If you’re dreaming of the ultimate holiday baking project, these Christmas Doughnuts deserve a starring spot in your kitchen. Soft, golden, and cheerfully glazed with a flurry of festive sprinkles or crushed peppermint, every bite is a celebration of the season’s flavors and spirit. Whether you’re inviting friends over for coffee, looking to wow your family on Christmas morning, or simply treating yourself to a little joy, these doughnuts will fill your home with warmth, sweet aromas, and memories in the making.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Christmas Doughnuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Christmas Doughnuts is how they turn simple ingredients into a show-stopping treat. Each one plays a special role in creating the perfect blend of pillowy texture, rich taste, and that iconic, glossy holiday finish.

Active dry yeast: Gives your doughnuts that essential rise and airy, light interior—don’t skip the proofing!
Warm milk (110°F): Activates the yeast and adds delightful tenderness to the dough.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and also helps the yeast get started.
Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Egg yolks: Bring color, richness, and extra softness to the doughnuts.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the holiday aroma and ties all the flavors together.
All-purpose flour: The base of your dough; gives structure without heaviness.
Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens overall flavor.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Neutral, perfect for crisping the doughnuts without overpowering.
Powdered sugar: Key for a glossy, sweet glaze that clings beautifully.
Milk (for glaze): Loosens up the powdered sugar for effortless dipping.
Holiday sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or colored sugar: These take your Christmas Doughnuts from tasty to truly magical—go wild with your favorites!

How to Make Christmas Doughnuts

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by dissolving the active dry yeast in your warm milk along with a pinch of sugar. This little bit of sugar gives the yeast something to munch on, helping it bloom and foam up within 5 to 10 minutes. Those happy bubbles mean your doughnuts will rise beautifully, so don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and velvety. Once your yeast mixture is bubbly and ready, pour it right in and stir to bring everything together—now the dough is building both flavor and structure.

Step 3: Make and Knead the Dough

Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfect when it’s smooth, elastic, and just a little tacky. This hands-on moment is so satisfying and directly affects how light your Christmas Doughnuts turn out.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour. When you see it has doubled in size, you’ll know the yeast has worked its magic.

Step 5: Shape the Doughnuts

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Using a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one large for the outside, one small for the hole), cut out your doughnut shapes. Arrange the cut doughnuts on a floured baking sheet, cover lightly, and let them rise again for 30 minutes—patience here gives super light results.

Step 6: Fry to Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry the doughnuts in batches, making sure not to crowd the pot. Each side only takes about 1 to 2 minutes until they turn that irresistible golden brown. Drain them on a paper towel-lined tray while you work through the rest.

Step 7: Glaze and Decorate

Whisk together powdered sugar and milk to form a smooth, silky glaze. Dip the warm doughnuts right in (this helps the glaze set with a perfect sheen!) and sprinkle with your favorite decorations—holiday sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or colored sugar. Now they look as fantastic as they taste!

How to Serve Christmas Doughnuts

Garnishes

Make these Christmas Doughnuts sparkle by rolling them in a cascade of holiday sprinkles, a dusting of crushed peppermint, or those jewel-toned colored sugars. If you’re feeling adventurous, try blending a bit of edible glitter or a drizzle of white chocolate for extra magic. The best part: everyone can customize their own!

Side Dishes

Pair your Christmas Doughnuts with warming mugs of hot cocoa, rich coffee, or a cozy chai latte. For a breakfast spread, offer fresh fruit, yogurt, and maybe a little bacon or sausage for a savory touch—it’s all about balance!

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your finished doughnuts on a festive platter piled high and scatter in some mini candy canes for whimsy. You could stack them into a “doughnut tree,” thread them on a ribbon for a playful garland, or gift wrap a few in clear cellophane bags tied with a big red bow to spread the Christmas cheer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any Christmas Doughnuts left over, keep them fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to two days—just be sure to eat them before they lose their signature tender bite.

Freezing

For longer storage, skip the glaze and decorations and freeze your doughnuts after they’ve cooled completely. Place them in a single layer in a zip-top bag or airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature, then glaze and decorate fresh for a just-made feel!

Reheating

Revive your doughnuts by warming them in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This brings back their pillowy texture—just don’t overheat, as the glaze can melt away!

FAQs

Can I make these doughnuts without a doughnut cutter?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a doughnut cutter on hand, use a round cookie cutter or even a glass, then cut out the centers with a small shot glass or bottle cap. It’s easy, and you’ll still get that classic Christmas Doughnuts shape.

My dough isn’t rising—what went wrong?

The most common culprit is yeast that hasn’t activated. Double-check that your milk was warm (but not hot), and that your yeast isn’t expired. Also, give the dough enough time in a cozy, draft-free spot to rise fully.

How can I add more festive flavor?

Infuse the glaze with a drop of peppermint or almond extract, or even swap some vanilla for orange zest. Mixing spices like nutmeg or cinnamon into the dough is another tasty way to make your Christmas Doughnuts truly shine!

Can I bake instead of fry these doughnuts?

You can bake them for a lighter version—just brush the shaped doughnuts with melted butter and bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes, or until golden. The texture is slightly different but still delicious, especially when topped with holiday glaze and sprinkles.

What’s the best way to get the glaze smooth and shiny?

Gradually whisk milk into powdered sugar, adding a little at a time until the glaze is pourable yet thick enough to coat your doughnuts. Dipping the doughnuts while they’re still warm helps the glaze set up with that perfect, glossy finish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something extraordinary about sharing homemade Christmas Doughnuts—every fluffy bite spreads a little extra happiness. I hope you’re inspired to whip up a batch for your own holiday festivities, whether for breakfast, dessert, or midnight snacking by the tree. Dive in, get a little messy, and enjoy the magic that only fresh, decorated doughnuts can bring!

Christmas Doughnuts Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 12 doughnuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Christmas Doughnuts are a delightful holiday treat that are fried to perfection, glazed with a sweet icing, and decorated with festive sprinkles and crushed peppermint. Enjoy these fluffy and flavorful doughnuts with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace!

Ingredients

Scale

Doughnuts:

2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
Vegetable oil for frying

Glaze and Decoration:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Holiday sprinkles
Crushed peppermint or colored sugar for decorating

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Dissolve the yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar and let sit until foamy. Combine melted butter, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla. Add yeast mixture and flour, knead until smooth.
Rise the Dough: Let the dough rise until doubled in size.
Cut and Fry: Roll out dough, cut doughnuts, let rise again. Fry in oil until golden brown.
Glaze and Decorate: Mix powdered sugar and milk for glaze. Dip warm doughnuts in glaze and decorate with sprinkles or crushed peppermint.