Description
These Gingerbread Baked Donuts offer a perfect blend of warm spices and molasses, creating a moist, flavorful treat ideal for holiday mornings or cozy gatherings. Baked rather than fried, these donuts are simpler to make and healthier, featuring a tender crumb with a delightful spiced sugar coating.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted (or a similar neutral oil)
- ½ cup light or dark brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup molasses (not blackstrap)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk (low-fat is fine)
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
Coating
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 6-count donut pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients – Part 1: In a large bowl, whisk the melted coconut oil with the packed brown sugar until combined.
- Add Molasses: Whisk the molasses into the oil and brown sugar mixture until smooth.
- Incorporate Egg: Add the egg and whisk well to incorporate fully.
- Add Milk and Yogurt: Stir in the milk and Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mixing until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and whisk gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to ensure tender donuts.
- Fill Donut Pans: Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared donut pans, filling each cavity full.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Prepare Spiced Sugar Coating: While the donuts bake, mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon and ground ginger in a wide, shallow dish.
- Coat Donuts: Once the donuts are warm, dip the tops and bottoms into the spiced sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Serve: Enjoy your freshly baked gingerbread donuts warm or at room temperature. Makes 12 donuts.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut yogurt and a plant-based milk.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
- Use light molasses for a milder flavor or dark molasses for a richer taste; avoid blackstrap molasses as it is too bitter.
- Donuts are best enjoyed the day they are baked but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- These donuts can be reheated briefly in the oven or microwave before dipping in the sugar coating if serving later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
