Christmas Donut Wreath Recipe

If you’re looking to add a festive, fun, and utterly delicious twist to your holiday breakfast or brunch, this Christmas Donut Wreath Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s one of those delightful treats that instantly brings the holiday spirit to the table, and the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, even if you don’t consider yourself a baking whiz. Honestly, I’ve made this wreath every Christmas morning for a few years now, and it’s always the star of the celebration.

What I love most about this Christmas Donut Wreath Recipe is how it combines buttery flaky biscuit dough with a sweet, vanilla glaze and comes together in a beautiful wreath shape that looks impressive but requires minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting family or want a cozy treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee by the fire, this recipe fits perfectly. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike, making your holiday gathering feel extra special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work so well together because the flaky biscuit dough gives you that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture while the vanilla glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness. When you shop, look for flaky jumbo biscuit dough in the refrigerated section, so you get that perfect base for the wreath.

• Flaky jumbo biscuit dough: This is the star of the show—its flakiness makes the donuts light and airy.
• Vegetable oil: Essential for frying; choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
• Powdered sugar: For the glaze, it dissolves beautifully to give that smooth, sweet finish.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warm, comforting flavor to the glaze.
• Milk: Helps thin the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling over the wreath.

Variations

I like to play around with this Christmas Donut Wreath Recipe depending on the mood of the holiday season or who’s coming over. It’s a great base that invites creativity, so feel free to make it your own!

• Spiced glaze: Sometimes I add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze, which adds a cozy holiday touch you can almost smell from across the room.
• Chocolate drizzle: For an extra indulgent feel, I melt some chocolate chips and drizzle on top—kids love this twist!
• Gluten-free version: I’ve swapped biscuit dough for gluten-free dough once, and while the texture changes slightly, it’s still delicious and inclusive.
• Fruit toppings: Fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds sprinkled over the glaze add a pop of color and tartness that’s festive and fun.

How to Make Christmas Donut Wreath Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and cut the biscuit dough

Start by opening your can of flaky jumbo biscuit dough. I find it easiest to separate the biscuits gently so you don’t tear the dough. Take each biscuit and cut it into quarters—this will be the perfect size to shape each mini donut. Working with cold dough helps it hold shape better when frying, so if it feels too warm, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes before shaping.

Step 2: Fry the donut pieces until golden

Heat your 4 cups of vegetable oil in a deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small piece of dough in – it should sizzle and float to the top fairly quickly. Fry the quartered dough pieces in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan, so they cook evenly. Each side will take about 2 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them onto paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Assemble the wreath shape

Once your mini donuts have cooled enough to handle, arrange them on a large plate or serving board in a circular wreath shape. I usually start by laying out the outer circle and then fill the inside to create a full, lush wreath that’s easy to pass around. It’s super satisfying to watch the doughnuts transform from simple pieces into this festive design.

Step 4: Mix and drizzle the vanilla glaze

Whisk together 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of milk until it’s smooth and pourable. If your glaze feels too thick, add a teaspoon more milk—too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. Drizzle the glaze over the donut wreath generously using a spoon or piping bag. The glaze sets quickly, so work efficiently here and don’t be shy about the drizzle; it adds that perfect sweet finish.

How to Serve Christmas Donut Wreath Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my wreath with a handful of colorful sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies to give it an extra holiday sparkle. It not only looks festive but gives a nice crunch that contrasts with the soft donut. Sometimes, a few fresh rosemary sprigs mimic real pine and add a subtle aroma—trust me, it’s a hit at holiday brunches!

Side Dishes

This donut wreath pairs wonderfully with hot drinks—think mulled cider, hot chocolate, or a rich coffee. I often serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness and add some brightness to the table. Simple, classic, and totally complementary.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, I place the wreath on a wooden serving board with a few decorative holiday ornaments nearby. You can even build little fondant holly leaves or sugar snowflakes to scatter around the wreath for that photo-worthy look. Another favorite trick? Place a small cup of extra glaze or berry jam in the center for dipping fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which sometimes is hard to imagine!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I usually cover the wreath loosely with foil to keep the glaze fresh. The donuts will soften a bit, but still tasty enough for a quick snack or breakfast the next morning.

Freezing

Freezing the whole wreath isn’t ideal because the glaze doesn’t freeze well, but you can freeze the fried donut pieces separately before glazing. Just let them cool completely, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw and glaze fresh for a quick Christmas morning surprise.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I reheat the donut pieces in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to crisp them up slightly without melting the glaze too much. If you prefer, a quick zap in the microwave for 15-20 seconds works in a pinch, but be careful not to overheat or they get soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Donut Wreath Recipe is one of those magical holiday treats that never fails to bring smiles around the kitchen table. It’s simple, festive, and full of cozy flavors, making it a must-try if you want an unforgettable seasonal breakfast or snack. I honestly look forward to making it every year, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy it just as much as I do. So grab a can of biscuit dough and some powdered sugar, and let’s make your holiday a little sweeter and a lot more fun!

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