Easy Gingerbread Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze

Luca BianchiJanuary 20, 2025

A stack of freshly baked gingerbread donuts coated in cinnamon sugar, displayed on a rustic wooden board with festive holiday elements like a sprig of holly and a mug of coffee.

There’s something enchanting about the cozy, spiced scent of gingerbread donuts with cinnamon sugar filling the kitchen on a chilly winter morning. These delightful treats have become a cherished holiday tradition in my household, offering warmth and festive joy with every bite. What sets this recipe apart? It’s incredibly quick, simple, and doesn’t require any chilling time for the dough—making it ideal for busy mornings or those moments when you need a last-minute dessert.

Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering or just indulging in a little self-care, these gingerbread donuts with cinnamon sugar are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and a touch of holiday magic to your home.

A Holiday Favorite for All Ages!

The blend of cozy gingerbread spices and the sweet, crispy coating of cinnamon sugar is absolutely irresistible. These donuts are tender, moist, and bursting with flavor, making them a favorite for both children and adults. What’s more, they’re baked instead of fried, so you can savor them without any guilt. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this gingerbread donuts with cinnamon sugar is simple and nearly impossible to mess up. Let’s get into the details and transform your kitchen into a holiday haven filled with delightful aromas!

Ingredients for Gingerbread Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar

For the Donuts:

1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
½ cup (120ml) unsulphured molasses
½ cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
½ cup (120ml) buttermilk, room temperature
¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake. Lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or butter. This step is crucial to prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan.

A donut pan lightly greased with butter, placed next to a small bowl of melted butter and a modern oven preheating to 350°F, set in a cozy kitchen with warm lighting.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter, giving every bite that perfect gingerbread flavor. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

A medium mixing bowl filled with dry ingredients for gingerbread donuts, including flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices like cinnamon and ginger, with a whisk resting on the side, set on a rustic wooden table.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the molasses, brown sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Room temperature ingredients blend more easily, so take the time to let your buttermilk and egg sit out for a bit before starting. The molasses adds a deep, rich flavor that’s essential for authentic gingerbread taste.

A large mixing bowl with wet ingredients for gingerbread donuts, including molasses, brown sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, an egg, and vanilla extract, being whisked together, set on a rustic wooden table.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense donuts. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine. Overmixing can activate the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher texture.

A large mixing bowl with gingerbread donut batter being formed as wet and dry ingredients are combined, with a spatula mid-stroke and a few streaks of flour visible, set on a rustic wooden table.

5. Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off. This makes it easy to pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a spoon, but a bag ensures even distribution and less mess.

A piping bag filled with gingerbread donut batter being used to pipe the batter into a greased donut pan, set on a rustic wooden table with a dusting of flour nearby.

6. Bake the Donuts

Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as overbaking can dry out the donuts. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

A donut pan filled with gingerbread donut batter placed inside a preheated oven, with the oven light illuminating the golden-brown donuts as they bake, set in a cozy kitchen.

7. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

While the donuts are cooling, prepare the cinnamon sugar topping. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Place the melted butter in another small bowl. This two-step process ensures the donuts are evenly coated and deliciously sweet.

A small bowl of cinnamon sugar mixture next to a bowl of melted butter, with a spoon resting inside and a cinnamon stick nearby, set on a rustic wooden table.

8. Coat the Donuts

Dip each donut into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, immediately roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The butter helps the sugar stick to the donuts, creating that irresistible crunchy coating. Place the coated donuts back on the wire rack to set.

A freshly baked gingerbread donut being dipped into melted butter and then rolled in a bowl of cinnamon sugar, with finished donuts on a wire rack in the background, set on a rustic wooden table.

9. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the gingerbread donuts with cinnamon sugar warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a festive treat. These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later (more on that below).

A beautifully arranged plate of gingerbread donuts coated in cinnamon sugar, placed next to a steaming mug of coffee on a rustic wooden table, with festive holiday elements like a sprig of holly nearby.

Ingredient Insights and Substitutions

Tips for Selecting Ingredients

Molasses: Use unsulphured molasses for a cleaner, sweeter flavor. Avoid blackstrap molasses, as it’s too bitter.
Buttermilk: Room temperature buttermilk blends better. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ½ cup milk with ½ tsp lemon juice or vinegar.
Spices: Freshly ground spices provide the best flavor. Check expiration dates for potency.
Flour: Measure accurately using a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method.

Try also this :
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Dietary Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Vegan: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk + acid, use a flax egg, and replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
Lower Sugar: Reduce brown sugar to ⅓ cup and use a sugar substitute for the topping.

The Magic of Gingerbread Spices

There’s something about the warm, comforting blend of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg that instantly transports you to the holiday season. These spices aren’t just ingredients—they’re the heart and soul of these gingerbread donuts. Each bite is like a cozy hug, wrapping you in the nostalgic flavors of winter. It’s no wonder this gingerbread donuts with cinnamon sugar has become a staple in my kitchen during the holidays.

Why Baked Donuts Are a Game-Changer

If you’ve never tried baked gingerbread donuts with cinnamon sugar , you’re in for a treat. Unlike their fried counterparts, these gingerbread donuts are lighter and less greasy, making them a guilt-free indulgence. Baking also means less mess and hassle, so you can spend more time enjoying the process and less time cleaning up. Plus, the soft, cake-like texture is absolutely divine.

