The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by baking up a batch of delightful Christmas Donut Cookies. These treats are not only visually appealing with their colorful icing and festive sprinkles but are also incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for sharing at family gatherings or gifting to friends, these cookies embody the spirit of Christmas cheer. Let’s dive into the magic of creating these cookies and learn why they are a must-have during this special time of year.
Why We Love This Christmas Donut Cookies Recipe
There’s something exceptionally charming about Christmas Donut Cookies. They offer a nostalgic feel with their donut shape, providing a twist on traditional cookie recipes. The soft, cake-like texture, combined with the sweetness of icing and the crunch of sprinkles, makes each bite a celebration of flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. These cookies can easily become a holiday tradition in your home, bringing joy to those who enjoy them. Not to mention, they make perfect gifts, are ideal for cookie exchanges, and are delightful additions to any dessert table.
Ingredients about Christmas Donut Cookies
To make your Christmas Donut Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Butter, melted: 3 tablespoons
- Eggs: 2
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Powdered confectioners sugar: 1 cup for the dough
- All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups
- Powdered confectioners sugar: 1 cup for icing
- Milk: 2 tablespoons for icing
- Light corn syrup: 4 teaspoons for icing
- Food coloring: red and green
- Sprinkles: festive colors
Gathering these ingredients is the first step toward creating your festive cookies. Each component plays a role in delivering the texture and flavor that makes these cookies so special.
How to Make Christmas Donut Cookies Directions
Let’s walk through the steps to create these delightful Christmas Donut Cookies. Following this simple process will help you craft a batch that will surely impress family and friends.
- Mixing the Dough: Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Combine 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, and 2 eggs. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended. Then, add in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Mix once more.
- Adding Sweetness: Gradually stir in 1 cup of powdered confectioners sugar. This addition will sweeten your dough and give it a smooth texture.
- Incorporating Flour: Slowly add 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour into the bowl, stirring until the mixture achieves a smooth consistency. This step is crucial for ensuring your cookies have the right texture and structure.
- Chilling the Dough: Cover your mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps firm it up, making it easier to shape your cookies.
- Preparing for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. While it heats, line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and allow for easy clean-up.
- Shaping the Cookies: Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Scoop out a tablespoon of the dough and roll it into a rope about 4 inches long and 1/2 inch in diameter. Bring the ends together to shape it into a donut circle. Place each shaped cookie on the prepared baking sheets.
- Baking: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes or until they turn golden brown. After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Making the Icing: As your cookies cool, prepare the icing. In two separate bowls, mix ½ cup of powdered confectioners sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk and 2 teaspoons of light corn syrup in each bowl. Add drops of red food coloring in one bowl and green in the other, stirring until evenly colored.
- Dipping and Decorating: Dip the cooled cookies into your icing mixture, making sure to coat the tops generously. To finish them off, sprinkle colorful sprinkles over the icing while it’s still wet. This adds joy and a festive touch to your cookies.
- Allowing to Harden: Place the decorated cookies back on the cooling rack and allow the icing to harden completely before storing them.
Now, you’ve created a delightful batch of Christmas Donut Cookies to share and enjoy!
How to Serve Christmas Donut Cookies
Serving your Christmas Donut Cookies can be just as fun as making them! Here are a few creative ideas to enjoy these tasty treats:
- Holiday Platter: Arrange the cookies on a decorative holiday platter alongside other festive treats such as candy canes, gingerbread men, and peppermint bark. This creates a stunning dessert table that will impress your guests.
- Cookie Boxes: If you’re looking to share some holiday cheer with friends and family, consider packaging the cookies in festive boxes. Add a personal note, and you’ve got a heartfelt gift perfect for the season.
- With Hot Cocoa: Serve your Christmas Donut Cookies alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa. The sweet flavors of the cookies complement the rich chocolatey goodness of the drink, making for a cozy winter treat.
