Chocolate Peppermint Donuts

If you’re craving something rich, festive, and totally irresistible, these Chocolate Peppermint Donuts are exactly what you need. Imagine a soft, chocolatey donut with a hint of cool peppermint, topped with a glossy glaze and crushed candy canes that make every bite feel like a holiday party in your mouth. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer — perfect for cozy mornings, holiday celebrations, or any day you want to treat yourself with a little extra magic.

Get ready to fill your kitchen with the scent of chocolate and minty freshness!

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Peppermint Donuts

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making them for family breakfast, gifting to friends, or indulging yourself, here’s why these donuts are a standout:

Versatile: Great fresh or reheated, and perfect with coffee or hot cocoa.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples with just a peppermint twist.
Quick and Easy: Easy to whip up, even if you’re new to baking donuts.
Customizable: Swap peppermint for other extracts or add festive sprinkles.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults who love holiday flavors.

Ingredients in Chocolate Peppermint Donuts

Here’s what brings all the festive flavor together:

Cocoa Powder

Rich and chocolatey base for the donuts.

Flour and Sugar

The classic dry ingredients for perfect texture and sweetness.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda

For light, fluffy donuts that rise just right.

Buttermilk

Adds tang and tenderness.

Eggs

Bind everything together and add richness.

Peppermint Extract

The star that gives these donuts their refreshing, cool flavor.

Melted Butter or Oil

For moistness and softness.

Powdered Sugar

For the glaze.

Crushed Candy Canes

The festive, crunchy topping that’s pure holiday magic.

Instructions

Let’s get baking these festive delights:

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven and grease your donut pan well.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and peppermint extract.

Mix Together

Slowly combine wet and dry ingredients until just blended — don’t overmix!

Fill Donut Pan

Spoon batter into the donut molds, filling each about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Make the Glaze

Mix powdered sugar with a little water or milk and a drop of peppermint extract until smooth.

Dip and Decorate

Dip the tops of warm donuts in glaze, then sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

Cool and Serve

Let donuts cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Donuts

These donuts are festive and fun on their own but pair wonderfully with:

A steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy combo.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Holiday brunch spreads — they add a sweet, festive touch.
Gift boxes wrapped up to share joy with friends and family.

Additional Tips

Here are some sweet hacks to nail these donuts every time:

Use fresh peppermint extract: It really makes the flavor pop.
Don’t overfill the pans: Prevents messy overflow and uneven baking.
Try dipping twice: For an extra-thick, glossy glaze.
Store in an airtight container: Keeps donuts soft for a couple of days.
Freeze extras: Warm slightly before serving for fresh-baked feel.

FAQ

Q1: Can I make these donuts without peppermint extract?
A1: Yes! Substitute with vanilla or almond extract, or omit for classic chocolate flavor.

Q2: Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
A2: This recipe is baked, perfect for a lighter treat.

Q3: How long do these donuts stay fresh?
A3: Best eaten within 2 days; store in an airtight container at room temp.

Q4: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
A4: Yes, just add 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup milk and let sit 5 mins.

Q5: Can I make these vegan?
A5: With some substitutions like flax eggs and dairy-free milk, yes!

Q6: How do I crush candy canes easily?
A6: Place them in a zip-top bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or heavy pan.

Q7: Can I add chocolate chips?
A7: Absolutely! Fold mini chips into the batter for extra chocolate goodness.

Q8: Are these donuts gluten-free?
A8: Not as written, but you can try a gluten-free flour blend.

Q9: Can I use store-bought glaze?
A9: Yes, but homemade glaze with peppermint is extra special.

Q10: What’s the best way to reheat these donuts?
A10: Warm gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a fresh-baked feel.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Peppermint Donuts are a festive treat that’s simple to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just craving a sweet, minty pick-me-up, they’re sure to bring smiles and cozy vibes to your kitchen. Ready to add some sparkle to your day? Let’s bake!

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