Baked Eggnog Donuts: A Festive Treat for the Holiday Season

Baked Eggnog Donuts are a delightful twist on a classic holiday beverage, transforming the rich, creamy flavors of eggnog into a scrumptious treat that’s perfect for any festive gathering. As the holiday season approaches, the aroma of nutmeg and cinnamon fills the air, evoking memories of cozy family gatherings and joyful celebrations. These donuts not only capture the essence of eggnog but also offer a light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth, making them a favorite among both kids and adults alike.

What I love most about baked eggnog donuts is their convenience; they are easy to whip up and can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or saved for later. The combination of sweet and spiced flavors creates a comforting experience that warms the heart, making them an irresistible addition to your holiday brunch or dessert table. Join me as we dive into this delightful recipe that will surely become a cherished tradition in your home!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup eggnog
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 1-2 tablespoons eggnog (for glaze)
• Extra ground nutmeg or cinnamon (for garnish)

Preparing the Batter

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your donuts will bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy. 2. **Prepare the Donut Pan**: Lightly grease a donut pan with cooking spray or butter. This will help the donuts release easily once they are baked. 3. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined. This step is crucial as it ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour. 4. **Combine Wet Ingredients**: In another bowl, whisk together the eggnog, large egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Make sure the melted butter has cooled slightly before adding it to the mixture to avoid cooking the egg. 5. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, and we want them light and fluffy!

Filling the Donut Pan

6. **Fill the Donut Pan**: Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off, fill each cavity of the donut pan about 2/3 full with the batter. This allows room for the donuts to rise without overflowing. 7. **Bake the Donuts**: Place the filled donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of eggnog and spices will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait! 8. **Cool the Donuts**: Once baked, remove the donut pan from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully invert the pan to release the donuts onto a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before glazing.

Preparing the Glaze

9. **Make the Glaze**: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of eggnog until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of eggnog until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the donuts but still pourable. 10. **Glaze the Donuts**: Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the top of each donut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. You can also use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over the donuts for a more artistic look. 11. **Garnish**: After glazing, sprinkle a little extra ground nutmeg or cinnamon on top of the donuts for that festive touch. This not only adds flavor but also makes them look beautiful!

Serving the Donuts

12. **Serve and Enjoy**: These baked eggnog donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Serve them with a warm cup of coffee or a glass of eggnog for the ultimate holiday treat. 13. **Optional Variations**: If you want to switch things up, consider adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter before baking. You can also experiment with different spices, like ginger or allspice, to create your own unique flavor profile. 14. **Storing Leftovers**: If you have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), you can freeze the unglazed donuts. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re

Conclusion:

In summary, these Baked Eggnog Donuts are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to add a festive twist to their dessert repertoire. The rich, creamy flavor of eggnog combined with the light, fluffy texture of the donuts creates a delightful treat that is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings at home. Not only are they easy to make, but they also fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting scents of nutmeg and cinnamon, instantly putting you in the holiday spirit. For serving suggestions, consider dusting your donuts with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzling them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of eggnog for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also experiment with variations by adding chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even a hint of peppermint extract to the batter for a unique twist. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try! Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or just treating yourself, these Baked Eggnog Donuts are sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative variations you come up with—I’d love to hear how they turn out for you! Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with joy and delicious treats!

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