16 Best Christmas Donut Recipes You’ll Love

Warm, freshly glazed donuts on Christmas morning — it doesn’t get better. Frying pillowy yeast rings, baking spiced cake donuts, or decorating minis with the kids: Christmas donut recipes turn any December day into a celebration.

We’ve gathered 16 of the best Christmas donut recipes anywhere: classic fried rings, peppermint, gingerbread, eggnog, and Christmas-tree-shaped creations. Every recipe has simple ingredients and foolproof steps, with plenty of baked and no-fry options. If you loved our Christmas cookies, these are the perfect holiday-morning companion.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Donut Recipes

• Made for Christmas morning: Wake up to warm donuts and cinnamon on December 25th.
• Every skill level: From 15-minute biscuit-dough hacks to classic fried yeast donuts.
• Kid-friendly decorating: Glaze, sprinkles, and candy make donuts a family activity.
• Make-ahead friendly: Many can be prepped the night before, finished in the morning.
• Full holiday flavor: Peppermint, gingerbread, eggnog, cranberry, and hot cocoa in every bite.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Donuts Every Time

• Don’t overwork yeast dough: Knead 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Over-kneading makes tough donuts.
• Watch oil temperature: Hold frying oil at 350-365°F. Too cool means greasy donuts; too hot burns the outside.
• Don’t overfill the pan: Fill each cavity 2/3 full so baked donuts rise into perfect rings.
• Glaze while warm: Dip slightly warm donuts so the glaze sets into a thin, crackly shell.
• Use a thermometer: An instant-read thermometer removes all the frying guesswork.

16 Best Christmas Donut Recipes You’ll Love

1. Classic Fluffy Fried Christmas Donuts with Vanilla Glaze

Pillowy fried yeast donuts with a golden crust, vanilla glaze, and holiday sprinkles — better than any bakery box.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon for the yeast
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 3-4 tablespoons milk, for the glaze
• Red and green holiday sprinkles

Instructions

1. Stir the yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar into the warm milk; rest 5-10 minutes until foamy, then whisk in butter and egg.
2. Mix flour, 1/4 cup sugar, salt, and nutmeg; add wet ingredients and knead 6-8 minutes. Cover and rise 1 hour until doubled.
3. Roll 1/2-inch thick, cut with a donut cutter, and rest the donuts 20 minutes.
4. Fry in 360°F oil 1-2 minutes per side until deep golden; drain on a rack, dip in glaze, add sprinkles, and let set 10 minutes.

2. Peppermint Glazed Candy Cane Donuts

Peppermint glaze, crushed candy canes, and a soft baked crumb. Ready in under 30 minutes, no frying.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, and 3 tablespoons milk, for the glaze
• 4 candy canes, crushed

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Whisk milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla; fold into dry ingredients just until combined.
3. Fill cavities 2/3 full; bake 10-12 minutes until springy. Cool 5 minutes, then turn out.
4. Dip warm donut tops in the whisked glaze and sprinkle immediately with crushed candy canes.

3. Baked Gingerbread Donuts with Spiced Glaze

Molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and clove in a soft baked donut — cozy gingerbread flavor, zero fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup molasses, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 1 large egg
• 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2-3 tablespoons milk, for the glaze

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan. Whisk flour, brown sugar, baking powder, spices, and salt.
2. Whisk milk, molasses, melted butter, and egg; fold into dry ingredients until just combined.
3. Fill cavities 2/3 full; bake 11-13 minutes. Cool in the pan 5 minutes, then turn out.
4. Dip warm donuts in the whisked glaze and dust with an extra pinch of cinnamon.

4. Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donuts

Buttery baked donuts rolled in cinnamon sugar while warm — churro meets Christmas morning.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus 3 tablespoons for coating
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 2 teaspoons cinnamon, for rolling

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Whisk milk, 1/4 cup melted butter, egg, and vanilla; fold into dry ingredients until just combined.
3. Fill cavities 2/3 full; bake 10-12 minutes. Turn out while still warm.
4. Brush with remaining melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar. For a fancier finish, a drizzle of cinnamon roll icing makes an excellent glaze for baked donuts.

