Thanksgiving Doughnuts

This Thanksgiving, skip the ordinary and surprise your guests with a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious — Thanksgiving Doughnuts. Warmly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, these baked doughnuts capture the cozy flavors of fall in every bite. Soft, fluffy, and glazed to perfection, they’re an irresistible addition to your holiday table. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these homemade doughnuts bring the comforting aroma of the season right into your kitchen.

Unlike deep-fried versions, these baked doughnuts are easy to make, less messy, and lighter in texture — making them a perfect choice for family gatherings and festive parties. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or apple cider for a sweet celebration of fall flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to adore about these spiced Thanksgiving Doughnuts. They’re easy, festive, and absolutely crowd-pleasing.

• Perfect for holidays: A great alternative to pies and cakes for Thanksgiving dessert.
• Quick and simple: Ready in under 40 minutes with basic pantry ingredients.
• Warm fall flavor: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla make each bite taste like the holidays.
• Baked, not fried: No need for hot oil — just mix, bake, and glaze.
• Kid-friendly: Fun to decorate with glaze, nuts, or festive sprinkles.

These doughnuts not only make your kitchen smell amazing but also serve as a beautiful edible centerpiece for your Thanksgiving spread.

Ingredients Breakdown

Each ingredient plays an important role in creating that soft, fluffy texture and rich holiday flavor:

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of your doughnuts, giving structure and lightness.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Baking powder: Ensures the doughnuts rise perfectly in the oven.
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: Bring that warm, cozy holiday spice that defines Thanksgiving desserts.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender. Use room temperature milk for best results.
• Eggs: Bind the batter and add richness.
• Melted butter: Adds buttery flavor and a soft crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Complements the spices and enhances aroma.
• Powdered sugar and milk (for glaze): Create a smooth, sweet finish. Adjust the thickness to your liking.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Doughnuts

1. Use room temperature ingredients: They combine better, giving a smoother batter and lighter texture.
2. Don’t overmix: Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to avoid tough doughnuts.
3. Fill the molds correctly: Aim for three-quarters full — this allows perfect puffing without spilling over.
4. Check early for doneness: Every oven varies; start checking at 10 minutes. The tops should spring back lightly when touched.
5. Cool before glazing: Glazing warm doughnuts causes the icing to melt off. Let them cool completely first.
6. Customize your glaze: Add maple syrup, pumpkin spice, or orange zest for a seasonal twist.

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Try one of these variations to match your Thanksgiving menu or personal taste:

• Maple Glazed Doughnuts: Swap 1 tablespoon of milk for maple syrup in the glaze for a deeper fall flavor.
• Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts: Add ¼ cup pumpkin puree and ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to the batter.
• Apple Cider Doughnuts: Replace milk with warm apple cider for a sweet, tangy twist.
• Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze for crunch.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Version: Dip cooled doughnuts in a simple chocolate ganache instead of vanilla glaze.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve your Thanksgiving Doughnuts alongside these complementary treats and drinks:

• Hot Apple Cider: The perfect cozy beverage to highlight the spices.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte: A creamy pairing that enhances fall flavors.
• Whipped Cream or Caramel Sauce: A sweet topping to drizzle over the glazed doughnuts.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Warm doughnuts paired with cold ice cream make an incredible dessert duo.

Storage Instructions

Keep your Thanksgiving Doughnuts fresh and delicious for days with these storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer freshness, refrigerate up to 5 days. Reheat for 10–15 seconds in the microwave before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze unglazed doughnuts for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then glaze before serving.

Popular Questions

Can I make the doughnuts ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake them a day in advance and glaze them right before serving. This keeps the texture fresh and the glaze shiny.

Can I use a mini doughnut pan?

Absolutely. Mini versions bake faster—check for doneness around 7–8 minutes.

What if I don’t have a piping bag?

You can spoon the batter into a resealable plastic bag, snip off one corner, and pipe it into the pan.

Can I fry this dough instead of baking?

This particular batter is designed for baking, but you can use a traditional yeast doughnut recipe for frying.