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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup whole milk - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - Zest of 1 orange - 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped (or dried cranberries) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice - 1/4 cup whole cranberries for garnish (optional) Gather these ingredients to make your Cranberry Orange Glazed Donuts. Each one plays a key role in creating flavor and texture. All-purpose flour gives the donuts a soft base. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while baking powder helps them rise. Salt enhances all the flavors. The eggs bind the mixture and add richness. Whole milk makes the batter creamy, and melted unsalted butter adds moisture. The zest of one orange brings a bright, citrusy twist. Fresh cranberries add a tart pop, but you can use dried cranberries instead if you like. Vanilla extract adds warmth to the flavor. The glaze is simple yet delicious. You need powdered sugar and fresh orange juice for a smooth finish. For a fun touch, garnish with whole cranberries. This combination makes your donuts look and taste amazing. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your donut pan with non-stick spray. 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together these dry ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt 3. In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs. Then mix in: - 1/2 cup whole milk - 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter - Zest of 1 orange - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix! Gently fold in: - 1 cup chopped fresh cranberries 5. Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each donut cavity about three-quarters full with the batter. 6. Bake for 10-12 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean from the center. Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack. 7. While the donuts cool, prepare the glaze. Whisk together: - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice Adjust the glaze to your liking by adding more juice or sugar. 8. Once the donuts are cool, dip the tops in the glaze. Let the excess drip off. If you like, garnish with whole cranberries before the glaze sets. To get the best texture for your donuts, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients come together. Overmixing can make your donuts tough. Cooling time is also key for glazed donuts. After baking, let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack. This helps the glaze stick better later. Adjust the consistency of your glaze as needed. Start with 2 tablespoons of orange juice. If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more juice. For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. When dipping the donuts, do it quickly. Dip the tops into the glaze, then let the excess drip off. If you want to add a fun touch, garnish with whole cranberries while the glaze is still wet. Arranging the donuts on a platter makes for a nice display. You can place them in a circle or stack them. Add a few sprigs of fresh mint for extra color. For a snowy look, dust the plate with powdered sugar. This simple touch makes your donuts look even more inviting. Enjoy presenting your delicious treats! Pro Tips Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries add a burst of tartness and vibrant color. If using dried cranberries, opt for sweetened ones to balance the flavors. Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts. Adjust Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add a little more orange juice. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar to achieve the desired thickness. Cool Completely Before Glazing: Make sure the donuts are completely cool before dipping in the glaze to prevent it from melting and running off. {{image_2}} You can change the flavors in your donuts easily. If you use dried cranberries, they add a nice chewiness. Dried cranberries work well if fresh ones are not available. You can also spice things up by adding cinnamon or nutmeg. A pinch of nutmeg gives your donuts a warm taste. Cinnamon adds a sweet twist that makes them cozy. The glaze is where you can get creative. Try a chocolate glaze for a rich taste. To make it, melt dark chocolate and mix it with a bit of cream. You can also play with citrus glazes. A lemon glaze can brighten the flavor. Just mix powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice instead of orange juice. If you need gluten-free donuts, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many blends work well and taste great. For vegan adaptations, replace eggs with flax seeds mixed with water. Use almond milk instead of whole milk and coconut oil in place of butter. Your donuts will still be tasty and satisfying. To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture. Place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb any excess moisture. Keep the container in a cool, dry place. Your donuts will taste best within two days. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider freezing. For long-term storage, freezing is a great option. First, let the donuts cool completely. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. To thaw, just leave them at room temperature for a few hours. To enjoy your donuts warm, use an oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes. If using a microwave, heat for about 10-15 seconds. This warms them up nicely without making them soggy. Enjoy your tasty treats fresh! Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. They work well in this recipe. Here are some tips: - Thawing: Thaw frozen cranberries before use. Drain any excess liquid. - Chopping: Chop them slightly to help mix into the batter. - Baking Time: The baking time may slightly change. Keep an eye on the donuts. These donuts last for about 2 to 3 days at room temperature. To keep them fresh, do the following: - Storage: Place them in an airtight container. - Avoid Moisture: Keep them in a cool, dry place. - Refrigeration: If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Yes, you can make these donuts ahead of time. Here’s how: - Baking: Bake them a day in advance. - Storing: Store them in an airtight container. - Reheating: Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes before serving. These donuts pair well with many drinks and sides. Here are some suggestions: - Beverages: Serve with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. - Sides: A fresh fruit salad works great too. - Extra Treats: Consider serving them with whipped cream or yogurt for a fun twist. In this post, we covered how to make delicious Cranberry Orange Glazed Donuts. We discussed the key ingredients, from eggs to orange zest, and provided easy steps for mixing and baking. I shared tips for getting the best texture and glaze. You can even try different flavors and storage options. Remember, these donuts are not just a treat; they can fit many diets. Enjoy baking your own, and savor each bite!

Cranberry Orange Glazed Donuts

Delicious donuts with a sweet cranberry orange glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 zest orange
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 0.25 cup whole cranberries for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a donut pan with non-stick spray.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  • In another bowl, beat the eggs and then mix in the milk, melted butter, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Gently fold in the chopped cranberries.
  • Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each donut cavity about three-quarters full with the batter.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
  • While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more juice or sugar if necessary.
  • Once the donuts are completely cooled, dip the tops into the glaze and let the excess drip off. If desired, garnish with whole cranberries on top of the glaze before it sets.

Notes

Arrange the glazed donuts on a decorative platter, and consider adding a few sprigs of fresh mint for a pop of color. You can also dust the plate with extra powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Enjoy your delightful treats!
Keyword cranberry, donuts, glazed, orange