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Pecan Praline Doughnuts: Nutty Caramel Bliss

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/09/pecan-praline-doughnuts-nutty-caramel-bliss.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, December 9th 2025 at 21:37 GMT by Food & Wine

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Holiday Doughnuts: A Festive Feast of Flavor, Tradition, and Sweet‑Scented Delight
(A concise yet thorough synthesis of Food & Wine’s holiday‑doughnut roundup, plus extra context gleaned from the article’s embedded links)

When the chill of late‑December settles in, the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh‑baked dough begins to drift from kitchens across the country. Food & Wine’s “Holiday Doughnuts” article (https://www.foodandwine.com/holiday-doughnuts-11865187) embraces that aroma, offering a carefully curated collection of 12 holiday‑themed doughnut recipes that span from the all‑time beloved pecan praline to the whimsical peppermint bark. The article’s goal is simple: to provide a holiday treat that can be shared at a family gathering, sent as a thoughtful gift, or enjoyed as a personal indulgence. Below is a detailed, word‑by‑word guide to what the Food & Wine piece presents, enhanced by the links it contains for deeper dives into each recipe.

1. The Framework of the Article

The article opens with a brief historical note on doughnuts: from their 19th‑century origins as a convenient street food for laborers, to the evolution of sweet‑glazed, sugar‑coated doughnuts that became a staple of holiday celebrations. This context frames the recipes that follow, each described in a paragraph that highlights key flavor notes, preparation hints, and a quick overview of why it’s a seasonal winner.

The core of the piece is a list of 12 doughnut recipes, each presented with a vibrant photo, a title, a concise description, and a link to the full recipe. The recipes are grouped loosely by flavor profile—spiced, fruity, chocolate‑centric, and one savory option—allowing readers to match their mood or dietary preference.

2. The 12 Holiday Doughnuts

3. The “Deep‑Dive” Links

Each recipe link opens to a full, step‑by‑step tutorial on Food & Wine’s recipe database. The tutorials include:

• Ingredient List – often specifying brand suggestions (e.g., using a particular type of pecan or maple syrup).
• Preparation Time – giving readers realistic expectations (e.g., 45 minutes for the maple‑bourbon doughnuts, 1 hour for the eggnog doughnuts).
• Baking/Deep‑Frying Tips – from maintaining a stable oil temperature to using a thermometer.
• Glazing & Decoration Instructions – how to achieve a glossy finish, how to use a piping bag, or how to create a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Variations & Storage – recommendations for freezing doughnuts or swapping out ingredients for dietary restrictions (gluten‑free, vegan, etc.).

Some recipes contain additional sub‑links that direct readers to a “tips & tricks” page or a YouTube demonstration. For instance, the Peppermint Bark Doughnuts page includes a link to a short tutorial video that shows how to make the peppermint‑swirled glaze, while the Eggnog Doughnuts link points to an article on “how to safely use alcohol in holiday desserts.” These embedded resources provide valuable extra context and visual cues, making the recipe execution a breeze.

4. Key Themes & Tips Highlighted

Seasonal Pairings – The article underscores how the doughnuts pair with holiday drinks: hot cocoa, eggnog, mulled wine, or even a robust Irish coffee. The suggested pairings are noted beside each recipe, giving readers a quick “what to serve with” checklist.

Make‑Ahead & Freezing – A recurring theme is the convenience of making doughnuts in advance. Many of the tutorials note that doughnuts can be deep‑fried or baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 48 hours, or frozen for up to a month. The article encourages this as a practical tip for families who want to celebrate without last‑minute prep.

Creative Glazing & Decorating – The article encourages readers to play with glazes: from classic powdered sugar dustings to chocolate‑cream swirls, to crushed candy cane topping. It also mentions simple decorative touches like using a small pastry bag to pipe a ribbon of glaze or sprinkling chopped nuts for added texture.

Flavor Balance – A subtle but important point is the balance between sweet and spicy. For example, the Gingerbread Doughnuts combine warm spices with a buttery glaze, while the Hot Chocolate Doughnuts use a rich cocoa glaze that counters the sweetness of the chocolate chips. The article advises adjusting sugar levels if you’re making the doughnuts for children or for those who prefer a less sweet dessert.

The “Savory” Twist – The inclusion of a savory cheese & herb doughnut is a nod to adventurous cooks. It demonstrates that doughnut dough can be a versatile canvas, and that a savory version can complement holiday hors d’oeuvres or a holiday brunch.

5. Take‑away for the Reader

Food & Wine’s holiday doughnut roundup is more than a mere list of recipes. It’s an invitation to explore a season of flavor, to experiment with sweet, spice, fruit, and even savory, and to create a centerpiece for any holiday gathering. The article is designed for cooks of all skill levels: the straightforward “Pecan Praline Doughnuts” are a safe bet for beginners, while the “Eggnog Doughnuts” and “Hot Chocolate Doughnuts” allow for a little more culinary flair.

By following the links, readers gain access to a treasure trove of detailed instructions and visual aids that break down each step—from mixing the dough to glazing the finished product. The additional resources (videos, tips, and pairing suggestions) ensure that even those who are new to doughnut making can achieve professional results.

6. Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice looking to wow your guests, this Food & Wine article offers a roadmap to a holiday doughnut spread that’s both festive and flavorful. The recipes are thoughtfully curated, the instructions are clear, and the extra links provide depth without overwhelming. Gather the ingredients, pull out the apron, and let the sweet, spiced, and even savory doughnuts become the highlight of your holiday celebrations.