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Easy Baked Gingerbread Donuts Recipe

These Easy Baked Gingerbread Donuts are the perfect festive treat, combining warm spices with a soft, fluffy texture. Baked instead of fried, they are a healthier alternative while still being incredibly delicious. Whether dusted with powdered sugar or topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a holiday snack. Make a batch today and enjoy the comforting flavors of gingerbread!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings 6 donuts

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Glaze (Optional):

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with nonstick spray.
  • Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
  • Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, molasses, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
  • Fill the donut pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
  • Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Cool: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Prepare the glaze (if using): Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip each donut into the glaze and let excess drip off.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the batter: Stir until just combined to keep the donuts soft and fluffy.
  • Use a piping bag: Piping the batter into the donut pan makes it easier and results in neater donuts.
  • Let the donuts cool before glazing: This helps the glaze set properly and prevents it from melting off.
  • Store properly: Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.