There’s just something magical about Christmas Donuts that instantly fills your kitchen with warmth and holiday cheer. Whether you decorate them with vibrant glazes, sprinkles, or even a dusting of snowy sugar, these festive treats are irresistibly soft on the inside with a delightful golden crust. They’re a family favorite for good reason: everyone—from little ones to grownups—can’t help but smile at the sight of a plate stacked high with these charming, perfectly pillowy donuts. Once you whip up a batch, you’ll understand why they’ve become a beloved holiday tradition in so many homes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Christmas Donuts is half the fun, as each simple staple brings a unique touch to the recipe. Every item here is handpicked to ensure your donuts turn out tender, flavorful, and beautifully festive—ready to be the star of your holiday table.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of our donuts, this creates the signature fluffy interior we all love.
Granulated sugar: Not only sweetens the dough but gives these treats a classic hint of holiday magic.
Active dry yeast: This ensures your donuts puff up to cloud-like perfection—don’t skip this step!
Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture, resulting in a supremely soft crumb.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter brings extra flavor and that irresistible tender mouthfeel.
Large eggs: These bind the dough and add lightness, making each bite soft and comforting.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the flavors and enhances all the sweetness.
Ground nutmeg: The secret to that nostalgic, slightly spiced donut taste we all crave at Christmas.
Vanilla extract: Adds a cozy, aromatic warmth that ties everything together.
Vegetable oil: The best choice for frying, as it’s neutral and ensures a golden, crispy finish.
Festive sprinkles or colored sugars: For decorating, because what’s a Christmas Donut without a bit of sparkle?
Powdered sugar or glaze: Drizzle, dip, or dust for that crowning holiday touch.

How to Make Christmas Donuts

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by warming your milk until it’s just lukewarm—like a cozy bath for your yeast. Pour it into a large mixing bowl, add a spoonful of sugar, then sprinkle in the yeast. Let this mixture sit for about five minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it turns frothy and smells slightly sweet, which means the yeast is awake and ready to work its magic for fluffy Christmas Donuts.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Once your yeast is activated, add remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt to the bowl. Whisk gently until everything’s well combined. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, whisking until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. You can use your hands or a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step. The dough should come together easily and feel elastic but not wet.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Transfer your dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a warm kitchen towel, and set it somewhere cozy. Letting it rise until doubled in size—usually about 1 to 1.5 hours—gives your Christmas Donuts the perfect light and airy texture. Don’t rush this step; holiday patience pays off here!

Step 4: Shape the Donuts

Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and gently roll it out to about half an inch thick. Grab your favorite donut cutter (or improvise with a glass and a bottle cap for the holes) and cut out those lovely rounds. Keep the holes; they make adorable mini donuts!

Step 5: Second Rise

Place the cut donuts (and holes) onto parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving a little space in between. Cover them lightly and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. This second rise makes all the difference, ensuring your donuts fry up puffed and beautifully soft.

Step 6: Fry to Perfection

Heat your vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350 F (175 C). Carefully lower your donuts into the oil, a few at a time, frying for about one minute per side. They’ll bubble up, turn golden and smell absolutely irresistible. Remove them with a slotted spoon onto paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 7: Decorate and Finish

While still slightly warm, dip your donuts in glaze then shower on festive sprinkles, colored sugars, or a dusting of powdered sugar. This is where the Christmas Donuts really come to life—invite little helpers to join in for extra fun and color!

How to Serve Christmas Donuts

Garnishes

The sky’s the limit when it comes to topping your Christmas Donuts. Classic vanilla or chocolate glaze is always a winner, but consider experimenting with icing tinted in holiday hues, crushed candy canes, a dusting of cinnamon, or sugared cranberries for a festive sparkle. Set up a “decorate your own donut” station at your holiday party for interactive fun!

Side Dishes

Pair your Christmas Donuts with mugs of hot cocoa, festive lattes, or even a spiced cider for pure comfort and joy. If you’re planning a larger brunch spread, set out a fruit platter, bacon twists, or egg casseroles alongside your donuts for a balance of sweet and savory offerings that everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Christmas Donuts to the next level by stacking them on a festive cake stand, arranging them in the shape of a wreath, or wrapping a few in cellophane with ribbon for neighborly gifts. If you’re serving a crowd, try threading mini donuts onto skewers for an eye-catching and unique treat display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Christmas Donuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them from sticking together, place a sheet of wax or parchment paper between layers.

Freezing

Christmas Donuts freeze surprisingly well! Once completely cool, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap, then pop them into a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—just be sure to freeze without glaze or decorations for best results.

Reheating

To enjoy soft, just-baked goodness, reheat your donuts in the microwave for about ten seconds, or pop them in a 300 F oven for a few minutes. If they’re frozen, let them thaw first, then warm and decorate as usual for that fresh-from-the-fryer taste.

FAQs

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

Absolutely! While traditional Christmas Donuts are fried for that classic golden texture, you can bake them at 375 F for about 10 minutes if you prefer a lighter version. Keep in mind that baking will produce a slightly different crumb, but they’ll still be delicious and festive.

How do I get my donuts extra fluffy?

Patience is key! Allowing enough time for both rises will give your donuts that wonderfully airy bite. Also, make sure your yeast is fresh and active, and don’t overwork the dough after the first rise. Gentle handling makes all the difference.

Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to the first rise, then refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to shape, let it come back to room temperature, then proceed with the rest of the recipe. This is a great way to save time on a busy Christmas morning.

What’s the best glaze for Christmas Donuts?

Classic vanilla glaze is always a hit, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Try peppermint, maple, or even white chocolate glazes. For extra festivity, separate your glaze and swirl in red and green food coloring for a marbled finish.

How can I make these Christmas Donuts gluten free?

Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend. Check that your other ingredients are gluten free, and remember that textures may vary slightly, but the results will still be deliciously festive and safe for everyone to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a delicious and heartwarming way to bring the family together this season, give these Christmas Donuts a try. Nothing beats the joy of sharing freshly made, lovingly decorated donuts with your favorite people—so roll up your sleeves, get creative, and make your own sweet holiday memory!

Christmas Donuts Recipe