Krispy Kreme's holiday doughnuts

Chain restaurants across the nation are taking different approaches to developing seasonal menu items this year, making use of cinnamon, peppermint, caramel and other flavors associated with this time of year.

At the same time, they are getting creative with colors, shapes and names as they move to appeal to consumers’ holiday spirit.

“Part of the wonder of the holidays comes with the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the season,” Yogurt Mountain president and chief executive David Kahn said. “Our customers can relive the magical experiences of their favorite holiday memories with every delicious spoonful.”

In the dessert category, Krispy Kreme has introduced three holiday doughnuts:

• A snowman-shaped doughnut frosted with white icing and decorated with a red-icing scarf

• A red velvet cake doughnut topped with cream cheese icing and red velvet cake crumbles

• A chocolate iced doughnut with red and green sprinkles

The doughnuts are available at participating North American locations through Dec. 31.

Watch a commercial for Krispy Kreme’s holiday doughnuts; story continues below