The Secret to Perfectly Moist Donuts

The key to these donuts’ irresistible texture lies in the combination of molasses and buttermilk. Molasses adds depth and richness, while buttermilk keeps the donuts tender and moist. It’s a match made in baking heaven, ensuring every bite is as soft and flavorful as the last.

Cinnamon Sugar: The Perfect Finishing Touch

What’s a donut without a little extra sweetness? The cinnamon sugar coating takes these gingerbread donuts to the next level. The melted butter helps the sugar stick, creating a delicate, crunchy layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft, spiced donut. It’s simple yet utterly transformative.

A Recipe That Fits Any Schedule

One of the best things about this gingerbread donuts with cinnamon sugar is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re planning a holiday brunch or need a quick treat for unexpected guests, these donuts come together in no time. The no-chill dough means you can go from mixing to baking in minutes, making it a lifesaver during the busy holiday season.

The Joy of Sharing

There’s something special about sharing homemade treats with loved ones. These gingerbread donuts are perfect for gifting—wrap them in a festive box or tin, and you’ve got a heartfelt present that’s sure to brighten anyone’s day. They’re also a great addition to holiday cookie swaps, offering a unique twist on traditional baked goods.

A Kid-Friendly Baking Project

If you’re looking for a fun activity to do with kids, this gingerbread donuts with cinnamon sugar is a winner. Little ones will love helping mix the batter, pipe it into the pan, and coat the donuts in cinnamon sugar. It’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen and create lasting holiday memories.

The Aroma of the Holidays

Few things compare to the scent of gingerbread spices wafting through your home. As these donuts bake, they fill the air with a warm, inviting aroma that instantly puts everyone in a festive mood. It’s like bottling up the essence of the holidays and releasing it in your kitchen.

Customizing Your Donuts

While the classic cinnamon sugar coating is a crowd-pleaser, don’t be afraid to get creative. Drizzle them with a simple glaze, sprinkle on some crushed nuts, or even add a dash of orange zest to the batter for a citrusy twist. The possibilities are endless, so make this recipe your own.

A Treat for Any Occasion

While these donuts are perfect for the holidays, they’re versatile enough to enjoy year-round. Serve them at brunches, pack them in lunchboxes, or enjoy them as an afternoon pick-me-up. Their warm, spiced flavor is always a welcome treat, no matter the season.

The Comfort of Homemade Baking

In a world of store-bought treats, there’s something deeply satisfying about baking from scratch. These gingerbread donuts are a reminder of the joy that comes from creating something with your own hands. Plus, the taste of homemade simply can’t be beat.

A Healthier Indulgence

While these donuts are undeniably indulgent, they’re also a bit healthier than traditional fried donuts. Baking cuts down on excess oil, and the use of molasses and spices adds natural sweetness and flavor without relying on too much sugar. It’s a treat you can feel good about enjoying.

The Perfect Pairing

These donuts are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with a warm beverage. A cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or spiced chai tea complements the gingerbread flavors beautifully, making for a cozy and satisfying treat.

A Recipe That Brings People Together

Food has a unique way of bringing people together, and these gingerbread donuts are no exception. Whether you’re baking them with family, sharing them with friends, or enjoying them solo, they’re sure to spark joy and create lasting memories. After all, the holidays are all about connection, and what better way to connect than over a plate of freshly baked donuts?

Tips and FAQs for Perfect Gingerbread Donuts

Expert Tips

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense donuts. Stir until just combined.
Pipe the Batter: Use a piping bag or ziplock bag for neat, even donuts.
Cool Before Coating: Let donuts cool slightly before dipping to prevent crumbling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bake the donuts a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Coat with cinnamon sugar just before serving.

Q: Can I freeze these donuts?
A: Absolutely. Freeze uncoated donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw and coat before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have a donut pan?
A: Use a muffin tin for gingerbread muffin bites. Adjust baking time to 12–15 minutes.

Q: Why are my donuts dry?
A: Overbaking can dry them out. Check for doneness at the 8-minute mark.

Why You’ll Love This gingerbread donuts with cinnamon sugar Recipe

These gingerbread donuts with cinnamon sugar are the ultimate holiday treat—easy to make, bursting with warm spices, and coated in a sweet, crunchy glaze. They’re perfect for:

Holiday Breakfasts: Serve them warm with coffee or hot cocoa.
Gift-Giving: Package them in festive boxes for friends and family.
Cookie Swaps: Stand out with this unique twist on classic gingerbread.

Sharing your Creations !

There you have it—spiced, sweet, and utterly irresistible gingerbread donuts with cinnamon sugar that are perfect for holiday mornings, festive gatherings, or anytime you’re craving a cozy treat. These donuts are not only easy to make but also bring the warm, comforting flavors of the season to your table.

We’d love to hear how your baking adventure turns out! Did you add a twist to the recipe? Share your experience in the comments below, or snap a photo of your creations and tag us on social media using #GingerbreadDonuts. Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you loved it—your feedback helps us create more delicious treats for you to enjoy. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the joyful aroma of gingerbread and cinnamon sugar!