Gingerbread donuts coated in cinnamon sugar are the perfect combination of warm spices, soft texture, and a crisp, sugary coating. These delightful treats are a wonderful way to bring the flavors of the holiday season into your kitchen, but they are also perfect for any time of year when you crave a cozy, comforting dessert. Unlike traditional donuts, which are often overly sweet or greasy, these gingerbread donuts balance rich molasses, aromatic spices, and just the right amount of sweetness, making them a satisfying yet light indulgence.

Whether you prefer your donuts baked for a healthier alternative or fried for that classic crispiness, this guide will take you through every step of making the perfect gingerbread donuts. You will also find expert tips on ingredient substitutions, variations to suit dietary needs, and creative serving ideas. Additionally, we will explore storage tips to keep your donuts fresh and answer common questions to help you master this recipe.

If you enjoy festive desserts and want to explore even more holiday treats, you may find inspiration in this guide to Italian Christmas desserts, which showcases classic sweets that pair beautifully with gingerbread donuts.

Why You Will Love These Gingerbread Donuts

There are countless reasons to love gingerbread donuts, but here are some of the most compelling:

Perfectly Spiced Flavor: These donuts are infused with warm spices, including cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, which create a depth of flavor that makes every bite memorable.
Ideal Texture: Whether baked or fried, gingerbread donuts are incredibly soft and fluffy on the inside, making them a satisfying treat without feeling too heavy.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: The crisp outer layer of cinnamon sugar provides a delightful contrast to the softness inside, adding both sweetness and texture.
Quick and Easy to Make: With just a handful of common ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have fresh, homemade donuts ready in under 30 minutes.
Great for Holidays and Gatherings: Gingerbread donuts are a crowd-pleaser, making them a wonderful choice for family breakfasts, holiday parties, or even as a homemade gift for loved ones.

For those who follow a gluten-free diet or prefer alternative dessert options, you may want to check out this guide to gluten-free desserts for inspiration on adapting recipes like this one.

Essential Ingredients for Gingerbread Donuts

To achieve the signature flavor and texture of these donuts, it is important to use high-quality ingredients. Each ingredient plays a specific role in creating the best possible outcome.

Dry Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Provides structure to the donuts while keeping them light and fluffy.
Baking Powder (1 teaspoon) & Baking Soda (½ teaspoon): These leavening agents help the donuts rise, making them soft and airy.
Ground Ginger (1 teaspoon): A key spice in gingerbread, giving the donuts their signature warmth and slight heat.
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall warmth and pairs perfectly with the cinnamon sugar coating.
Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon) & Cloves (¼ teaspoon): Additional spices that add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Helps balance the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the recipe.

Wet Ingredients

Unsalted Butter (½ cup, melted): Adds moisture and richness to the donuts.
Brown Sugar (½ cup): Provides sweetness and contributes to the soft texture.
Molasses (⅓ cup): The essential ingredient that gives gingerbread its deep, rich flavor.
Egg (1 large): Helps bind the ingredients together and adds structure.
Buttermilk (½ cup): Adds moisture and a slight tanginess, which balances the spices. If you do not have buttermilk, you can substitute with milk mixed with a small amount of vinegar.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Provides the sweet crunch in the coating.
Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Complements the gingerbread flavor and enhances the coating.
Melted Butter (3 tablespoons): Helps the sugar mixture stick to the donuts.

For the best cinnamon, check out this guide on cinnamon varieties.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Making the Donut Batter

Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan. If you plan to fry the donuts instead, set up a large pan with oil heated to 350°F (175°C) for frying later.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This step ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: melted butter, brown sugar, molasses, egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can result in dense donuts, so mix until no dry flour remains.

2. Baking or Frying the Donuts

For baked donuts:

Spoon or pipe the batter into a greased donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

For fried donuts:

Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the oil and fry for about 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Coating the Donuts in Cinnamon Sugar

Once the donuts have cooled slightly but are still warm, coat them with the cinnamon sugar mixture.

In a shallow bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon.
Lightly brush each donut with melted butter. This step is crucial as it helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the surface.
Roll the warm donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

The result is a deliciously spiced donut with a crisp, sweet coating that enhances every bite.

Storage and Serving Tips

To keep your gingerbread donuts fresh and enjoyable:

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
If refrigerating, place them in a sealed container and reheat before serving to restore their texture.
For long-term storage, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months.

These donuts are best enjoyed warm, paired with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or spiced apple cider. If serving them for a holiday gathering, consider presenting them on a dessert platter alongside other seasonal treats. For inspiration on arranging a stunning display, you might find helpful ideas in this dessert platter guide.

Final Thoughts

Gingerbread donuts with cinnamon sugar are a delightful twist on traditional holiday treats, offering the perfect blend of spice, sweetness, and soft texture. Whether baked or fried, they are an easy-to-make dessert that brings warmth and joy to any occasion.

Now that you have the ultimate recipe, it is time to try making these donuts at home. Will you bake them for a lighter version, or fry them for a more indulgent treat? No matter your choice, they are sure to become a favorite in your household.