Chocolate Peppermint Donuts

Imagine the first bite of a soft, chocolatey donut coated with a smooth glaze and sprinkled with crushed peppermint candy. The warmth of cocoa melts on your tongue while cool peppermint sparkles like winter itself. These donuts are festive, fun, and absolutely irresistible, making them a perfect treat for holiday mornings or cozy evenings with a cup of hot cocoa.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe comes from the heart of holiday traditions, inspired by the joy of peppermint bark and the comfort of freshly baked donuts. I wanted something playful yet nostalgic, and the combination of chocolate and peppermint captures the magic of winter celebrations perfectly. It feels like biting into holiday cheer with every single donut.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Chocolate and peppermint are a pairing that goes way back, particularly tied to holiday traditions in Europe and North America. Peppermint candy canes became popular in the 19th century as a Christmas treat, while chocolate has been a festive indulgence for centuries. When you bring these two flavors together, you get a modern twist on tradition, blending childhood memories of candy canes with the comforting richness of chocolate pastries.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Peppermint Donuts

Versatile: Serve them at brunch, holiday parties, or as a sweet afternoon snack.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry ingredients with just a splash of peppermint magic.
Quick and Easy: Baked instead of fried, so they’re ready in under an hour.
Customizable: Add toppings like white chocolate drizzle, crushed cookies, or even sprinkles.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for gatherings where kids and adults alike will devour them.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake them the night before and glaze the next day.
Great for Leftovers: Pop them in the microwave for a few seconds and they taste freshly made.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To make sure your donuts turn out bakery-perfect, keep these tips in mind:

1. Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth, lump-free batter.
2. Don’t overmix; a gentle stir keeps the donuts tender.
3. Grease your donut pan well to ensure easy release.
4. Let donuts cool before glazing so it sets beautifully.
5. Crush peppermint candy just before topping to keep it crisp and fresh.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To bring this recipe together, you’ll want a few handy tools:

• Donut Pan: Essential for achieving the classic round shape.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
• Whisk: Helps blend the batter smoothly.
• Cooling Rack: Keeps donuts from getting soggy after baking.
• Piping Bag or Ziploc Bag: Makes filling the donut molds neat and easy.

Ingredients in Chocolate Peppermint Donuts

Every ingredient plays its part in balancing rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup provides structure for the donuts.
2. Cocoa Powder: 1/3 cup delivers deep chocolate flavor.
3. Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon ensures a light, fluffy rise.
4. Salt: 1/4 teaspoon balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
5. Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup sweetens the donuts just right.
6. Egg: 1 large binds the batter together.
7. Milk: 1/2 cup adds moisture and tenderness.
8. Vegetable Oil: 1/4 cup keeps the donuts soft and moist.
9. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon brings warmth and depth.
10. Peppermint Extract: 1/2 teaspoon infuses that refreshing holiday twist.
11. Powdered Sugar: 1 cup for the glaze, silky and sweet.
12. Milk: 2 tablespoons to thin the glaze to the right consistency.
13. Crushed Peppermint Candies: 1/4 cup for a festive crunch on top.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes you need a little flexibility, and this recipe allows for that:

• All-Purpose Flour: Use gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegetable Oil: Swap with melted butter or coconut oil.
• Milk: Almond or oat milk works beautifully.
• Peppermint Extract: Try spearmint extract for a slightly different twist.

Ingredient Spotlight

Peppermint Extract: This tiny bottle packs a big punch, infusing your donuts with that unmistakable holiday flavor.

Cocoa Powder: The soul of the donut, giving each bite its rich, chocolatey indulgence.

Instructions for Making Chocolate Peppermint Donuts

Now let’s dive into the fun part, bringing these donuts to life step by step:

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your donut pan.
2. Combine Ingredients: In one bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another, whisk egg, milk, oil, vanilla, and peppermint extract. Mix wet and dry until just combined.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Transfer batter into a piping bag or Ziploc with the corner cut off. Pipe evenly into the donut pan cavities, filling about 2/3 full.
4. Assemble the Dish: Smooth tops if needed and ensure each cavity is filled evenly.
5. Cook to Perfection: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until donuts spring back when touched.
6. Finishing Touches: Whisk powdered sugar and milk into a glaze. Dip cooled donuts into the glaze and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Let glaze set for a few minutes, then serve with hot cocoa or coffee for the perfect pairing.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The donuts strike a balance between rich and refreshing. The crumb is soft, moist, and chocolatey, while the glaze adds silky sweetness. Crushed peppermint brings an irresistible crunch, creating a trio of textures that makes every bite a joyful surprise.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here are a few more ways to make sure your donuts shine:

• Always sift cocoa powder to prevent lumps.
• Chill the glazed donuts briefly if you want the topping to set quickly.
• Double the glaze recipe if you prefer extra coating.

What to Avoid

To save you from common baking pitfalls, keep these in mind:

• Don’t overfill the donut pan, or they’ll lose their shape.
• Avoid overbaking; dry donuts are no fun.
• Don’t glaze while hot, or the glaze will melt off.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 donuts
Calories per serving: ~210

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can make them ahead. Bake the donuts a day early, store them in an airtight container, and glaze right before serving. Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the unglazed donuts for up to 2 months and thaw before glazing.

How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Donuts

Serve with a steaming mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream, or place them on a festive platter for holiday gatherings. For an elegant touch, drizzle white chocolate over the glaze before adding peppermint pieces.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Don’t let leftovers go to waste:

• Crumble donuts over vanilla ice cream for a peppermint brownie vibe.
• Use slices as layers in a festive trifle.
• Warm them up and enjoy with a scoop of peppermint ice cream.

Additional Tips

For extra depth, add a pinch of espresso powder to the batter. Store crushed peppermint separately until serving to keep it crunchy. For a fun kids’ activity, let them decorate donuts with sprinkles and candies.

Make It a Showstopper

Arrange the donuts in a festive wreath on your serving platter, adding sprigs of fresh mint or rosemary for a holiday look. A dusting of powdered sugar over the platter creates a snowy effect that makes your table sparkle.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Peppermint Mocha Donuts: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the batter.
• White Chocolate Peppermint Donuts: Use a white chocolate glaze instead of regular glaze.
• Mint Oreo Donuts: Top glazed donuts with crushed mint sandwich cookies.
• Peppermint Marshmallow Donuts: Add mini marshmallows on top of the glaze.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, you can use a muffin tin and bake as donut muffins.

Q2: Can I fry the donuts instead of baking?

This recipe is designed for baking, but you could adapt it for frying with adjustments.

Q3: How do I keep the peppermint candy crunchy?

Add it right before serving and store donuts in a cool, dry place.

Q4: Can I make the glaze flavored?

Yes, add a drop of peppermint extract or melted chocolate for flavor.

Q5: Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes, swap in plant-based milk and vegan butter or oil.

Q6: How do I store glazed donuts?

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Q7: Can I use dark cocoa powder?

Absolutely, it will intensify the chocolate flavor.

Q8: Do these donuts freeze well?

Unglazed donuts freeze best. Add glaze and toppings after thawing.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients for a larger batch.

Q10: Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, though it may slightly change the texture and sweetness.

Conclusion

Chocolate Peppermint Donuts are everything a holiday treat should be, comforting yet refreshing, simple yet festive. With their soft chocolate base, cool peppermint crunch, and sweet glaze, they’ll quickly become a tradition in your kitchen. Trust me, you’re going to love this, and once you make them, you’ll find yourself craving them long after the holidays are over

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