If you’re looking to add a bit of whimsy and festive charm to your holiday treats, I’ve got just the ticket—my Festive Christmas Donutswith Colorful Glazes Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. These donuts bake up light and fluffy, then get dipped into vibrant red, green, white, or chocolate glazes that you can pile high with all kinds of fun Christmas-themed sprinkles and decorations. Trust me, when I first tried this recipe, my family went crazy, and now it’s a yearly tradition that really puts me in the holiday spirit. Stick around, because I’m sharing all my best tips so you nail these festive donuts on your first try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: No deep frying involved—these donuts bake in the oven, so they’re simple and less messy.
- Customizable Glazes: You get to play with colors and toppings to create festive, eye-catching treats everyone will love.
- Kid-Friendly Activity: Decorating the donuts makes a fun holiday event for kids and adults alike.
- Perfect Holiday Gift: These make charming edible gifts that are as cute as they are delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Festive Christmas Donutswith Colorful Glazes Recipe is in its simplicity—a few pantry staples come together with a sprinkle of holiday cheer. I recommend using fresh ingredients, and if you want the fluffiest donuts, don’t skip the baking powder in the mix.
- All-purpose flour: The base for your donuts; I always sift it to avoid lumps for a smooth batter.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds a cozy warmth that says “holiday” from the first bite.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetness with a little crunch; balances the flavors perfectly.
- Baking powder: This is the secret to keeping your donuts light and airy.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, so don’t skip it.
- Milk (I use skim): Keeps the batter moist without heaviness.
- Eggs: Give structure and richness; freshness matters a lot here.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely fragrance and depth of flavor.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts tender without affecting the flavor too much.
- Powdered sugar: The base of the glaze, for smooth and sweet coatings.
- Cocoa powder: For that rich chocolate glaze—make sure to use unsweetened.
- Food coloring: Red and green are a must-have for those classic Christmas vibes!
- Decorations: Christmas sprinkles, mini M&Ms, candy eyes, and pretzels to turn your donuts into festive fun.
Variations
I love how flexible this recipe is. Whether you want to dial up the decadence or keep things light, you can personalize the Festive Christmas Donutswith Colorful Glazes Recipe to fit your style and occasion.
- Gluten-Free Variation: I swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend once, and it was a hit—just make sure your blend includes xanthan gum for structure.
- Dairy-Free Option: Using almond or oat milk works beautifully here, and coconut oil can replace vegetable oil for a subtle tropical twist.
- Spiced Up: If you want to get extra festive, try adding cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice along with the nutmeg—I did this one year and the flavors were so comforting.
- Mini Donuts: Making smaller donuts? Bake for a shorter time and adjust glaze amount; these are perfect for party platters.
How to Make Festive Christmas Donutswith Colorful Glazes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Donut Pan and Dry Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 350ºF. To ensure your donuts release easily, I spray my donut pan with a non-stick cooking spray, then go over each well with a paper towel to get an even coating. This little step saved me from a batch full of broken donuts more than once! Next, whisk together your dry ingredients—flour, nutmeg, sugar, baking powder, and salt—in a bowl until combined. Setting this aside lets you mix the wet stuff without confusion.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a larger mixing bowl, beat together your milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. I find using a whisk here really helps get a smooth base. Once that’s ready, gradually fold in your dry ingredients with a spatula—don’t overmix! You want just enough to bring everything together, or your donuts could turn out tough.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
Spoon your batter into the wells, filling each about 3/4 full. I like to use a small spatula to smooth out the tops so they bake evenly. Pop them in the oven for about 11 to 12 minutes, but keep an eye out—the donuts are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes before flipping the pan over onto the counter and gently tapping to release your golden beauties.
Step 4: Whip Up Your Colorful Glazes
Now for the fun part! Mix the white glaze by stirring together powdered sugar, a bit of milk, and vanilla. Divide it into three bowls—leave one plain white, mix red food coloring into the second, and green into the third. For the chocolate glaze, whisk powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Dip each cooled donut into your glaze of choice, letting the excess drip off. I find setting them on a wire rack helps the glaze firm up nicely.
Step 5: Decorate and Enjoy!
Finally, deck your donuts out with sprinkles, mini M&Ms, pretzels for antlers, candy eyeballs for reindeer faces—you name it. I like using a mix of Christmas jimmies and nonpareils because the colors pop, and the textures add a little crunch. This is where you get to show off your creativity and make each donut a little festive masterpiece.
Pro Tips for Making Festive Christmas Donutswith Colorful Glazes Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: I used to beat the batter too much, and my donuts turned out dense—stir just until combined for the best texture.
- Use Fresh Leavening: Fresh baking powder makes all the difference—if it’s old, your donuts won’t rise properly.
- Even Glaze Coverage: Dip donuts flat instead of tilted to keep the glaze smooth and prevent drips from pooling.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: I learned the hard way—if the donuts aren’t fully cooled, the glaze melts right off.
How to Serve Festive Christmas Donutswith Colorful Glazes Recipe
Garnishes
I’m all about adding personality here. For garnishes, I swear by Christmas-themed sprinkles—stars, tiny candy canes, red and green jimmies—and little edible candy eyes that bring the reindeer donuts to life. Pretzels are my go-to for antlers, and mini M&Ms pack an extra playful punch of color and crunch. These garnishes turn simple glazed donuts into festive eye candy.
