If you’re dreaming of sweet, pillowy treats that instantly transport you to a festive wonderland, these Christmas Doughnuts are about to become your new holiday obsession. Imagine a bite of warm, fluffy doughnut covered in a snowy glaze and sparkling with red and green sprinkles—it’s Christmas joy in dessert form! Whether you’re assembling a breakfast tray for holiday guests or sharing a cozy moment with family, this recipe is both show-stopping and delightfully easy. Gather your loved ones and let the aroma of fresh Christmas Doughnuts set the mood for your merriest celebration yet.

Christmas Doughnuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient for Christmas Doughnuts is thoughtfully chosen for delicious results and classic charm. These simple pantry staples each play a starring role in making these doughnuts impossibly soft, perfectly sweet, and extra festive—all without any fussy extras.

Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): This magical leavening agent gives your doughnuts that irresistible light, airy texture.
Warm water (1/4 cup, 110°F): Just the right temperature to gently activate the yeast for proper rising.
Warm milk (3/4 cup): Adds richness and flavor, and helps create a tender crumb in every bite.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Feeds the yeast and brings just enough sweetness to the dough.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors, offering the perfect balance so your doughnuts never taste bland.
Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and adds richness, helping the dough come together beautifully.
Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons): For that wonderful melt-in-your-mouth feel and extra buttery goodness.
All-purpose flour (3 cups): The sturdy backbone for your doughnut dough, giving it structure and softness.
Vegetable oil for frying: Neutral in flavor and perfect for deep frying doughnuts to golden perfection.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): Whips up into a dreamy glaze that clings lovingly to each doughnut.
Milk (3 tablespoons): Turns powdered sugar into a pourable glaze—just the right consistency!
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds fragrant, sweet warmth to your glaze, making it extra special.
Red and green sprinkles: The crowning glory—these festive sprinkles turn every doughnut into an edible holiday decoration.

How to Make Christmas Doughnuts

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Kick things off by combining the yeast and warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until you see a foamy head—that means your yeast is alive and ready to work its holiday magic. This step is essential for achieving those delightfully fluffy Christmas Doughnuts.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your warm milk, granulated sugar, salt, egg, melted butter, and the foamy yeast mixture. Gently incorporate the flour a cup at a time, stirring until a soft dough begins to form. The kitchen will already start smelling amazing!

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth

Transfer your dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and ever so slightly tacky. This step is worth every minute, as proper kneading ensures your Christmas Doughnuts will have that signature, tender bite.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Place your dough into a lightly greased bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover with a cozy kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until the dough has doubled in size. Watching the dough puff up is its own little Christmas miracle!

Step 5: Shape the Doughnuts

Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a doughnut cutter (or improvise with two round cutters) to cut classic doughnut shapes. Arrange them on a lined baking sheet and let them rise again for 30 minutes, giving them extra fluff.

Step 6: Fry to Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F. Fry the doughnuts in batches, giving each about 1 minute per side until they’re golden brown all over. Carefully remove them and set on paper towels—the toughest part is not sneaking one while they’re still warm!

Step 7: Glaze and Decorate

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to form a silky glaze. Dip each warm doughnut into the glaze, then sprinkle generously with festive red and green sprinkles. Let the glaze set, transforming your Christmas Doughnuts into irresistible holiday treasures.

How to Serve Christmas Doughnuts

Garnishes

The classic glaze and a cascade of red and green sprinkles are just the beginning! Add a touch of whimsy with edible gold stars or a dusting of cinnamon-sugar for a subtle warmth. You can even drizzle a bit of white chocolate or scatter crushed peppermint candies on top, turning your Christmas Doughnuts into edible works of art.

Side Dishes

Pair these doughnuts with a mug of creamy hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or even a rich holiday coffee for the ultimate Christmas breakfast. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a big bowl of winter citrus salad to balance out the sweet, fried doughnuts with some tart freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning Christmas Doughnuts display, stack them on a tiered cake stand, arrange them in a giant festive wreath on a platter, or thread them onto decorative skewers for a doughnut bouquet. Wrap individual doughnuts in cellophane with pretty ribbon for a delightful edible gift that will make anyone’s holiday extra merry.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Christmas Doughnuts taste fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Lay parchment between layers to prevent sticking, and make sure the glaze has completely set before stacking.

Freezing

Christmas Doughnuts freeze beautifully before glazing. Arrange cooled, plain doughnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and glaze just before serving for best results.

Reheating

A quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings day-old Christmas Doughnuts back to warm, pillowy perfection. For a crispier exterior, pop them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. Always glaze and decorate after reheating if possible for that fresh-from-the-bakery experience.

FAQs

Can I make Christmas Doughnuts without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! This recipe comes together beautifully by hand. Mixing and kneading on a clean countertop is all you need—the dough is soft and easy to work with, even without fancy equipment.

What oil is best for frying these doughnuts?

Opt for a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These produce a wonderfully golden crust without adding any overpowering flavor to your Christmas Doughnuts.

How can I make these doughnuts dairy-free?

Substitute plant-based milk for both the dough and glaze, and use vegan butter or coconut oil in place of regular butter. The doughnuts will still turn out beautifully soft and flavorful—a true holiday treat for everyone.

My dough didn’t rise. What went wrong?

Double-check that your yeast is fresh and that your liquids weren’t too hot or too cold—110°F is the sweet spot. Also, make sure your dough is rising in a warm, draft-free spot to guarantee the perfect fluffy texture.

Can I fill my Christmas Doughnuts?

Yes! After frying, use a piping bag to fill your cooled doughnuts with jam, pastry cream, or chocolate ganache. This little twist adds a surprise burst of flavor and makes them even more festive.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a treat that captures the pure warmth and wonder of the holidays, you have to try these Christmas Doughnuts. There’s just something magical about gathering around the kitchen with family, whipping up a batch, and savoring that very first, sprinkle-studded bite. Dive in, get creative with the toppings, and let the festive baking joy begin!

Christmas Doughnuts Recipe

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4.5 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours (including rising)
Yield: 12 doughnuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Christmas Doughnuts are the perfect festive treat for the holiday season. Light and fluffy doughnuts are fried to golden perfection, glazed with a sweet vanilla icing, and adorned with red and green sprinkles for a cheerful touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Doughnuts:

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
3/4 cup warm milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cups all-purpose flour
vegetable oil for frying

Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Decoration:

red and green sprinkles for decorating

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Instructions

Dissolve Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, salt, egg, melted butter, and the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Rise Dough: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.
Shape Doughnuts: Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness and cut out doughnut shapes. Let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Fry Doughnuts: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry doughnuts in batches for about 1 minute per side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Make Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze.
Glaze Doughnuts: Dip warm doughnuts into the glaze, then decorate with sprinkles. Let glaze set before serving.

Notes

For a festive twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
You can also fill doughnuts with jam or cream after frying for extra indulgence.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert, Breakfast
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American