1. Gingerbread Donuts with Vanilla Glaze
Think spicy-sweet gingerbread cookie, but fluffier and shaped like a donut. Bonus: your house will smell like a holiday candle exploded (in a good way).
Best part: Vanilla glaze + crushed gingerbread cookies on top = perfection.
2. Peppermint Mocha Donuts
If your coffee and donut had a very festive baby, this would be it.
Ingredients to watch for: Espresso powder, cocoa, peppermint extract, and crushed candy canes. Serve with an actual peppermint mocha because chaos.
3. Eggnog Glazed Donuts
You either love eggnog or you pretend you don’t and still drink three glasses. These baked donuts are soft, warmly spiced, and topped with a thick eggnog glaze that says “I tried” without trying too hard.
4. Cranberry Orange Cake Donuts
This one’s for the brunch girlies. Tangy, citrusy, tart, and not too sweet — until you pour on the orange glaze and add sugared cranberries on top.
Serve it with: Oversized coffee mugs and side-eye at your siblings.
5. Hot Chocolate Donuts with Marshmallow Glaze
Basically a mug of cocoa in donut form. Rich, chocolaty base topped with a marshmallow glaze and tiny marshmallows? Yes. Always yes.
Optional extra: Dust with cocoa powder or crushed graham crackers to make it extra cozy.
6. Maple Pecan Donuts
Warm, nutty, and very “fireside baking show aesthetic.” These are for people who say “I don’t like sweet donuts” and then eat five of them.
Glaze alert: Thick maple glaze + chopped toasted pecans. Heaven.
7. Candy Cane Crumble Donuts
These scream “Pinterest made me do it.” Vanilla or chocolate base, white glaze, and a generous layer of crushed candy cane.
Vibe check: A little chaotic, very festive, wildly photogenic.
8. Spiced Apple Cider Donuts
A classic fall donut that fully earns a spot on your holiday table too. Especially when dipped in cinnamon sugar.
Pro move: Use actual apple cider in the batter for that tangy depth.
9. Chocolate Peppermint Baked Donuts
These are the dessert version of your favorite peppermint bark. Rich chocolate donut, peppermint glaze, and more peppermint on top.
Pair with: A big peppermint latte or your first Christmas rom-com binge.
10. Reindeer Donuts (Kid-Friendly)
This is basically edible arts and crafts. Chocolate glazed donuts + pretzel antlers + candy eyes + red M&M nose = the cutest snack of the season.
Warning: Too adorable to eat. Almost.
11. Snowball Powdered Donuts
Soft baked vanilla donuts rolled in a snowy avalanche of powdered sugar. Think donut meets snow globe.
Optional add-on: A hint of coconut extract or shredded coconut for wintery vibes.
12. Cinnamon Roll Donuts
Because choosing between a cinnamon roll and a donut is rude. This gives you both: cinnamon swirl batter baked in donut form and topped with cream cheese glaze.
Mood: Lazy weekend mornings, extra cozy socks, and yes, seconds.
13. Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Glaze
A dramatic, rich classic with festive flair. Deep red color, cocoa flavor, and tangy cream cheese glaze? You’re the main character now.
Top with: Holiday sprinkles or edible gold dust if you’re feeling very “hostess with the mostest.”
14. White Chocolate Cranberry Donuts
Elegant, tart, and surprisingly easy to make. These are giving “holiday brunch with in-laws who judge your coffee skills.”
Flavor balance: Sweet white chocolate + fresh cranberry = grown-up dessert flex.
15. Grinch-Inspired Green Donuts
Bright green vanilla donuts, red heart sprinkle, and maybe some side-eye. Kids love them. Adults pretend not to love them — but totally do.
Serve with: Hot cocoa and your best “holiday chaos but make it aesthetic” playlist.
Tips for Holiday Donut Greatness:
- Don’t overmix the batter – unless you like chewy hockey pucks
- Baked donuts are easier and neater, but fried ones? Always iconic
- Use silicone donut pans if you bake often – they’re magical
- Make ahead and freeze unglazed donuts, then decorate fresh before serving
- Dress them up – edible glitter, sprinkles, crushed candy, or even little fondant hats
Final Thoughts:
Christmas cookies might get all the hype, but donuts? Donuts are the secret weapon of festive baking. They’re fast, fun, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re team chocolate or team cinnamon spice, there’s something in this list to turn your kitchen into a winter wonderland of fried dough glory.
So go ahead — break out the donut pan, cue up the Mariah Carey, and let these 15 recipes sweeten up your season one perfect circle at a time.
