Description
These soft and spiced gingerbread donuts are baked (or fried) to perfection and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar topping. They make the perfect holiday breakfast or festive treat!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + ½ tablespoon vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan or baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, molasses, egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 2: Bake the Donuts
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donut comes out clean.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 3: Coat the Donuts in Cinnamon Sugar
- In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Lightly brush each warm donut with melted butter.
- Roll the donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve warm with coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced apple cider.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free baking flour.
- Vegan Option: Use flax eggs and plant-based milk instead of dairy.
- Fried Version: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry for 1–2 minutes per side.
- Extra Fluffy Tip: Use fresh baking soda and baking powder for the best rise.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg