Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts

Light and fluffy Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts are the perfect treat for any occasion! These delightful donuts combine the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread with rich cheesecake filling, offering an indulgent experience for your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, celebrating a special moment, or simply treating yourself, these donuts will surely impress everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of gingerbread spices and creamy cheesecake filling creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Festive Treat: Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter mornings, these donuts bring joy to any occasion.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can enjoy homemade donuts without complicated techniques.
• Customizable Filling: Feel free to adjust the spices in the filling to suit your taste or even add other flavors!
• Impressive Presentation: These donuts look stunning when coated in cinnamon sugar and filled with cheesecake cream.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious process of making Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Gingerbread cookie cutter (3 inches)
• Piping bag (with star tip) or ziplock bag
• Medium to large pot for frying
• Candy thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes mixing and kneading the dough easy and efficient, ensuring a well-combined mixture.
• Candy thermometer: Essential for monitoring oil temperature while frying, preventing undercooked or burnt donuts.

Ingredients

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

For the Dough

• 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
• 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

For the Filling

• 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

For the Coating

• 1 Cup (200g) Granulated White Sugar
• 1 Tablespoon Cinnamon

For Frying

• Neutral Frying Oil such as Canola, Vegetable or Avocado Oil. 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 (105ºF/41ºC), 1 teaspoon sugar, and active dry yeast. Allow it to bloom for about 8 to 10 minutes until frothy.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In your stand mixer bowl, 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. Mix until a rough ball of dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Fit your stand mixer with a hook attachment. Knead on medium speed for about 20 minutes until the dough is elastic. If it feels too wet, add up to 2 tablespoons of flour.

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight

Coat your hands with oil and form the dough into a ball. Oil your mixing bowl generously and place the dough back inside. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Step 5: Shape Your Donuts

On Day 2, remove dough from fridge. Punch down gently to release bubbles. Roll out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a gingerbread cookie cutter to cut out donut shapes.

Step 6: Proof Your Donuts

Place cut-out donuts on parchment squares on baking trays. Loosely cover with plastic wrap and allow them to proof for about 45 minutes to an hour until doubled in size.

Step 7: Prepare Filling

While donuts proof, make your filling by combining cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Whisk until light and fluffy.

Step 8: Fry Your Donuts

In a pot filled with at least 2-3 inches of oil heated to between 360ºF to 375ºF (183ºC to 190ºC), fry donuts in batches for about 90 seconds per side. Use a thermometer for best results.

Step 9: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

After frying, transfer donuts onto paper towel-lined racks for cooling briefly then roll them in cinnamon sugar mixture.

Step 10: Fill Your Donuts

Create small holes in each donut’s center using a chopstick or paring knife. Fill each donut with gingerbread cheesecake filling using your piping bag or ziplock bag.

Enjoy your delightful Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts fresh!

How to Serve Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts

These delightful Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts are perfect for any occasion, especially during the holiday season. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your donut experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: Pair your donuts with a warm cup of coffee for a classic combination that enhances the spices in the donuts.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy the sweetness of hot chocolate alongside your donuts for a comforting treat on chilly days.
• Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea can balance the richness of the cheesecake filling while adding a soothing touch.

As a Dessert Platter

• Mixed Fruit: Serve with fresh fruit like berries or apple slices to add brightness and color to your dessert table.
• Whipped Cream: Provide a side of lightly sweetened whipped cream for dipping or dolloping on top of your donuts.
• Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla or ginger ice cream, creating a wonderful contrast in flavors.

Festive Garnishes

• Drizzled Caramel Sauce: A light drizzle of caramel sauce adds sweetness and visual appeal to your donuts.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts

To achieve the best results with your Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Ingredients: Use high-quality spices like cinnamon and ginger for more robust flavors that stand out in each bite.
• Knead Properly: Ensure you knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, which helps create that perfect texture when fried.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on your oil temperature; frying at too low can lead to greasy donuts while too hot can burn them quickly.
• Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your active dry yeast is fresh for optimal rising and fluffiness in your donuts.
• Cool Before Filling: Allow the fried donuts to cool slightly before filling them. This helps maintain their structure and prevents the filling from melting out.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts

Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some ideas to complement their flavor profile.

1. Spiced Apple Compote: Warm spiced apples add sweetness and a hint of cinnamon that pairs beautifully with the donuts.
2. Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the rich cheesecake filling.
3. Maple Syrup: Drizzle pure maple syrup over the donuts for an extra layer of sweetness that enhances their flavors.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a light side dish that balances out the richness of the donuts.
5. Cheese Board: A selection of soft cheeses can offer creaminess that complements the spiced flavor of the donuts nicely.
6. Nut Butter Dip: Serve almond or peanut butter as a dip for added protein and richness, making it a satisfying snack.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how you can avoid them.

• Incorrect yeast activation: Ensure your yeast is activated properly by using warm milk (around 105ºF). If the mixture doesn’t foam after 10 minutes, your yeast may be dead, and you’ll need fresh yeast.

• Over or under-kneading the dough: Kneading for too long or too little can affect the texture of your donuts. Aim for about 20 minutes until the dough passes the windowpane test—this means it should stretch without tearing.

• Not letting the dough proof adequately: Skipping or shortening the proofing time leads to dense donuts. Allow your shaped donuts to rise until they’ve doubled in size for a light and fluffy texture.

• Frying at incorrect temperatures: If the oil is too cool, donuts will absorb too much oil; too hot, and they’ll burn. Use a thermometer to maintain a frying temperature of 360ºF to 375ºF for perfect frying results.

• Skipping the filling step: It may be tempting to skip filling your donuts, but this is where the real flavor comes in! Make sure to fill them right before serving for the best taste experience.

• Using cold ingredients: For best results, ensure that your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth and creamy filling without lumps.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy within 3-5 days for optimal freshness and taste.

Freezing Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts

• Place cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Keep frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Place donuts on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes.

• Microwave: Heat each donut individually for about 10-15 seconds on medium power. Be careful not to overheat as they can become tough.

• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes per side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts:

Can I substitute the cream cheese?

Yes! You can use Greek yogurt or vegan cream cheese if you’re looking for lighter or dairy-free options.

How do I make these donuts healthier?

Consider reducing sugar or using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also bake them instead of frying for a healthier version.

Can I make these Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just shape and fry them fresh in the morning.

What flavors work well with gingerbread donuts?

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove complement ginger perfectly. You could also add citrus zest for an extra zing!

How long do these donuts last?

They last up to 5 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated.

Final Thoughts

These Gingerbread Cheesecake Donuts are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any holiday gathering. You can easily customize them with various fillings or toppings like chocolate glaze or fruit preserves. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!