5. Eggnog Frosted Donuts

Eggnog in the batter and the frosting, finished with fresh nutmeg. Christmas in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus more for topping
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup eggnog
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 2 tablespoons eggnog, for the frosting
• Holiday sprinkles, for topping

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Whisk eggnog, melted butter, egg, and vanilla; fold into dry ingredients until just combined.
3. Fill cavities 2/3 full; bake 10-12 minutes. Cool completely on a rack.
4. Frost cooled donuts with the beaten frosting ingredients; finish with fresh nutmeg and sprinkles.

6. Hot Cocoa Donuts with Toasted Marshmallow

Chocolate donuts with a gooey toasted-marshmallow top — hot cocoa you can hold. Pair with our homemade hot chocolate recipes for the ultimate cocoa spread.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup marshmallow fluff
• Mini marshmallows and cocoa powder, for topping

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan. Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
2. Whisk milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla; fold into dry ingredients until just combined.
3. Fill cavities 2/3 full; bake 11-13 minutes. Cool completely.
4. Spread marshmallow fluff thickly on each donut; torch (or broil 20-30 seconds) until golden. Top with mini marshmallows and cocoa.

7. Cranberry Orange Glazed Donuts

Tart cranberries and bright orange zest under a sweet pink glaze — a Christmas sunrise in donut form.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons cranberry juice, and 1 teaspoon orange zest, for the glaze

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest.
2. Whisk milk, melted butter, and egg; fold into dry ingredients, then gently fold in cranberries.
3. Fill cavities 2/3 full; bake 11-13 minutes. Cool 5 minutes, then turn out.
4. Dip warm donuts in the whisked pink glaze and let set.

8. Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Glaze

Dramatic crimson crumb with tangy cream cheese glaze — stunning on any holiday dessert table.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, and 2-3 tablespoons milk, for the glaze

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan. Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
2. Whisk buttermilk, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and food coloring; fold into dry ingredients until just combined.
3. Fill cavities 2/3 full; bake 11-13 minutes. Cool completely.
4. Dip cooled donuts in the beaten glaze and let set 15 minutes.

9. Snickerdoodle Baked Donuts

All the buttery, cinnamony snickerdoodle flavor baked into a soft donut and rolled in cinnamon sugar.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus 3 tablespoons for coating
• 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, for rolling

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cream of tartar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Whisk milk, 1/4 cup melted butter, egg, and vanilla; fold into dry ingredients until just combined.
3. Fill cavities 2/3 full; bake 10-12 minutes. Turn out while still warm.
4. Brush with remaining melted butter and roll generously in cinnamon sugar.

10. 15-Minute Canned Biscuit Donuts

Refrigerated biscuit dough, hot oil, and glaze — shockingly close to real fried donuts in 15 minutes flat.

Ingredients

• 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, for the glaze
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for the glaze
• 3 tablespoons milk, for the glaze
• Red and green sprinkles
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, for the cinnamon-sugar version
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, for the cinnamon-sugar version
• Paper towels, for draining

Instructions

1. Separate biscuits; punch holes in centers with a small cutter. Save holes to fry as donut holes.
2. Heat 2 inches of oil to 350°F; fry donuts and holes 1-2 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
3. Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth; dip warm donuts and shower with sprinkles.
4. For cinnamon-sugar, toss warm fried donuts in the cinnamon-sugar mixture instead of glazing.

11. Powdered Snowball Donut Holes

Fluffy bite-sized donut holes rolled in a blizzard of powdered sugar. Baked in a mini muffin tin — no frying.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F and grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
2. Whisk milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla; fold into dry ingredients until just combined.
3. Fill each cup 2/3 full; bake 9-11 minutes until golden and springy. Cool 3 minutes in the tin.
4. Roll warm donut holes generously in powdered sugar; roll again before serving for a fresh-snow look.

12. Christmas Tree Shaped Donuts

Triangle donuts decorated with green icing, candy ornaments, and a star. Kids go wild — the centerpiece of any holiday spread.

Ingredients

• 1 batch yeast donut dough (see recipe 1, steps 1-2)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 2 cups powdered sugar, for the icing
• 3-4 tablespoons milk, for the icing
• Green food coloring
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Mini M&M’s or candy-coated chocolates, for ornaments
• Star-shaped sprinkles or candy stars
• Holiday sprinkles

Instructions

1. Prepare yeast dough through the first rise; roll 1/2-inch thick and cut into large triangles, about 4 inches tall.
2. Rest triangles 20 minutes; fry at 360°F for 1-2 minutes per side until golden. Drain on a rack.
3. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, food coloring, and vanilla into a spreadable green icing; spread over cooled triangles.
4. Decorate with M&M “ornaments,” a candy star on top, and holiday sprinkles.

