Craving a festive treat? Try our Chocolate Peppermint Donuts, a perfect blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint in every bite. These donuts capture the magic of the holiday season with their moist, chocolatey goodness fused with cool peppermint flavor, creating a delightful experience that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or indulging in a sweet moment for yourself, these donuts are a celebration you can taste.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Holiday spirit in every bite: The combination of chocolate and peppermint instantly brings festive cheer to your tastebuds.
- Moist and tender texture: These donuts are soft and fluffy, striking the perfect balance between cakey and rich.
- Simple ingredients, fantastic flavor: Using everyday pantry staples with a dash of peppermint creates a gourmet-like treat at home.
- Perfect for all skill levels: Whether you’re a baking newbie or a pro, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding.
- Versatile for occasions: Great for holiday parties, breakfast, or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Chocolate Peppermint Donuts are simple but essential, each adding to the irresistible taste, texture, and festive flair. From luscious cocoa to a hint of peppermint extract, this list is all about maximizing flavor with minimal fuss.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure and softness to your donuts.
- Cocoa powder: Provides deep, rich chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark color.
- Sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly, balancing chocolate’s natural bitterness.
- Baking powder: Ensures your donuts rise light and fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture for tender bites.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts moist and soft without heaviness.
- Peppermint extract: The star ingredient for that refreshing, cool holiday twist.
- Vanilla extract: Balances flavors and adds warmth.
- Chocolate glaze (optional): A glossy finish that intensifies the chocolate experience.
- Crushed peppermint candies (optional): Adds crunch and festive decoration on top.
Variations for Chocolate Peppermint Donuts
Feel free to customize these donuts to suit your unique tastes and dietary needs. These variations make it easy to keep the spirit of Chocolate Peppermint Donuts while adding your own flair.
- Gluten-free option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a worry-free festive treat.
- Vegan adaptation: Use flax eggs, plant-based milk, and vegan chocolate to keep it cruelty-free.
- Spicy peppermint kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to warm up the cool peppermint.
- White chocolate glaze: Substitute the chocolate glaze with white chocolate for a creamy twist.
- Mini donut bites: Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized versions perfect for parties or kids.
How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Donuts
Step 1: Prepare Your Batter
Start by whisking together the dry ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt—in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine egg, milk, vegetable oil, peppermint, and vanilla extracts until smooth. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined, being careful not to overmix for tender donuts.
Step 2: Fill Your Donut Pan
Lightly grease your donut pan with oil or non-stick spray. Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the molds, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donuts should spring back when pressed lightly.
Step 4: Cool and Glaze
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, dip the tops in chocolate glaze and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for extra festive flair.
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Peppermint Donuts
- Use fresh cocoa powder: It makes a significant difference in chocolate flavor intensity.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overworking it can lead to dense, tough donuts.
- Room temperature ingredients: They blend better and produce a smoother batter.
- Grease the pan well: Prevents sticking and ensures your donuts come out clean every time.
- Adjust peppermint carefully: Peppermint extract is potent—start with less and add more to taste.
- Cool completely before glazing: Otherwise, the glaze may melt right off.
How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Donuts
Garnishes
Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or shaved chocolate over the glaze for a festive look. For added richness, dust lightly with powdered sugar or add a drizzle of white chocolate for contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair these donuts with hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or even a creamy latte to complement the peppermint and chocolate flavors perfectly. Fresh berries or spiced nuts also add nice texture and freshness alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the donuts on a holiday-themed platter with evergreens and cinnamon sticks for a feast that’s as visual as it is delicious. Consider stacking mini donuts on a festive tiered stand for parties or gifting them in decorated boxes tied with ribbon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness. Avoid refrigeration as this can dry them out.
Freezing
Wrap individual donuts tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before serving, then refresh with a quick reheat if desired.
Reheating
Warm donuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to bring back that soft, freshly baked texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I bake these donuts without a donut pan?
Absolutely! You can use a muffin tin and simply reduce the bake time slightly, though they will have a different shape and texture.
Is there a substitute for peppermint extract?
If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can try using a small amount of crushed peppermint candies mixed into the batter for flavor.
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these donuts safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing texture.
How strong is the peppermint flavor?
It’s refreshingly noticeable but not overpowering; you can always adjust the peppermint extract amount to suit your preference.
Are these donuts suitable for kids?
Yes, they are perfect for kids, especially around the holidays, offering a sweet treat with festive flavors.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Peppermint Donuts embody the joy and warmth of the holiday season in each delicious bite. Their perfect combination of chocolate richness and peppermint freshness makes them a must-try festive delight that’s sure to brighten your celebrations. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and share these wonderful donuts with everyone you love!
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Chocolate Peppermint Donuts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Peppermint Donuts combine rich chocolate flavor with refreshing peppermint for a moist, tender, and festive treat perfect for holiday celebrations or any sweet moment. These easy-to-make baked donuts offer a soft, cakey texture with a delightful peppermint twist, finished with an optional chocolate glaze and crushed peppermint candies for extra festive flair.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Chocolate glaze (for dipping)
- Crushed peppermint candies (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the egg, milk, vegetable oil, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the donuts tender.
- Fill Your Donut Pan: Lightly grease your donut pan with oil or non-stick spray. Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the molds, filling each about three-quarters full to leave room for rising during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the donuts for 12 to 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donuts should spring back lightly when pressed.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dip the tops into chocolate glaze and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for a festive finishing touch.
Notes
- Use fresh cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor intensity.
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid dense, tough donuts.
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better blend.
- Grease the pan well to prevent sticking and ensure clean donuts.
- Start with a small amount of peppermint extract and adjust to taste, as it is quite potent.
- Cool donuts completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg