Christmas Donut Wreath Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s fun to make and absolutely delicious, this Christmas Donut Wreath Recipe is a total winner. I first tried it when I wanted a playful centerpiece for holiday brunch, and let me tell you, it stole the show! It’s like a wreath you can eat—soft, fluffy donut holes shaped in a ring and covered with a sweet vanilla glaze that everyone keeps coming back for.

This recipe works perfectly for holiday gatherings, last-minute parties, or even as a delightful surprise breakfast on Christmas morning. The best part? It’s super quick to whip up, thanks to using pre-made biscuit dough, but the result tastes like you’ve been baking all day. Trust me, you’re going to want this Christmas Donut Wreath Recipe in your holiday rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Christmas Donut Wreath Recipe plays a simple, but crucial role — from creating those golden donut bites to that irresistible vanilla glaze that ties everything together. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand before you get started, along with a few tips to make shopping easier.

• Flaky jumbo biscuit dough: I like using canned dough with 8 biscuits—it makes shaping the wreath quick and foolproof.
• Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying because it withstands high heat without burning, yielding those perfectly golden donuts.
• Powdered sugar: This is the base of the glaze, giving that classic smooth sweetness without any graininess.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm aroma and depth to the glaze—it’s a small touch that makes a big difference.
• Milk: Helps make the glaze nice and smooth; I usually use whole milk for extra richness.

Variations

I love how versatile this Christmas Donut Wreath Recipe is, so I often like to switch things up depending on who I’m serving. Feel free to get creative with flavors or toppings to make this wreath truly your own!

• Glaze Variations: Try swapping vanilla extract for almond or peppermint extract for a festive twist—I personally adore peppermint for the holidays.
• Sprinkles: Adding colorful Christmas sprinkles right after glazing adds a cheerful, crunchy texture that kids adore.
• Fruit Toppings: Fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds sprinkled on top add a tart burst and make your wreath extra festive.
• Dietary Modifications: I’ve tried making a gluten-free version with gluten-free biscuit dough—it works well though the texture is slightly different.

How to Make Christmas Donut Wreath Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough Balls

Start by opening your can of flaky jumbo biscuit dough and gently separate the biscuits. I like to cut each biscuit into quarters to create small dough balls. Using a knife or kitchen scissors makes this quick and keeps the pieces pretty uniform, which helps them cook evenly. Once cut, roll the quarters lightly between your palms to round them out—no need for perfection, just smooth enough so they fry nicely.

Step 2: Heat Oil and Fry Donut Balls

Pour about 4 cups of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pan and heat it to around 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of dough in—if it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, it’s ready. Fry the dough balls in batches to avoid overcrowding; about 5-7 minutes per batch, turning occasionally to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Pro tip: Keep your oil temperature steady to get that perfect golden crust without burnt spots.

Step 3: Make the Vanilla Glaze

While the donut bites cool slightly, whisk together 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of milk in a bowl. The glaze should be smooth and pourable but thick enough to coat the donuts nicely. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk; if too thin, sprinkle in more powdered sugar.

Step 4: Assemble the Donut Wreath

Using a round serving plate or cake stand, arrange the fried donut balls in a large circle to form a wreath shape. Pour the glaze generously over the donuts, letting it drip down the sides. At this point, add any sprinkles or toppings you like while the glaze is still wet. I find that working quickly helps the glaze set beautifully and looks extra inviting.

How to Serve Christmas Donut Wreath Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this donut wreath, I love adding a handful of mini candy canes around the plate or a sprinkle of edible glitter for some extra sparkle. You could also toss on some chopped nuts or shredded coconut for an added crunch. The key is to keep it fun and festive—let your personality shine through!

Side Dishes

This wreath pairs beautifully with hot beverages like coffee, spiced cider, or hot chocolate—ideal for a cozy holiday morning. For a larger brunch spread, I usually add fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness with something light and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I placed the donut wreath on a large wooden serving board surrounded by pine branches and fairy lights—it made the setup look magical and pulled focus at our holiday party. Another idea is to serve it alongside small bowls of different dips, like chocolate ganache or caramel sauce, so guests can mix and match their favorite toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I’ve found that leftover donut balls keep best in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft, but if you live somewhere humid, pop a small piece of parchment in the container to absorb moisture. Avoid refrigerating if you want to preserve that fresh, fluffy texture.

Freezing

For freezing, I recommend freezing the donut balls before glazing. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, gently reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, then glaze and serve. This way, you can have fresh-tasting wreath anytime without the last-minute rush.

Reheating

To keep your leftover donut balls warm and soft, I heat them in a preheated 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes—just enough to warm through without drying out. Then I drizzle with fresh glaze if needed. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make them a little chewy, so I prefer oven warming for the best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Donut Wreath Recipe holds a special place in my holiday heart because it brings together simple ingredients in such a joyful way. It’s a crowd-pleaser that doubles as festive decor and indulgence. I hope you try making this wreath and enjoying it as much as I do—it’s one of those recipes that brings smiles all around the table and makes memories a little sweeter.

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