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Get ready to spice up your holiday treats with Gingerbread Cookie Donuts! This festive twist combines the warm flavors of gingerbread with soft, fluffy donuts. These delicious bites are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings at home. I’ll guide you through every step, from gathering the right ingredients to baking tips and fun variations. Let’s dive into making these irresistible donuts that will have everyone coming back for more!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Cozy Flavor Profile: The warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves create a comforting flavor that is perfect for the holiday season.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is quick and straightforward, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike.
- Festive Presentation: The glazed donuts look beautiful and can be decorated with a variety of toppings for a fun and festive touch.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, these donuts are ideal for gatherings, parties, or simply enjoying with family.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make your Gingerbread Cookie Donuts, gather these simple ingredients:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– 1 tablespoon ground ginger
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 large egg
– ⅓ cup unsulfured molasses
– ⅓ cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
– 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
– Decorative toppings (sprinkles, crushed gingerbread cookies, etc.)
Key Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap a few ingredients for different flavors or diets:
– Use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
– Swap unsulfured molasses with honey for a lighter taste.
– Replace buttermilk with regular milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice.
– If you want a vegan option, use flax eggs instead of the egg.
Tips for Ingredient Quality
To get the best flavor, focus on quality:
– Use fresh spices for a stronger gingerbread taste.
– Choose unsulfured molasses for a cleaner flavor.
– Use real vanilla extract instead of imitation for depth.
– Buy high-quality butter for a richer taste in the donuts.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Instructions
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is key for a good rise. Next, lightly grease your donut pan. This helps the donuts come out easily after baking.
In a large bowl, mix together the following dry ingredients:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– 1 tablespoon ground ginger
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
– ½ teaspoon salt
Whisk these until they blend well. In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients:
– ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 large egg
– ⅓ cup unsulfured molasses
– ⅓ cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure the mixture is smooth. Then, pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick but smooth.
Now, spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. This helps them rise nicely.
Baking Tips
Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into a donut. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Stay close to avoid overbaking.
Cooling and Glazing Process
Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This makes them easier to handle. After that, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the donuts cool, make the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk
Stir until the glaze is smooth. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk. When the donuts are cool, dip the tops into the glaze. You can then add fun toppings like sprinkles or crushed gingerbread cookies. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before enjoying your delicious treats.
Tips & Tricks
How to Make the Perfect Batter
To make the best batter, start by mixing the dry ingredients first. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a bowl. This step helps to evenly distribute the spices. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients: brown sugar, egg, molasses, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth. When combining wet and dry, don’t overmix. Stir just until you see no flour. The batter should be thick yet smooth, perfect for donuts.
Donut Pan Recommendations
Using the right donut pan makes a big difference. I suggest using a non-stick silicone donut pan. It helps the donuts pop out easily without sticking. If you use a metal pan, grease it well. Fill each cavity about three-quarters full for the best rise. This way, your donuts will have a nice shape and texture.
Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid
Be careful with mixing. Overmixing can make your donuts tough. Also, watch your baking time. Check for doneness with a toothpick at 10 minutes. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Avoid opening the oven door too much. This can cause the donuts to sink. Lastly, let them cool for a few minutes before glazing. This helps the glaze stick better!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground spices instead of pre-ground. This enhances the aromatic profile of your donuts.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense donuts.
- Cool Completely: Allow the donuts to cool completely before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting and ensures a nice finish.
- Customize the Glaze: Feel free to add spices or extracts to the glaze for extra flavor. A hint of vanilla or a dash of nutmeg can elevate your donuts!

Variations
Flavor Variations
You can easily change the flavor of your gingerbread cookie donuts. Try adding cocoa powder for a chocolate twist. Just replace a few tablespoons of flour with cocoa. For a pumpkin spice version, add ½ cup of pumpkin puree and a touch more cinnamon. This gives a moist and tasty donut.
Topping Ideas
Toppings can make your donuts even more fun. A chocolate glaze is a favorite. Just melt chocolate and dip the donuts. You can also use crushed nuts for a crunchy texture. Sprinkles add a festive touch, especially for holidays. Crushed gingerbread cookies make a great topping too.
Healthier Versions
Want to make a healthier donut? Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This adds fiber and nutrients. You can also swap brown sugar for a sugar substitute to cut calories. For a dairy-free option, use almond milk in place of buttermilk. These swaps keep the taste while being better for you.
Storage Info
How to Store Gingerbread Cookie Donuts
Store your gingerbread cookie donuts in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is a good option. However, cold storage may change their texture slightly.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze your donuts, wait until they are fully cooled. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. This way, they will stay fresh for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy them, just remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature.
Reheating Tips
To reheat your gingerbread cookie donuts, use an oven or microwave. If using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This will warm them without making them dry. For the microwave, heat each donut for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy them warm with a fresh glaze!
FAQs
How Long Do Gingerbread Cookie Donuts Last?
Gingerbread cookie donuts stay fresh for about three days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Frozen donuts hold their taste for up to three months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.
Can I Make These Donuts Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make these donuts ahead of time. Bake and cool them, then store them in an airtight container. They will keep well in the fridge for about two days. You can also glaze them just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, no worries! You can easily make a substitute. Just mix one cup of milk with one teaspoon of vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes before using. This will give you a great tangy flavor for your donuts.
You’ve learned about key ingredients, steps, and tips for making gingerbread cookie donuts. Choosing the right ingredients and knowing the best baking tricks can improve your results. Don’t forget to try different flavors and toppings to make them your own. Finally, proper storage keeps your treats fresh and tasty. Now, you’re ready to bake delicious donuts that everyone will love! Enjoy experimenting and sharin
Gingerbread Cookie Donuts
Delicious gingerbread-flavored donuts perfect for the holiday season.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 12 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.33 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 0.33 cup unsulfured molasses
- 0.33 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- Decorative toppings (sprinkles, crushed gingerbread cookies, etc.)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, egg, molasses, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick but smooth.
Carefully spoon the batter into each cavity of the donut pan, filling them about ¾ full to allow for rising.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or milk as needed.
Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, then sprinkle with your favorite toppings such as festive sprinkles or crushed gingerbread cookies.
Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Arrange the glazed donuts on a festive plate and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for added holiday cheer.
Keyword donuts, gingerbread, holiday
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