Irresistible Baked Gingerbread Doughnuts with Cinnamon-Ginger Glaze: Your New Favorite Holiday Treat
There’s an undeniable magic that comes with homemade treats, and these Baked Gingerbread Doughnuts with Cinnamon-Ginger Glaze are no exception. Imagine the comforting aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses filling your kitchen, promising a delightful bite that truly captures the spirit of the holidays. These aren’t just any doughnuts; they are a celebration of festive flavors, crafted with love and designed to become your new favorite tradition. Forget the fuss of deep-frying; these beauties are baked, offering a cleaner taste and an even bolder flavor profile that truly shines.
December has always held a special place in my heart, practically begging for all things gingerbread. While I’ve never quite gotten around to making the iconic gingerbread man cookies, my dedication to the “Gingerbread Man Month” is undeniable. From gingerbread lattes to gingerbread-spiced everything, I find myself drawn to its comforting warmth and classic holiday essence. It’s a flavor that instantly transports you to cozy evenings, twinkling lights, and the joy of the season. And these doughnuts? They embody that festive spirit perfectly.
The Irresistible Allure of Gingerbread for the Holidays
What exactly makes gingerbread such a quintessential holiday flavor? It’s the harmonious blend of warm spices – ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice – combined with the rich, deep sweetness of molasses. This combination creates a complex, inviting profile that is both spicy and sweet, comforting and invigorating. It’s a taste deeply rooted in tradition, evoking memories of childhood, festive gatherings, and the magic of Christmas. For me, December isn’t just a month; it’s a season of celebration, filled with crisp weather, joyful decorations, the anticipation of presents, and, of course, incredible food. These gingerbread doughnuts fit right into that picture, adding a touch of homemade warmth to your holiday spread.
When developing this recipe, I aimed for a true ginger explosion – a flavor that’s bold but not overwhelming. The key is the careful balance. The molasses in the doughnut batter is crucial, providing that signature depth and moisture synonymous with classic gingerbread. It’s not just about adding ginger to the dough; it’s about creating a rich, spiced cake-like texture that truly sings. And then, for an extra layer of flavor, ginger is paired with cinnamon in the incredibly delicious glaze. This double dose of spice ensures every bite is packed with that beloved gingerbread essence, leaving you craving just one more.
Baked to Perfection: A Healthier, Flavorful Alternative
One of the many reasons to adore this recipe is that these homemade delights are baked, not fried. This means you get all the satisfying chewiness and soft interior of a classic doughnut without the greasy feeling. The baking process allows the pure, vibrant flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses to truly shine, resulting in a cleaner, more pronounced taste that will impress even the most discerning palate. Each doughnut offers the perfect balance – wonderfully chewy yet incredibly soft, practically melting in your mouth with every bite. This method not only makes them a slightly healthier option but also simplifies the cooking process, making it accessible for home bakers of all skill levels.
The Dazzling Cinnamon-Ginger Glaze: A Sweet Masterpiece
While the gingerbread doughnuts themselves are fantastic, the glaze truly elevates this recipe to another level. I wanted a glaze that would set firmly, reminiscent of traditional old-fashioned doughnuts, creating that satisfying crack when you bite into it. To achieve this, I briefly boiled the glaze ingredients. This step causes the glaze to harden relatively quickly once applied to the warm doughnuts. A small word of caution: this glaze sets fast! So, be prepared to dip your doughnuts soon after the glaze has cooled slightly from the boil. You’ll want to have your doughnuts ready on a wire rack for immediate glazing to get that perfect, firm coating.
Of course, boiling the glaze is an optional step. If you prefer a slightly softer, more leisurely setting glaze, you can simply mix the ingredients thoroughly and dip the doughnuts once they’ve cooled. The glaze will still set beautifully on its own within about 15 minutes. But honestly, who can wait that long before devouring these delectable gingerbread treats? They are so tempting, you’ll be reaching for one (or three!) almost instantly.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Gingerbread Doughnut Recipe
- Incredible Festive Flavor: The perfect blend of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and molasses delivers that unmistakable gingerbread taste, ideal for the holiday season.
- Baked, Not Fried: Enjoy a lighter, cleaner-tasting doughnut with a tender, cake-like texture without the mess and greasiness of deep-frying.
