Christmas Donuts Baked Peppermint Glaze

The holiday season isn’t complete without the scent of peppermint and fresh baking wafting through the kitchen. These Christmas Donuts with a Baked Peppermint Glaze are the ultimate festive treat, offering a soft, cake-like texture without the mess of deep-frying. Whether you are hosting a holiday brunch or looking for a sweet companion to your morning coffee, these vibrant red and white treats bring instant cheer to any table. They are incredibly easy to whip up, making them a perfect activity for the whole family during the winter break.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12 donuts
Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition values

Calories: 210 kcal
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 38g

Why Make This Christmas Donuts Baked Peppermint Glaze

Baked donuts are a game-changer for home bakers. They are much lighter than their fried counterparts and require significantly less cleanup. This specific recipe balances a vanilla bean base with a refreshing peppermint glaze that mimics the iconic flavor of a candy cane. The contrast between the soft donut and the crunchy crushed peppermint topping provides a satisfying texture in every bite. Plus, they look professionally made but take less than half an hour to prepare from start to finish.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, room temperature
3/4 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

For the Peppermint Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1-2 drops red food coloring (optional)
1/4 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint rounds

Directions

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease two 6-cavity donut pans with non-stick cooking spray or a light coating of butter. This ensures your donuts pop out easily without breaking their delicate shape.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Ensure there are no large clumps of sugar or flour to keep the batter smooth and airy.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, beat the egg lightly. Whisk in the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until fully combined. Using room temperature ingredients helps the batter emulsify better.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to fold the mixture together gently. Stop mixing as soon as the flour streaks disappear; overmixing will result in a tough, rubbery donut rather than a tender cake texture.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Transfer the batter into a large piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pans, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Peppermint Glaze

While the donuts cool, whisk the powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and 3 tablespoons of cream in a shallow bowl. If the glaze is too thick, add more cream one teaspoon at a time. If you want a marbled look, add a drop of red food coloring and swirl it gently with a toothpick.

Step 7: Glaze and Decorate

Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the top half of each donut into the glaze. Lift it up and let the excess drip off. Immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes before the glaze sets. Place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to harden for about 10 minutes.

Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Donuts Baked Peppermint Glaze

To get the best results, always use a piping bag to fill your donut pans. It is much cleaner than using a spoon and ensures an even rise. Also, make sure your donuts are entirely cool before glazing; if they are even slightly warm, the glaze will melt and run right off. For an extra festive touch, you can add a tiny bit of peppermint extract to the donut batter itself to reinforce that holiday flavor profile.

Delicious Variations

Chocolate Peppermint: Substitute 1/4 cup of the flour with dark cocoa powder for a rich chocolate base.
White Chocolate Drizzle: Melt white chocolate chips and drizzle them over the peppermint glaze for an elegant look.
Eggnog Donuts: Swap the milk in the batter for eggnog and use nutmeg instead of peppermint for a different holiday twist.
Vegan Version: Use almond milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg to make these donuts plant-based.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these donuts in advance?

Yes, you can bake the donuts a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. However, it is best to glaze them on the day you plan to serve them to prevent the crushed candy canes from becoming sticky.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, though they may dry out slightly.

Why did my donuts come out flat?

This usually happens if your baking powder is expired or if you overmixed the batter. Ensure your leavening agents are fresh and fold the ingredients together just until combined.

Can I freeze baked donuts?

Absolutely! You can freeze the unglazed donuts for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before glazing and serving.

Do I need a donut pan?

While a donut pan gives you the classic shape, you can use a muffin tin in a pinch. Roll up small pieces of foil to place in the center of each muffin cup to create a “hole,” then pipe the batter around the foil.

Conclusion

These Christmas Donuts with Baked Peppermint Glaze are a festive masterpiece that proves you don’t need a deep fryer to make a delicious treat. They are quick, customizable, and burst with the refreshing flavor of winter. Share them with neighbors, serve them at your next holiday party, or enjoy them by the fireplace with a hot cup of cocoa. Happy holiday baking!