1-First Step: Collect all your ingredients and tools, like a stand mixer and cutter, to make the process smooth. Measure out 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and the rest as listed to avoid any rush later.

2-Second Step: In your stand mixer, combine the dry ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, a pinch of fine sea salt, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Whisk them together until everything is evenly mixed; this sets the base for your traditional spiced holiday donut!

3-Third Step: In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: 2 eggs, 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup unsulphured organic molasses, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup sour cream until smooth and creamy. This mixture adds moisture and flavor, making your gingerbread old fashioned donut extra tasty.

4-Fourth Step: Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ones in the stand mixer on low speed. Mix until a dough forms, then chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle. For dietary adaptations, swap in gluten-free flour here if needed to keep things versatile.

5-Fifth Step: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 3/4 inch thickness. Use a 3-3.5 inch cutter to make rounds and a 1.5 inch cutter for the center holes, aiming for 8-10 donuts total. If you’re short on time, check out this maple gingerbread coffee cake recipe for more baking ideas that pair well.

6-Sixth Step: Refrigerate the cut donuts for another 30 minutes to firm up, then score a shallow circle on the top of each one. Heat your canola oil to exactly 350°F in a wide pot, and gently lower in 3 donuts at a time to fry for 90 seconds to 2 minutes per side until they’re deeply browned.

7-Seventh Step: Drain the fried donuts on a wire rack and fry the donut holes separately for about 2 minutes, stirring them occasionally for even cooking. Once done, prepare the glaze by whisking 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1/3 cup eggnog, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg until smooth. Dip the warm donut into the glaze and let it set on the rack.

8-Eighth Step: Serve your gingerbread old fashioned donut warm for the best flavor, perhaps with a hot drink on the side. This whole process, from prep to plate, takes about 1 hour prep time and 15 minutes cooking, totaling around 1 hour 15 minutes!