- Easy to Make: Whether you’re using a doughnut maker or an oven, the process is straightforward and yields fantastic results.
- Perfect Texture: These doughnuts strike the ideal balance between chewy and soft, with a delightful melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Luscious Glaze: The cinnamon-ginger glaze adds a beautiful sheen and an extra layer of sweet, spicy flavor that complements the doughnuts perfectly.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These homemade treats are guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday brunch, party, or as a cozy snack with your favorite warm beverage.
Tips for Achieving Perfect Gingerbread Doughnuts Every Time
Making these gingerbread doughnuts is a joy, and with a few simple tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time:
- Prepare Your Equipment: If using a mini doughnut maker, ensure it’s preheated according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For oven baking, preheat to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly grease your mini doughnut pan to prevent sticking. A good non-stick spray or a light coating of butter and flour works wonders.
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science! Especially with spices, precise measurements ensure the perfect flavor balance. Use proper measuring cups and spoons, and level off your dry ingredients.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough doughnuts. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Piping for Perfection: Using a pastry bag or a large Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off is the easiest way to fill the doughnut cavities evenly and neatly. This helps create perfectly shaped doughnuts.
- Monitor Baking/Cooking Time: Doughnut makers vary, so keep a close eye on your doughnuts. They are ready when they spring back slightly when gently touched. For oven-baked doughnuts, check for a light golden brown color and a firm but springy texture.
- Cool Before Glazing: While you might be tempted to glaze hot doughnuts, allowing them to cool slightly on a wire rack ensures the glaze adheres properly without melting off. If using the boiled glaze method, let the glaze cool for about a minute or two after boiling so it’s warm but not scalding hot, which helps it set faster and more evenly.
- Store Properly: To maintain their soft texture and fresh taste, store your glazed gingerbread doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for several days.
Serving Suggestions for Your Festive Doughnuts
These gingerbread doughnuts are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of drinks and occasions. Serve them with a steaming cup of coffee or a festive spiced tea for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack. They are also absolutely divine with a cold glass of dairy or non-dairy milk, especially if you’re leaning into that nostalgic, classic doughnut experience. For a holiday brunch, arrange them on a festive platter alongside other seasonal treats. They also make a wonderful edible gift for friends, family, or neighbors – just package them in a pretty box with a ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade present.
So, as December approaches, or whenever you feel that comforting call for gingerbread, I urge you to try this recipe. These Baked Gingerbread Doughnuts with Cinnamon-Ginger Glaze are more than just a sweet treat; they’re an experience, a little piece of holiday cheer you can create right in your own kitchen. They’re a delicious dedication to the festive season, guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy any sweet tooth.
Gingerbread Doughnuts with Cinnamon Ginger Glaze
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Ingredients
Doughnuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose or white whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon all spice
- 1 flax egg
- 2 tbsp milk, non dairy
- 2 tbsp butter, softened, non dairy
- 1 teaspoon of molasses
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 2 teaspoons milk, non dairy
Instructions
Doughnuts
- If you’re using a babycakes or any other mini doughnut maker, preheat.
- If using a mini doughnut pan, preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease the pan.
- In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients.
- Add the Flax egg, milk, and butter until well combined.
- Add the molasses and stir to incorporate.
- Fill a pastry bag or a large ziploc bag with the mixture (if using a ziplock bag, ensure it is zipped properly. Snip off the end of the bag to pipe the filling through.
- Pipe into the doughnut maker or the mini doughnut pan.
- If using the doughnut maker, follow the instructions, generally cooking for about 2 minutes each. Remember it gets hotter and so a set may take as short as 1 minute and 30 seconds. Once it’s set and bouncing back, it’s ready.
- If baking in an oven, bake the doughnuts for 10 minutes or until cooked through and brown. It should be set and bounce back slightly when you touch it.
- Remove the doughnuts to cool to a wire rack.
Glaze
- Add the ingredients for the glaze together.
- In a small pan, boil the ingredients for about 30 seconds and remove. It will be hot. Pour into a small bowl and allow to cool for about a minute. Dip the doughnuts into the glaze, swirl a bit so it stays on top, then place back on the wire rack. The glaze will set right away.
Notes
Store in an air-tight container to keep them soft.
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.