London dresses for winter like few cities can: silvered skies, the soft hum of carols, the feeling that even everyday rituals deserve a touch of theatre. Into this seasonal reverie steps Donutelier, the boutique donut atelier beloved for turning classic indulgence into couture confection. This November, the brand unveils a limited-edition Christmas collection inspired by The Nutcracker, a pas de sucré that pirouettes between nostalgia and modern decadence, complete with a “12 Days of Christmas” giveaway that promises delight by the box and tickets to the ballet itself.
Unveiling in mid-November across both Donutelier locations, the trio of new donuts reads like a cast list for a holiday matinée, each one intricately composed, each one with its moment in the spotlight. Spiced Apple Tutu is the ingénue: a graceful balance of crème pâtissière and vanilla-sugar crust, crowned with Chantilly and a spiced almond sablé, its caramelised apples glinting like ornaments under stage lights.
Berry Glissé, named for the fleet ballet step, brings a bright, crystalline duet of fruit and silk: crème pâtissière beneath a white-chocolate shell brimming with frutti di bosco, finished with soft meringue, raspberry pearls, crisped raspberries and the whisper of coconut for lift. For the connoisseur who favours depth and resonance, Pistachio Pirouette takes centre stage with pistachio pâtissière, a chocolate shell hiding pistachio praline, a polished chocolate disc, pistachio Chantilly, and a generous flurry of pistachio nibs—rich, textural, and exquisitely composed.
The ensemble expands beyond the donut rail with Donutelier’s festive take on a house favourite: the Pistachio Raspberry Croissant. It is the kind of pastry that quiets a room—shatteringly layered, deeply buttery, ribboned with vibrant raspberry jam and pistachio Chantilly, then finished with fresh berries, emerald pistachios and a snowfall of sugar. It’s breakfast, dessert, and celebration in one luxurious turn, the edible equivalent of a waltz.
In true holiday spirit, Donutelier invites its audience to join the performance. The 12 Days of Christmas giveaway will unfold on Instagram and TikTok, offering chances to win festive treats from the new collection alongside exclusive tickets to The Nutcracker. It’s a charming loop between stage and shop: ballet inspiring pastry, pastry returning you to the ballet, a circle of joy that feels very London, very now.
If the collection is theatrical, the craft behind it is couture. Donutelier is not merely a shop; it is an atelier in the classical sense—a workshop where pâtissiers build pleasure with the discipline of designers. Founded on Charing Cross Road in December 2022 and joined by a Carnaby Street counterpart in 2024, the brand approaches the donut with the rigour usually reserved for haute pâtisserie: impeccable dough, generous fillings, precise finishes, and visual storytelling at every turn. Their creative language blends traditional pastry techniques with modern French patisserie and beloved family recipes; the result is a house style that feels both intimate and cosmopolitan, the kind of luxury that’s less about logos and more about the finesse of the bite.
There is also an undeniable fashion sensibility at play. Much like a couturier’s salon, Donutelier edits its seasonal “collection” for harmony and impact—textures and flavours layered as thoughtfully as silk and tulle. The Nutcracker trio doesn’t just nod to Christmas; it interprets it, offering three distinct moods for the month ahead: the warmth of spice and orchard fruit; the sparkle of berries and meringue; the opulence of pistachio and chocolate. The croissant, meanwhile, is the perfect supporting lead: familiar yet dazzling, indulgent without apology.
What elevates Donutelier is the brand’s instinct for experience. These are pastries made for gifting and for gathering, for the unexpected gesture that turns a regular afternoon into an occasion. Boxed for a soiree, slipped into a weekend stroll, or savoured with a flute of something cold, they carry the easy glamour of the city in December. And like any house destined for a wider stage, Donutelier’s ambition is clear: sustain the craft, grow the footprint, and share this particular vision of joy with a global audience—one meticulously finished piece at a time.
This season, then, consider your holiday rituals newly choreographed. Start with the Spiced Apple Tutu for a matinée glow, follow with Berry Glissé as the lights fall, and let Pistachio Pirouette be your finale—then take a bow with the Pistachio Raspberry Croissant the morning after. Keep an eye on Donutelier’s socials for the giveaway, and perhaps—if the season smiles—you’ll find yourself holding tickets to The Nutcracker, a box of jewels in pastry form, and the sense that London has given you exactly what you hoped for: a little theatre, a lot of taste, and the sweetest spin on Christmas.
50 Carnaby Street, London W1F 9QA
48-50, Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0BB
