Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts

Light and fluffy Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion! With their spiced gingerbread cheesecake cream filling and a delicious cinnamon sugar coating, these donuts bring festive cheer to your breakfast table or holiday gatherings. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unique dessert that combines the classic flavors of gingerbread with a creamy twist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of ginger, nutmeg, and clove creates a warm, inviting taste that captures the essence of the holiday season.
• Easy to Make: Despite being a little involved, the step-by-step process ensures success, even for novice bakers.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 12 donuts in one batch, they’re great for parties or as gifts for friends and family.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a breakfast delight or as an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
• Festive Presentation: The cute gingerbread shape and sweet coating make these donuts visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutter (3 inches)
• Piping bag or ziplock bag
• Thermometer for frying
• Medium to large pot

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This powerful tool helps knead the dough effectively, saving you time and effort.
• Thermometer for frying: Ensures that your oil is at the right temperature for perfectly fried donuts without burning them.
• Piping bag or ziplock bag: Makes filling the donuts easy and mess-free for beautiful presentation.

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Ingredients

Light and fluffy Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts! Fried brioche donuts filled with a spiced gingerbread cheesecake cream and coated in cinnamon sugar!

• 1 Cup (227g) Whole Milk (warmed to around 105ºF (41ºC))
• 2 1/4 Teaspoons (7g) Active Dry Yeast
• 1/4 Cup + 1 Teaspoon (50g + 4g) Granulated White Sugar (divided)
• 4 Tablespoons (56g) Unsalted Butter (melted)
• 2 Large Eggs + 1 Yolk (room temp)
• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract (alcohol-free) (optional)
• 2 Cups (240g) Bread Flour
• 2 Cups (240g) All-Purpose Flour
• 2 Tablespoons Dry Milk Powder (optional, but recommended)
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon Nutmeg
• 8 Oz (227g) Full-Fat Cream Cheese Block (room temp)
• 1 Cup (113g) Powdered Sugar
• 1/4 Cup (56g) Heavy Cream (cold)
• 1 1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
• 3/4 Teaspoon Ginger
• 1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg
• 1/4 Teaspoon Clove
• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Paste or Extract
• 1 Cup (200g) Granulated White Sugar
• 1 Tablespoon Cinnamon
• Neutral Frying Oil such as Canola (Vegetable or Avocado. You can also use vegetable shortening like Cisco.)

How to Make Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts

Step 1: Make Your Dough

In a small bowl, combine warm milk, 1 teaspoon sugar, and active dry yeast. Allow it to bloom for about 8 to 10 minutes until frothy.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In the bowl of your stand mixer, add the yeast mixture along with the remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, yolk, vanilla extract, bread flour, all-purpose flour, dry milk powder, and salt. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Fit your stand mixer with a hook attachment. Knead the dough on medium speed for about 20 minutes until it becomes elastic.

Step 4: Chill Overnight

Form the dough into a ball and place it in an oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Step 5: Shape Your Donuts

Remove the dough from the fridge. Punch it down gently to release gas bubbles. Roll out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out donuts using a cookie cutter.

Step 6: Proof Your Donuts

Place cut donuts on parchment paper squares on baking trays. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let proof for about 45 minutes to an hour until doubled in size.

Step 7: Prepare Filling

In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Transfer this mixture into a piping bag.

Step 8: Make Coating

Combine granulated white sugar with cinnamon in a shallow bowl; set aside.

Step 9: Fry Your Donuts

Heat oil in a large pot until it reaches between 360ºF to 375ºF. Fry each donut for about 90 seconds per side until golden brown.

Step 10: Finish & Enjoy!

Transfer fried donuts onto paper towels to drain excess oil. Roll in cinnamon sugar while still warm. Fill each donut with gingerbread cheesecake filling using your piping bag. Enjoy immediately!

How to Serve Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts

Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts are delightful treats perfect for any occasion, especially during the holiday season. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience with these delicious donuts.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee: Pair your donuts with a warm cup of coffee for a cozy morning treat.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy them alongside a rich hot chocolate topped with marshmallows for a sweet indulgence.
• Spiced Tea: A warm spiced tea complements the ginger flavors beautifully.

As Dessert

• With Whipped Cream: Top each donut with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.
• Drizzled with Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the flavor profile.
• Served Warm: Enjoy them fresh from frying while they’re still warm for the best taste.

For Festive Occasions

• On a Dessert Table: Display these donuts on a dessert table during holiday gatherings to impress your guests.
• Gift Boxes: Package them in decorative boxes as festive gifts for friends and family.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts

To make sure your Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts turn out just right, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising. Old yeast can lead to dense donuts.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Precision in measuring flour and liquids will result in the perfect dough consistency.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature between 360ºF to 375ºF for evenly fried donuts that are golden brown.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer: Frying too many donuts at once can lower the oil temperature and affect cooking times.
• Chill the Dough Overnight: Allowing the dough to rest overnight improves flavor and texture, making it easier to shape.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts

Pairing side dishes with your Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the donuts.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy contrast.
3. Maple Oatmeal – A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with maple syrup complements the spiced flavors nicely.
4. Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses to create a savory contrast against the sweet donuts.
5. Nut Mix – A selection of spiced nuts provides crunch and additional flavor notes that pair well with ginger.
6. Savory Scones – Offer savory scones like cheddar or herb flavors as an interesting counterpoint to sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes is key to making perfect Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Bold yeast activation: Failing to properly activate your yeast can lead to dense donuts. Always ensure your milk is warm (about 105ºF) and let the yeast bloom until frothy.
• Bold ingredient temperature: Using cold ingredients can hinder dough development. Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for optimal mixing and rising.
• Bold over-kneading: Kneading the dough too much can make it tough. Stop as soon as it reaches a smooth, elastic texture, usually around 20 minutes.
• Bold incorrect frying temperature: Frying at too low a temperature will result in greasy donuts, while too high will burn them. Use a thermometer to maintain an oil temperature between 360ºF and 375ºF.
• Bold under-proofing: Donuts that aren’t left to proof long enough will not be fluffy. Always let them double in size before frying for the best texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the filling separate if possible to maintain freshness.

Freezing Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts

• Freeze unfilled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet for up to 2 months.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350ºF (175ºC), place donuts on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one donut at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as they may become tough.
• Stovetop: Warm in a non-stick skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts.

Can I use different spices in my Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts?

Absolutely! You can customize the spice blend according to your taste. Try adding cardamom or allspice for an extra flavor kick.

How do I ensure my Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts are fluffy?

Properly activating the yeast and allowing the donuts to proof fully before frying are crucial steps for achieving light and fluffy donuts.

What’s the best way to fill my Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts?

Using a piping bag with a star tip allows you to fill each donut evenly and creates an appealing look.

Can I make these Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based heavy cream for the filling.

How long do these Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts last?

When stored correctly, they will last about 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 2 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts are a delightful treat that combine festive flavors with sweet indulgence. Their versatility allows you to experiment with various fillings or toppings. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these deliciously spiced treats!