Christmas Donuts Baked Peppermint Glaze

Imagine waking up on a snowy Christmas morning to the refreshing aroma of sweet peppermint and warm vanilla drifting through your home. These Christmas Baked Donuts with Peppermint Glaze are the ultimate holiday treat for those who want festive flavor without the mess of deep-frying. Soft, cakey, and perfectly spiced, these donuts feature a vibrant pink-and-white glaze topped with crunchy crushed candy canes. They look like they came straight from a professional bakery but take less than 30 minutes to whip up in your own kitchen.

Recipe Information

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

Nutrition values

Calories: 195 kcal
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 32g

Why Make This Christmas Donuts Baked Peppermint Glaze

You should make these donuts because they offer a healthier, easier alternative to traditional fried dough. Since they are baked, you avoid the heavy oil and the lingering smell of a deep fryer. They are incredibly kid-friendly, making them a fun activity for Christmas Eve or a quick breakfast on the big day. Plus, the peppermint glaze provides that iconic holiday “zing” that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup whole milk
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
For the Glaze:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
Red food coloring (optional)
1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Directions

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 6-cavity donut pans with non-stick cooking spray or a light coating of butter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.

Step 2: Baking

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this makes the donuts tough. Transfer the batter to a large piping bag or a plastic storage bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pans, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly touched. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Glazing

While the donuts cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and peppermint extract in a shallow bowl. If you want a marble effect, add one drop of red food coloring and swirl it gently with a toothpick. Dip the top of each cooled donut into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes before the glaze sets. Let the glaze harden for 10 minutes before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Donuts Baked Peppermint Glaze

For the best results, use a piping bag to fill your donut pans; it ensures an even shape and prevents messy spills. Always ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature to create a smoother batter. If your glaze is too thick, add more cream one teaspoon at a time. If it is too thin, add more powdered sugar. Most importantly, wait until the donuts are completely cold before glazing, or the icing will melt right off.

Delicious Variations

Try a Chocolate Peppermint version by replacing 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder in the base recipe. You can also make Gingerbread Peppermint donuts by adding a teaspoon of ground ginger and a tablespoon of molasses to the batter. For a dairy-free option, substitute the milk and butter with almond milk and melted coconut oil. If you want more crunch, add mini chocolate chips directly into the donut batter before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Yes, you can use a muffin tin. Fill the cavities halfway and roll up small pieces of aluminum foil to place in the center of each muffin cup to create the hole. Alternatively, just bake them as “donut muffins.”

How should I store leftovers?
Store these donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, though the candy canes may start to soften or melt slightly due to moisture.

Can I freeze baked donuts?
You can freeze the unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature and apply fresh glaze before serving.

Why did my donuts come out dry?
Overbaking is the most common cause of dry donuts. Start checking them at the 9-minute mark. Also, ensure you are measuring your flour using the “spoon and level” method rather than scooping directly with the measuring cup.

What can I use instead of peppermint extract?
If you aren’t a fan of peppermint, you can use almond extract or simply double the vanilla extract for a classic sweet cream flavor that still pairs beautifully with the candy cane garnish.

Conclusion

These Christmas Baked Donuts with Peppermint Glaze are a festive, flavorful way to celebrate the holiday season. They are quick to prepare, stunning to look at, and offer the perfect balance of sweet cake and cool mint. Whether you serve them at a holiday brunch or leave a couple out for Santa, they are guaranteed to be a hit. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!