New Year’s Donut Ideas: 7 Sweet Recipes to Delight You

Name: New Year’s Donut Ideas: 7 Sweet Recipes to Delight You
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup melted butter; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze); Colored sprinkles (for decoration)

November 27, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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New Year’s Eve is one of my favorite times to whip up something special in the kitchen, and these delightful donuts are just the ticket! There’s something so magical about celebrating with sweet treats that not only taste amazing but also look festive. I love how these *New Year’s donut ideas* bring a splash of color and joy to the table, making the countdown to midnight even sweeter. Trust me, the aroma of freshly baked donuts filling your home will have everyone gathering around, ready to indulge in the deliciousness and kick off the new year with a smile!

Ingredients List

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 large eggs
1/4 cup melted butter
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Colored sprinkles (for decoration)

How to Prepare Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your donuts bake perfectly right from the start!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything’s well blended—this step is crucial for a fluffy donut!
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until it’s nice and smooth. You want to incorporate air here, so don’t be afraid to whisk it well!
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently mix them together until just combined—be careful not to overmix, or your donuts might turn out dense. A few lumps are totally okay!
Grab your greased donut pan and carefully pour the batter into each mold. Fill them about halfway to allow room for rising. I like using a piping bag for this—it’s neat and easy!
Pop the pan in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and spring back when gently pressed. Oh, the smell will be divine!
Once baked, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them maintain their fluffy texture.
While the donuts cool, let’s whip up the glaze! In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. If it’s too thick, just add a splash more milk!
Finally, dip each donut into the glaze and then sprinkle with those colorful decorations. You’ll want to do this while they’re still warm for the best adherence!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation—whip these up in just 30 minutes!
Festively decorated donuts that brighten up any New Year’s celebration.
Delicious flavors that bring joy and smiles to everyone at the table.
A fun activity for family gatherings; kids love getting involved in the decorating!
Customizable with different flavors and toppings to suit everyone’s taste.
Perfectly baked, soft, and fluffy donuts that melt in your mouth.
Great for serving alongside your favorite New Year’s beverages.

Tips for Success

Don’t overmix your batter! Mix just until combined to keep those donuts fluffy and light. A few lumps are totally fine!
For an even bake, rotate your donut pan halfway through the baking time. This helps achieve that perfect golden color all around.
Use room temperature ingredients for the best results. It helps with mixing and gives your donuts a softer texture.
When glazing, dip the tops of the donuts in the glaze while they’re still warm for better adhesion. You can always double dip for an extra sweet finish!
Get creative with your decorations! Try different kinds of sprinkles, edible glitter, or even drizzle some melted chocolate on top for a decadent touch.
If you want to add flavor to your glaze, a splash of lemon juice or a bit of vanilla extract can really elevate the taste!
Keep an eye on your donuts as they bake; every oven is a little different, so check them a minute or two early to avoid overbaking.

Variations

Chocolate Lovers: Add 1/3 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich chocolate donut. You can also fold in chocolate chips for an extra treat!
Citrus Burst: Incorporate the zest of one orange or lemon into the batter for a refreshing citrus flavor. A splash of citrus juice can also brighten up the glaze!
Maple Glaze: Swap out the milk in the glaze for maple syrup and top with chopped pecans for a cozy, autumn-inspired twist.
Stuffed Donuts: Before baking, fill each donut mold with a spoonful of jam, Nutella, or cream cheese filling for a delightful surprise inside!
Spiced Delight: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
Berry-licious: Fold in fresh blueberries or raspberries into the batter for a fruity kick. They add a lovely burst of flavor and a pop of color!
Peanut Butter Swirl: Add a few tablespoons of creamy peanut butter to the batter for a nutty flavor. Drizzle some melted chocolate on top for that perfect combination!
Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) and use plant-based milk and butter for a delicious vegan donut.

Serving Suggestions

These festive donuts are perfect on their own, but pairing them with some delightful accompaniments can really elevate your New Year’s celebration! Here are a few ideas:

Hot Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or your favorite herbal tea complements the sweetness of the donuts beautifully. The cozy aroma of brewed beverages mingling with fresh donuts is simply heavenly!
Champagne or Sparkling Cider: For a more festive touch, serve these donuts with bubbly drinks. The fizz of champagne or sparkling cider adds a celebratory vibe that’s perfect for ringing in the New Year!
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance the sweetness of the donuts. Toss together seasonal fruits—think berries, oranges, and apples—for a colorful side that brightens up your table.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on the side is always a hit! It adds a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the fluffy donuts.
Ice Cream: For a fun twist, serve the donuts with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Warm donuts and cold ice cream? Yes, please!
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sugary donuts. Pair soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese with some honey for an indulgent treat.
Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station for dipping! It’s interactive and adds a touch of fun to your gathering. Guests can dip their donuts in warm, melted chocolate for an extra decadent experience.

Whatever you choose to serve alongside, these donuts will surely be the star of your New Year’s festivities! Enjoy the flavors, the company, and the joy of a fresh start!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your delicious donuts fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the fridge, but they might lose a bit of their fluffy texture. If you have some that you can’t eat right away, I recommend freezing them! Just wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months that way!

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen donuts, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer them warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or they’ll get tough. Alternatively, you can pop them in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will give them a lovely, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Enjoy every bite!

Nutritional Information Section

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one of these scrumptious donuts. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use, but this will give you a good idea:

Calories: 180
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 40mg

These delightful treats are a sweet way to ring in the New Year without going overboard on calories. Enjoy them in moderation, and savor every bite!

FAQ Section

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option?
Absolutely! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for the best texture!

What if I don’t have a donut pan?
No worries! You can use a muffin tin instead. Just fill the cups about halfway and adjust your baking time to around 15-18 minutes.

Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
Yes, almond milk works perfectly! Feel free to use any non-dairy milk that you love.

How should I store leftover donuts?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate or freeze them!

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before pouring it into the donut pan.

What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version?
You can use flax eggs! Just mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg and let it sit until it thickens.

How do I know when my donuts are done baking?
They’re ready when they’re golden brown and spring back when you gently press them. If a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, you’re good to go!

Can I add fillings to these donuts?
Absolutely! Before baking, you can fill each donut mold with jam, Nutella, or cream cheese for a delicious surprise inside. Just don’t overfill!

What’s the best way to reheat frozen donuts?
Thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or reheat in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes for that fresh-baked taste!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.