glaze with powdered sugar mixture and sprinkle crushed candy canes.
How to Serve It
Great for a festive breakfast or as a holiday gift treat.
19. Nutmeg Glaze Donuts
A simple glaze with a hint of nutmeg gives classic donuts a warm holiday aroma.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease donut pan.
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Combine wet ingredients, fold into dry mixture.
- Fill pan 3/4 full, bake 12–14 minutes.
- Mix glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and nutmeg; drizzle over cooled donuts.
How to Serve It
Serve with coffee or tea for a simple yet festive treat.
20. Hot Cocoa Donuts
Chocolate lovers will enjoy these donuts topped with mini marshmallows like a cup of hot cocoa.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate glaze
- Mini marshmallows for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease donut pan.
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Combine wet ingredients, fold into dry mixture.
- Fill pan 3/4 full, bake 12–14 minutes.
- Glaze with chocolate, top with mini marshmallows while warm.
How to Serve It
Perfect alongside a steaming cup of hot cocoa.
21. Ginger Molasses Donuts
Ginger and molasses give these donuts a deep, warm flavor perfect for holiday mornings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease donut pan.
- Mix dry ingredients with spices.
- Beat butter, eggs, molasses, milk, and vanilla; combine with dry ingredients.
- Fill pan 3/4 full, bake 12–14 minutes.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk for glaze; drizzle over cooled donuts.
How to Serve It
Optional: dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snow-kissed holiday look.
Conclusion
These 21 holiday-themed baked donuts are perfect for mornings, dessert tables, or festive gift boxes. Try a few flavors, mix and match glazes, and enjoy the warm aromas of the season. They’re easy to bake, share, and bring extra cheer to any holiday gathering.
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