Side Dishes
While these donuts can totally shine on their own, I like to pair them with hot cocoa or coffee during holiday brunches—makes the sweet and warm combo irresistible. You might also serve alongside fruit salad or spiced nuts for a nice variety of flavors and textures at your Christmas gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun! I’ve had great results arranging the donuts on holiday-themed plates or tiered stands, making a colorful tower of treats. Wrapping individual donuts in clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon also turned out super cute when I gifted them to neighbors. And if you’re feeling extra crafty, arrange decorated donuts in the shape of a Christmas wreath—it always wows guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep leftover glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You’ll want to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. The glaze softens a bit over time but still tastes fantastic—though the fresh batch will always be the best.
Freezing
Freezing works well if you want to prep ahead. Cool your donuts completely, then freeze unglazed in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, thaw at room temp before glazing and decorating. Freezing with glaze on is tricky—it tends to crack or get sticky.
Reheating
If you want to warm up your donuts, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven for a few minutes. Just skip reheating glazed donuts too long, or you risk melting the glaze or making them soggy.
FAQs
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Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Yes! You can use a mini muffin pan to create donut holes instead. Just reduce the baking time slightly (about 8-10 minutes) and shape the batter to leave a hole in the middle if you want the classic donut look. Alternatively, some use silicone donut molds which work just as well.
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How do I get the glaze to stick properly?
Make sure your donuts are completely cooled before dipping into glaze. The glaze needs a dry, firm surface to adhere to. If your glaze is too thin, let it thicken up by adding more powdered sugar. Dipping the donut flat and allowing excess to drip off helps create an even coat that sets nicely.
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Can I use this recipe for frying instead of baking?
This recipe is optimized for baking, so it may not hold up well for frying—which usually requires a different type of dough with yeast or more fat. If you want fried donuts, I recommend looking for a specific fried donut recipe for best results.
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How long do these donuts keep fresh?
These baked donuts are best enjoyed within 1-2 days when stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container. After that, they start to lose their softness, although they’re still tasty.
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What’s your favorite decoration for these festive donuts?
I’m a sucker for the classic red and green jimmies paired with mini M&Ms and pretzels for antlers—it’s simple but brings such a fun, unmistakable Christmas vibe. Adding candy eyeballs gives a whimsical touch that often gets lots of laughs, especially from the kids!
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Festive Christmas Donutswith Colorful Glazes Recipe brings a bit of sparkle to holiday mornings and parties. It’s simple enough to whip up even on a busy schedule but feels special enough to wow your guests. You really can’t beat the combination of a soft, tender donut with a glossy, colorful glaze and crunchy festive sprinkles. Next time you’re planning Christmas baking, I hope you give this a try—I promise it’ll become one of your favorite holiday traditions faster than you can say “Merry Christmas!”
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Festive Christmas Donutswith Colorful Glazes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive Christmas Donuts are soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced with nutmeg. Baked to perfection and topped with colorful white and chocolate glazes, then decorated with holiday-themed sprinkles, mini M&Ms, pretzels, and candy eyes, they make a delightful seasonal treat perfect for sharing at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Donut Batter
- 2 cups (240g) all purpose flour
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup (99g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup plus 2 Tbsp (148ml) milk (skim preferred)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup plus 2 Tbsp (89ml) vegetable oil
White Glaze
- 2 cups (227g) powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp milk (skim preferred)
- Red food coloring
- Green food coloring
Chocolate Glaze
- 1 ½ cups (169g) powdered sugar
- ¼ cup (21g) cocoa powder
- 3 Tbsp milk (skim preferred)
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
Decoration
- Christmas jimmie sprinkles
- Christmas nonpareils
- Mini M&Ms
- Candy eye balls
- Pretzels
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Spray a donut pan thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray, then use a paper towel to lightly coat every donut well to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the flour, nutmeg, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until fully combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a larger mixing bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until smooth. Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula just until combined; avoid overmixing.
- Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter evenly into the donut wells, filling each well almost to the top. Smooth the surfaces gently with a small spatula for even baking.
- Bake Donuts: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 11-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. To remove, flip the pan upside down onto a counter and tap gently to release the donuts. Repeat with remaining batter.
- Prepare Glazes: For the white glaze, whisk powdered sugar and milk together until smooth. Divide into three bowls; leave one white, add red food coloring to the second, and green food coloring to the third bowl. For the chocolate glaze, mix powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
- Glaze and Decorate: Dip each cooled donut into the glaze of choice, allowing excess glaze to drip back into the bowl. Let the glaze set slightly before decorating. Use Christmas jimmie sprinkles, nonpareils, Mini M&Ms, candy eye balls, and pretzels for fun holiday designs following your inspiration or photos.
Notes
- Use skim milk for a lighter donut, but whole milk can add more richness if preferred.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep donuts tender and fluffy.
- Ensure the donut pan is well-greased to make removal easy and keep the donut shape intact.
- Cooled donuts absorb glaze better and prevent it from melting off immediately.
- Feel free to experiment with different festive decorations to personalize your donuts.
- Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