13. Santa Hat Mini Donuts

Store-bought minis get a Santa makeover: red frosting, marshmallow trim, strawberry hat. Zero baking, pure kid fun.

Ingredients

• 12 store-bought mini powdered donuts
• 1/2 cup red frosting
• 12 fresh strawberries, hulled
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 12 large marshmallows
• 1/2 cup white frosting, for attaching
• A piping bag or zip-top bag, for the frosting
• A serving platter

Instructions

1. Spread red frosting over the top of each mini donut as Santa’s “suit.”
2. Press mini marshmallows around each donut’s edge to create the fluffy white trim.
3. Dab white frosting on a strawberry’s base and stand it upright in the donut hole as the hat.
4. Top each strawberry with a large marshmallow “pom-pom.” Serve within a few hours.

14. Double Chocolate Dipped Donuts with Holiday Sprinkles

Chocolate cake donuts dipped in glossy ganache and loaded with holiday sprinkles. Rich, fudgy, decadent.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/2 cup heavy cream, for the ganache
• Holiday sprinkles, for topping

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan. Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
2. Whisk milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla; fold into dry ingredients until just combined.
3. Fill cavities 2/3 full; bake 11-13 minutes. Cool completely on a rack.
4. Pour steaming cream over chocolate chips; stir smooth. Dip donuts and cover with sprinkles.

15. Apple Cider Cake Donuts

Reduced apple cider in a dense, moist cake donut rolled in cinnamon sugar — a Christmas tree farm in donut form.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups apple cider, reduced to 1/2 cup
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus 3 tablespoons for coating
• 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, for rolling

Instructions

1. Simmer apple cider 15-20 minutes until reduced to 1/2 cup; cool completely.
2. Heat oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Whisk reduced cider, 1/4 cup melted butter, egg, and vanilla; fold into dry ingredients until just combined.
4. Fill cavities 2/3 full; bake 11-13 minutes. Brush warm donuts with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.

16. White Chocolate Cranberry Donuts

Vanilla donuts studded with tart cranberries, dipped in white chocolate — elegant enough for Christmas brunch.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 8 oz white chocolate, melted, for dipping
• 2 tablespoons dried cranberries, finely chopped, for topping

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Whisk milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla; fold into dry ingredients, then fold in cranberries.
3. Fill cavities 2/3 full; bake 11-13 minutes. Cool completely.
4. Dip donut tops in melted white chocolate; sprinkle with chopped cranberries before it sets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I bake or fry my Christmas donuts?

Fried yeast donuts are lighter and airier but need careful oil-temperature control. Baked cake donuts are denser, quicker (under 30 minutes), and nearly foolproof. When in doubt, start baked.

How do I store homemade donuts so they stay fresh?

Keep cooled donuts airtight at room temperature up to 2 days. Fried donuts are best the day they’re made; baked hold up longer. Refrigerate frosted donuts and eat within 24 hours.

Can I make Christmas donuts ahead of time?

Yes. Yeast dough can rise overnight in the fridge — bring to room temperature 30 minutes before rolling. Bake donuts a day ahead and glaze the morning you serve. Donut holes freeze up to 1 month.

Can I make gluten-free Christmas donuts?

Yes. Swap flour 1:1 with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum — baked cake donuts adapt best. Rest the batter 10 minutes before baking so the flour fully hydrates.

What are the best decorating tips for festive donuts?

Dip while slightly warm so glaze sets in a thin shell. Use gel food coloring for vibrant red and green icing. Add sprinkles before the glaze sets. For a full holiday morning, pair with our Christmas breakfast recipes.

Conclusion

From classic fried rings to peppermint, gingerbread, and Christmas-tree creations, these 16 best Christmas donut recipes prove the sweetest holiday mornings start with a warm donut.

Whip up a batch for Christmas morning, a holiday brunch, or a donut exchange with friends. For more festive baking, browse our Christmas candy recipes and Christmas cookies — happy holidays from our kitchen to yours!