- At Holiday Gatherings: Bring these cookies to holiday parties or family gatherings. They are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike, adding to the festive atmosphere.
- As a Snack: Keep a container of these cookies handy for quick snacks during the busy holiday season. Their festive look and delicious taste make them a great treat on the go.
Expert Tips: Christmas Donut Cookies
Perfecting your Christmas Donut Cookies comes with a few helpful tips:
- Chill the Dough Enough: Don’t skip the chilling step. Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Removing them as soon as they start to turn golden ensures they’ll be soft and chewy rather than hard and crunchy.
- Icing Variations: Feel free to get creative with your icing! You can use different colors, edible glitter, or even mix in a dash of peppermint extract for a seasonal twist.
- Sprinkle while Wet: Be sure to sprinkle the colorful toppings while the icing is still wet to ensure they stick properly.
- Try Different Decorations: If you prefer, you can also use holiday-themed cookie cutters to cut your dough into festive shapes before baking.
How to Store Christmas Donut Cookies
Proper storage ensures that your Christmas Donut Cookies stay fresh and delicious longer. Follow these tips for best results:
- Airtight Container: Once the icing has fully hardened, place your cookies in an airtight container. This helps to keep them soft and prevents them from drying out.
- Room Temperature: Store the container at room temperature for up to a week. The cookies will retain their freshness and taste.
- Refrigeration: If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating the cookies, but be aware that this may change the texture slightly.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between the layers to avoid sticking, and they can last for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Variation of Christmas Donut Cookies
Feel free to experiment with variations of your Christmas Donut Cookies to suit your tastes or dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients used are gluten-free as well.
- Flavor Infusions: Switch up the flavors by adding citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to the dough for a refreshing twist. Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also enhance the flavor profile.
- Chocolate Icing: For chocolate lovers, consider making a chocolate icing by mixing cocoa powder into your icing sugar mixture, creating a rich chocolate coating.
- Different Decorations: Instead of traditional sprinkles, try using crushed candies or nuts on top of the icing for added texture and flavor.
- Mini Donut Cookies: Make mini versions of the cookies to create bite-sized treats that are perfect for snacking or sharing.
FAQ about Christmas Donut Cookies
What makes Christmas Donut Cookies different from regular cookies?
Christmas Donut Cookies have a unique donut shape and can be decorated to fit the festive holiday theme. Their cake-like texture and sweet icing provide a fun twist that makes them perfect for celebrations.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling and shaping.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover Christmas Donut Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to keep them longer, consider freezing them.
Can I customize the icing colors?
Yes, you can customize the icing colors based on your preference! Use your favorite food coloring to create unique designs to match your holiday theme.
Are Christmas Donut Cookies suitable for freezing?
Yes, these cookies freeze well! Just ensure they are fully cooled and stored with parchment paper between layers in a freezer-safe container.
Christmas Donut Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Baking Sheets
- Parchment Paper
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- 3 tablespoons Butter Melted
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1 cup Powdered Confectioners Sugar For dough
- 2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Powdered Confectioners Sugar For icing
- 2 tablespoons Milk For icing
- 4 teaspoons Light Corn Syrup For icing
- As needed Food Coloring Red and green
- As needed Sprinkles Festive colors
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine vegetable oil, melted butter, and eggs. Whisk until well blended.
- Add vanilla extract, salt, and baking powder to the mixture, stirring to combine.
- Gradually stir in 1 cup of powdered confectioners sugar until smooth.
- Slowly incorporate the all-purpose flour until a smooth dough forms.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Scoop out a tablespoon and roll it into a rope about 4 inches long. Form into a donut shape.
- Place each shaped cookie on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- For icing, mix ½ cup of powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk and 2 teaspoons of light corn syrup in two separate bowls. Color one bowl red and the other green.
- Dip the cooled cookies into the icing, coating generously, then sprinkle with festive toppings while the icing is still wet.
- Allow icing to harden before storing.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!