There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, and one of my absolute favorite traditions is making Gingerbread Donuts with my family. The smell of warm spices—ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg—baking in the oven brings back such wonderful memories of cozy winter days spent together in the kitchen. Trust me, these Gingerbread Donuts are the perfect festive treat! They’re soft, spiced just right, and oh-so-delicious, making them a hit at holiday gatherings or just as a sweet snack with your morning coffee. I remember my kids’ faces lighting up when they take their first bite, and it’s that joy that keeps me coming back to this recipe year after year. So, let’s dive into the world of baking these delightful donuts and make some sweet memories together!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Gingerbread Donuts
Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy and whip up these delicious Gingerbread Donuts! First thing’s first: go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want those donuts to bake evenly and rise perfectly.
While that oven is warming up, grab a medium-sized bowl and mix together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and those warm spices—ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Oh, the aroma is already starting to fill the kitchen! In another bowl, whisk together the packed brown sugar, molasses, milk, vegetable oil, and that lovely egg. This is where the magic begins, my friends.
Now, here’s the trick: gently combine the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. You’ll want to mix just until everything is combined—don’t overdo it! A few lumps are perfectly fine. Once that batter is ready, lightly grease your donut pan and pour in the batter, filling each mold about three-quarters full. I like to use a piping bag for this, but you can also use a spoon if that’s easier.
Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let those beauties cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. And there you have it—warm, spiced, and oh-so-delicious Gingerbread Donuts ready for your holiday enjoyment!
FAQ Section
I know you might have a few questions about these delightful Gingerbread Donuts, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones!
Can I make these donuts vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce, and use plant-based milk instead. They’ll still be delicious!
What can I use if I don’t have a donut pan?
No worries! You can use a muffin tin instead. Just adjust the baking time a bit; they might need an extra minute or two.
How do I know when they’re done?
You’ll want to use the toothpick method—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re perfect!
Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes! Just make sure they’re completely cooled first, and then pop them in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to a month!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday mornings!
- Rich, festive flavors that capture the essence of the season.
- Delightfully soft and spiced donuts that melt in your mouth.
- Perfectly portioned for sharing with family and friends.
- Versatile toppings like icing or powdered sugar to customize each bite.
Tips for Success
To nail the perfect Gingerbread Donuts, here are some of my favorite tips! First, be gentle when mixing the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, and nobody wants that! Just stir until everything is combined and a few lumps remain—trust me, they’ll turn out fluffier that way.
Another key tip? Keep an eye on your baking time! Every oven is a bit different, so start checking around the 10-minute mark. You want that toothpick to come out clean, but don’t overbake or the donuts will dry out. And, of course, allow them to cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack; this helps maintain their lovely shape. With these little tricks, you’re on your way to gingerbread perfection!
Serving Suggestions
These Gingerbread Donuts are perfect on their own, but let’s take them up a notch! I love serving them alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a spiced chai tea—it’s like a cozy hug in a mug. And don’t forget about toppings! A drizzle of icing or a dusting of powdered sugar adds that extra touch of sweetness and makes them look irresistible. You could even sprinkle on some crushed nuts or festive sprinkles for a fun holiday vibe. Trust me, your family and friends will be raving about these delicious treats!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After you’ve enjoyed your scrumptious Gingerbread Donuts, you might be wondering how to store the leftovers. No worries—just place them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you’re like me and want to keep them around a little longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re completely cooled before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and popping them into a freezer-safe container. They’ll be good for about a month in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour. If you’d like to warm them up, just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or you can reheat them in a toaster oven for that freshly baked taste. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like a warm Gingerbread Donut to bring back those cozy holiday vibes!
Nutritional Information Section
When it comes to the nutritional details of these delightful Gingerbread Donuts, keep in mind that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. But here’s a general breakdown for one donut:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Remember, these are just estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your ingredients. Enjoy your guilt-free indulgence!
Personal Story
One of my fondest memories of making Gingerbread Donuts was the year my daughter decided to take charge in the kitchen. She was just seven, and I remember her little hands covered in flour as she meticulously measured out the spices. We laughed and danced to holiday music while the donuts baked, filling the house with that irresistible aroma. When they were finally ready, we sat together with steaming mugs of cocoa, and I watched her eyes light up with each bite. It was a simple moment, but it perfectly captured the warmth and joy of the season, and it’s a memory I cherish every time I make these delightful treats.
For more festive recipes, check out Berry and Custard Pastries or Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Eggrolls.
For more information on the health benefits of spices like ginger, visit Healthline.
Print
Gingerbread Donuts: 5 Irresistibly Festive Delights
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious gingerbread donuts perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, molasses, milk, oil, and egg.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Pour batter into a greased donut pan.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let donuts cool before removing from the pan.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- These can be topped with icing or powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Gingerbread Donuts