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Grinch Donuts Delightful Treats
If there is one holiday tradition that never gets old, it is making whimsical treats that bring a smile to everyone’s face. These Grinch Donuts Delightful Treats do exactly that. They are bright, playful, and ridiculously easy. Picture soft, fluffy donuts dipped in smooth green frosting, finished with a single red heart that gives them that classic Grinch charm. They are the kind of Christmas treat that disappears almost instantly from the dessert table.
Whether you are hosting a classroom party, a family movie night, or a holiday brunch, these Grinch Donuts Delightful Treats always steal the show. They look impressive without any complicated baking and they capture that nostalgic, cozy feeling we all crave around the holidays. In other words, they are cute, quick, and guaranteed to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
Recipe Card
Type: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 donuts
Calories: About 290 per donut
Main Ingredients: Prepared donuts, white chocolate, green candy melts, red heart sprinkles
Grinch Donuts Delightful Treats Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Kid friendly. These donuts look straight out of a holiday movie and kids will go wild for them.
- Super easy. No frying required. Use store bought donuts to save time.
- Perfect for parties. Bright, fun, and eye catching on any Christmas dessert spread.
- Customizable. Works with baked, fried, mini, or full sized donuts.
- Great for gifting. Wrap a few in clear bags and you have adorable edible gifts.
Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 12 plain donuts (cake or yeast style both work)
Store bought keeps things quick, but homemade donuts are also great. - 1 cup green candy melts
This gives you that classic Grinch green. - 1 cup white chocolate chips
Softens the texture of the candy melts and creates a smoother dip. - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Gives shine and prevents the coating from turning too thick. - Red heart sprinkles
Essential for the Grinch look.
Optional Add Ons
- Green sanding sugar
- White icing drizzle
- Crushed peppermint pieces for a festive touch

How to Make Grinch Donuts Delightful Treats
1. Prep the Donuts
Place your donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment. If using store bought donuts, brush off excess sugar or crumbs so the coating sticks smoothly.
2. Melt the Coating
In a microwave safe bowl, combine the green candy melts, white chocolate chips, and vegetable oil. Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring each time, until completely smooth. The mixture should be glossy and pourable.
3. Dip the Donuts
Hold each donut by the bottom and dip the top into the melted green coating. Twist gently to remove excess, then place the donuts back on the parchment lined baking sheet.
4. Add the Heart
Before the coating sets, press one red heart sprinkle onto the upper right side of each donut. It should look like the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes.
5. Let Them Set
Allow the donuts to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes until the coating hardens. If you want to speed things up, chill them in the fridge for 10 minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Place the donuts on a holiday tray or box them up for gifting. They look amazing next to hot cocoa or a Christmas brunch spread.
Pro Tips for Success
Use Warm Donuts
If the donuts are slightly warm, the coating clings more evenly.
Thin the Chocolate if Needed
If the coating gets thick while dipping, add a teaspoon of oil and stir until smooth again.
Dip Quickly
Candy melts set fast, so add the heart sprinkle right after dipping each donut.
Use Parchment Paper
This prevents sticking and gives you clean edges.
Make Mini Donuts for Parties
Mini versions are perfect for large gatherings or kid friendly dessert tables.
Variations and Substitutions
Baked Donut Option
Use homemade baked donuts if you want a lighter version. Vanilla or plain cake donuts work best.
Gluten Free Version
Swap in gluten free donuts. Many bakeries offer gluten free cake donuts that work beautifully.
White Chocolate Version
Skip the candy melts and use only white chocolate tinted with green gel coloring.
Peppermint Grinch Donuts
Add crushed candy canes on top of the glaze for a holiday mint twist.
Chocolate Donuts
Use chocolate donuts for a dramatic contrast under the bright green coating.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with hot cocoa topped with whipped cream.
- Pair with Christmas pancakes or a holiday breakfast casserole.
- Add them to a dessert board with cookies, marshmallows, and pretzel rods.
- Wrap individually and use as stocking stuffers.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze undecorated donuts for up to 1 month. Add the coating after thawing.
- Do not microwave after coating. The green topping can melt and become streaky.

Nutrition Information (Approx. per Donut)
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 34g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 27g
Values are estimates and vary by donut type.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much oil makes the coating runny and messy.
- Dipping warm donuts in hot chocolate causes sliding glaze.
- Skipping parchment paper leads to sticking on the tray.
- Using gel food coloring in candy melts can cause seizing. Stick to oil based coloring if you need to adjust the shade.
FAQ
Can I make Grinch Donuts Delightful Treats ahead of time?
Yes. They hold up well for 24 hours, so you can prep them the night before.
Can I use homemade donuts?
Absolutely. Any plain cake style donut works.
Can I use white frosting instead of chocolate?
You can, but frosting stays soft and doesn’t create the same smooth finish.
How do I get the perfect shade of Grinch green?
Use green candy melts or oil based coloring only. Water based colorings cause clumping.
Do these travel well?
Yes. Once set, the coating stays firm and perfect for transporting.
Can I make these without heart sprinkles?
Yes, but the heart is the signature look. You can cut small hearts from red fondant or candy if needed.
Conclusion
These Grinch Donuts Delightful Treats are festive, fun, and guaranteed to be the star of your holiday spread. They take just a few minutes to make and bring that magical Christmas energy to any gathering. Give them a try and tell me how your family liked them. They are the perfect treat for anyone who loves easy holiday desserts.
If you want another fun Christmas recipe, try my Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake or my Hot Cocoa Mini Bundt Cakes. Just tell me your next recipe title and I will build it for you.
Grinch Donuts Delightful Treats
Delightful and visually stunning treats inspired by the Grinch character, perfect for holiday celebrations and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Green food coloring or matcha powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Sprinkles for decoration
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
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In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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Add the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
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Add green food coloring or matcha powder to achieve the desired shade of green.
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Pipe the batter into the donut pan and bake for 10-12 minutes.
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Allow the donuts to cool before decorating with powdered sugar and sprinkles.

