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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.) 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. 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. {{ingredient_image_1}} 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! {{image_2}} 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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 sharing.

Gingerbread Cookie Donuts

Delicious gingerbread-flavored donuts perfect for the holiday season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 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.)

Instructions
 

  • 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.

Notes

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