These baked gingerbread donuts are a cozy treat that smells like the holidays! They’re soft, spiced with ginger, and topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for sharing!
Making these donuts is a fun way to fill your kitchen with warm scents. I love to pair them with coffee for a delightful morning snack. Trust me, you won’t want to stop at just one! ☕️
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Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour gives these donuts the right texture. If you’re looking to make it gluten-free, you can substitute it with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor. You could use coconut sugar or maple sugar if you’re seeking a different taste or a healthier option.
Spices: Ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create a lovely warm flavor. If you’re short on any, just adjust the amounts of the other spices. A pinch of pumpkin pie spice can replace them as well!
Unsweetened Applesauce: This ingredient keeps the donuts moist and adds natural sweetness. If you don’t have it, mashed banana or pureed pumpkin works well, but they might slightly alter the flavor.
Milk: Any type of milk works here. You can substitute almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option. If you want more richness, try using buttermilk or yogurt.
How Do I Ensure My Donuts Don’t Stick to the Pan?
Greasing the donut pan well is crucial to avoid sticky situations. To make sure they come out perfectly, follow these steps:
- Use non-stick spray or oil to coat each donut cavity thoroughly.
- If you have it, sprinkle a bit of flour into the greased pan and tap it around to cover all surfaces before pouring in the batter. This adds an extra layer of protection.
- Let the donuts cool for 5 minutes in the pan after baking. This little wait helps them to firm up, making them easier to remove without breaking.
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How to Make Baked Gingerbread Donuts?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Coating (Optional):
- Granulated sugar for coating
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. You’ll have delicious gingerbread donuts ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease your donut pan with some non-stick spray or a little oil to help the donuts pop out easily later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Whisk these together until they’re well mixed and fluffy.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, add the unsweetened applesauce, milk, molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until everything is smooth and well blended.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the bowl of wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
5. Fill the Donut Pan:
Now it’s time to fill in the donut pan! Transfer the batter into a pastry bag, or you can use a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling them about two-thirds full to allow for rising.
6. Bake the Donuts:
Bake the donuts in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Just be sure to keep an eye on them!
7. Cool the Donuts:
Once baked, allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Optional Sweetening:
If you’d like some extra sweetness, roll the cooled donuts in granulated sugar to give them a light coating. It adds a lovely sparkle!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your delicious baked gingerbread donuts are ready! Serve them to your family or friends, or enjoy them all on your own. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
## FAQs for Baked Gingerbread Donuts
Can I Substitute Applesauce for Another Ingredient?
Yes! If you don’t have applesauce on hand, you can use an equal amount of plain yogurt or mashed bananas as a substitute. They will provide similar moisture and help keep the donuts tender.
How Do I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make These Donuts Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that your other ingredients, like baking powder and spices, are also gluten-free to keep the recipe fully compliant.
What Can I Use Instead of Molasses?
If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, though the flavor will be slightly different. Use a little less than the amount of molasses called for, as these liquids are sweeter than molasses.
