Welcome to the magical world of holiday baking! Today, we’re diving into a festive delight that perfectly captures the spirit of the season: these incredible Baked Peppermint Donuts. Each donut is a little piece of winter wonderland, subtly flavored with invigorating peppermint and generously adorned with a dazzling crown of crushed candy canes. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, bringing the crisp, cool essence of peppermint right to your kitchen and your holiday table.
As the air grows colder and holiday cheer fills every corner, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked treats wafting through your home. Peppermint is arguably one of the most iconic flavors of the Christmas season, evoking memories of candy canes on trees, warm mugs of cocoa, and joyous celebrations. If you’re a true enthusiast of this refreshing minty taste, these donuts are about to become your new holiday tradition. For those who love festive baked goods, don’t forget to try our Glazed Gingerbread Baked Donuts for another heartwarming option!
So, where do you stand on the great peppermint debate? Are you a passionate peppermint lover, eager to embrace its cool, sweet notes in every holiday treat, or do you find yourself on the other side of the spectrum? Personally, I eagerly anticipate the Christmas season for all its peppermint-infused wonders. However, I’ve learned that my family’s enthusiasm isn’t always as strong as mine. My husband, for instance, isn’t a fan at all, and my daughter used to avoid it completely. Lately, she’s been a little more open, but still wouldn’t actively choose something with peppermint. My sons are a bit more agreeable – after all, if it’s sweet, they’re usually on board! This often leaves me to indulge my own peppermint cravings, and these donuts are the perfect compromise for a delightful, universally appealing holiday dessert.
The beauty of these peppermint donuts lies in their balanced flavor. They offer a gentle hint of mint, enough to evoke the holiday spirit without overwhelming the palate. This makes them perfect for both staunch peppermint fans and those who prefer a more subtle taste. The combination of the soft, tender donut base, the sweet, creamy glaze, and the satisfying crunch of crushed candy canes creates a multi-textured experience that is simply irresistible. Every bite is a harmonious blend of holiday cheer, making these donuts a truly special addition to any festive gathering, brunch, or cozy evening by the fire.
Every year, I declare it my personal mission to bake at least one thing that perfectly satisfies my peppermint obsession. And this year, these delightful Baked Peppermint Donuts were my top choice! After realizing it had been far too long since I’d made donuts, I knew it was time to remedy that. While I acknowledge that baked donuts might not replicate the deep-fried indulgence of their traditional counterparts, they offer so many advantages. They are incredibly easy to make, require no messy hot oil, and are a slightly lighter, healthier alternative. This makes them a perfect choice for a busy holiday season when you want homemade goodness without the fuss.
The simplicity of these baked donuts means you can whip up a batch for breakfast, dessert, or a festive snack in remarkably little time. The batter comes together in minutes, and the baking process is quick and hands-off. This efficiency is a game-changer during the holidays when every moment counts. Plus, the sight and smell of these festive treats emerging from the oven are enough to put anyone in a joyful mood. Imagine serving these at a holiday brunch, alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa – pure bliss! They’re also an excellent option for edible gifts, beautifully packaged and tied with a festive ribbon, spreading holiday cheer one delicious donut at a time.
The peppermint flavor in these homemade donuts is perfectly balanced – not overwhelmingly sweet, nor too strong, but just right to evoke the quintessential taste of the holidays. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the batter comes together, allowing you to have these delightful baked donuts on your table in no time. For this recipe, a good quality donut pan is a must-have. Don’t worry if you don’t already own one; they are generally quite affordable, and I can attest that mine has seen enough use to make it a worthwhile investment. It’s a versatile tool that opens up a world of easy, delicious baked donut possibilities beyond just the holiday season. If you’re looking to infuse your home with festive aromas and treat yourself and your loved ones to an easy-to-make, incredibly delicious holiday snack, these Baked Peppermint Donuts are absolutely for you!
There’s something uniquely comforting about homemade baked goods, especially during the holiday season. These peppermint donuts offer that warmth and comfort, combined with a touch of elegance thanks to their vibrant topping. They’re simple enough for beginner bakers, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. The light, cake-like texture of a baked donut, combined with the creamy glaze and crunchy candy cane bits, creates a truly satisfying bite. This recipe is a fantastic way to embrace the festive spirit without spending hours in the kitchen, allowing you more time to enjoy what truly matters during the holidays: cherished moments with family and friends.
Discover More Peppermint Treats
Can’t get enough of that wonderful peppermint flavor? Explore more of our favorite festive recipes that highlight this classic holiday ingredient. From cookies to brownies, there’s something to satisfy every minty craving:
- Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Peppermint Holiday Soft Sugar Cookies
- Candy Cane Kiss Stuffed Pudding Cookies
- Peppermint Brownies
- Peppermint Snickerdoodles
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Baked Peppermint Donuts
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Peppermint Donuts
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup buttermilk
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- crushed candy canes or peppermint candies for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare your donut pan by generously spraying each cavity with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy release.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and vegetable oil. Stir until they are well incorporated. Add the granulated sugar and mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth. Lightly beat the eggs in a separate small bowl, then gently stir them into the wet mixture along with the peppermint extract until everything is just combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add about one-third of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Follow this with half of the buttermilk, mixing until smooth. Repeat the process, adding another third of the flour, then the remaining buttermilk, and finally the last portion of flour. Mix only until no dry streaks remain; be careful not to overmix. The batter will be quite thick, firmer than a typical cake batter but looser than cookie dough.
- Carefully spoon the donut batter into a large ziplock bag. Snip off one corner of the bag to create a piping hole. Pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about two-thirds full. If your pan is like mine and only makes 6 donuts at a time, you will bake in batches.
- Bake the donuts for 7-9 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and spring back gently when touched. Remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Ensuring they are fully cooled is crucial before glazing.
- To prepare the delightful glaze, combine the powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of heavy cream, and the vanilla extract in a shallow bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If the glaze is too thick, add more cream, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to cling to the donuts but thin enough to drip slightly.
- Spread the crushed candy canes or peppermint candies onto a separate plate or into another shallow bowl. Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the top of each donut into the prepared glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Immediately press the glazed side of the donut into the crushed candy canes to coat generously. Place the decorated donuts back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set. Serve and enjoy these festive delights!