Gingerbread Donuts with Maple Glaze
Bring on the holidays with this fun take on classic flavors. Light and fluffy gingerbread donuts topped with a spectacular maple glaze are baked and ready to devour in just 30 minutes!
The gingerbread part of the donut is of course what makes these treats a showstopper. The flavor combination of brown sugar, ginger, and nutmeg will bring back all the nostalgic feels of the season. Top marks for the indulgent powder sugar and maple glaze on top!
But it really is the simplicity of this mouthwatering recipe that will keep you making them time and time again.
If your kids love decorating gingerbread houses, they’re going to love these donuts. Whether they’re helping you bake in the kitchen or ready to decorate when they’re done, being creative with what goes on that donut glaze is half the fun!
About these gingerbread donuts:
It’s pretty much the law this time of year around here that if you’re not baking with pumpkin then you’re definitely making some sort of gingerbread. Why not switch it up and try this no-fuss Christmas baked donut recipe. The smell alone is worth it!
While these donuts are typically enjoyed around the holidays, make no mistake about it, you can make them any time of the year. These scrumptious non-fried donuts are easy enough to make as an after school snack, a quick grab-n-go breakfast, or perfect when you’re cozying up on a weekend with a cup of tea and a good book.
This gingerbread donut recipe is perfect for beginner bakers. If you have just discovered baking or are wanting to create memories for your kids, this is a great place to start! You do not need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, all you’ll need is a mixing bowl, a donut pan (if you have one), and a whisk!
So, get in the kitchen, turn on some Christmas music and enjoy the simple pleasures of baking during the holidays. Don’t forget to leave a donut or two out for Santa!
What’s in gingerbread donuts?
Donut:
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Ground ginger
- Nutmeg
- All purpose flour
- Buttermilk
- Baking powder
- Egg
Gingerbread Maple Glaze
- Powdered sugar
- Maple extract
- Milk
How to make these baked donuts:
Preheat the oven and spray your donut pan (or cookie sheet) with cooking spray.
Add all your ingredients into a large mixing bowl and whisk to combine. You’ll want to use room temperature butter (unless you missed arm day at the gym). Remove from fridge an hour prior to use.
Spoon dough into the mold most of the way up to the rim. If you are doing this without a donut pan, roll the dough into a ball and lightly flatten with your hand and create a hole in the center of each one with your finger and place on the cookie sheet.
Bake until a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few crumbs on it. As a bonus, your house will smell like Christmas.
While the donuts are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking all glaze ingredients together. Set aside until the donuts are completely cooled. Adding a glaze to a hot donut will just make the glaze runny and essentially invisible.
Whether you choose to drizzle, dip or dunk your donuts in the glaze, rest assured there is no wrong way to do this!
How to make these gingerbread donuts your own:
- Have little bowls of festive sprinkles and candies laid out for a little DIY decorating fun.
- Grab a muffin tin and use this recipe to make gingerbread muffins.
- Add some candied ginger on top of the glaze, or some gingerbread granola.
- Swap the maple extract for a little bit of rum to make these for grown folks. Or omit the glaze all together!
- Coat the donuts in a cinnamon and sugar blend for a twist.
- This recipe yields about 6-8 donuts but if you want to know how to make mini donuts, follow this recipe using a mini donut pan or make them smaller if you are making them by hand. Easy Peasy! Keep in mind, they’ll probably bake much faster, so keep an eye on them!
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
These donuts will keep in an airtight container on your kitchen counter for up to 5 days. Keeping them in the fridge will affect the moisture level and dry them out.
They will also keep in the freezer in an airtight Ziploc bag or container for up to a month.
If you plan on making these in batches and storing some for later, make them without the glaze. The glaze is a quick addition you can make in a pinch why the donuts are thawing/reheating.
FAQ: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No buttermilk? No problem! Here’s how to make buttermilk: Add a 1 1/2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to the measuring cup, then fill to the line with whole milk (so it totals 1/2 cup) and let sit for about 5 minutes before using. Voila!
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Donuts with Maple Glaze
Ingredients
Donuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 large egg
Maple Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon maple extract
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a donut mold sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add all donut ingredients to a large mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
- Spoon dough into each mold until ⅔ full. Alternatively, if you do not have a donut mold use a spoon to pick up dough. Shape into a 2” ball, lightly press down to flatten and use your finger to mold a hole in the center. Bake for 14 minutes on the middle rack of preheated oven.
- While the donuts are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking all glaze ingredients together. Set aside.
- Remove donuts from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool. Pour desired amount of glaze over donuts and enjoy!
Notes
- You may also dip your donuts in the glaze if you want more complete coverage.