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Chocolate Mini Donuts are so incredibly easy to make with a mini donut maker. They are done within minutes, turn out soft and fluffy, and are super scrumptious. Great for snacks, quick breakfasts or packed in lunches.
My Mini Donut Maker has not gotten enough attention. This little appliance is perfect for making sweet or savory little donuts for the kids and family to snack on. The donuts are in and out in a matter of minutes. So fast, so easy and the recipe variations are endless. At the moment, the family is loving the chocolate recipe and it is a breeze to whip up.
This post was originally posted on 9/16/2020 and updated on 10/21/2021.
Easy Chocolate Mini Donuts Ingredients
- Whole Wheat Flour
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- Baking Powder
- Salt
- Sugar
- Egg
- Milk
- Pure Vanilla Extract
- Salted Butter
Substitution Suggestions:
- Whole Wheat Flour: All purpose flour or white whole wheat flour can be used or a blend of flours will work.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: if you like a richer chocolate flavor, dark cocoa powder can be used.
- Milk: Any type of milk can be used in these donuts. I like to use 2% or whole cows milk.
- Salted Butter: Unsalted butter can be used, but I recommend adding an extra ¼ teaspoon of salt to the batter. You can also use canola oil or melted coconut oil.
How to Make Chocolate Mini Donuts in a Donut Maker
- In a large bowl whisk together the whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the middle of the flour.
- Add beaten egg, milk, vanilla extract and melted butter. Whisk until evenly combined.
- The easiest way to make the donuts, is to add the batter to a zip top bag and use it as a piping bag. Snip about a ½ inch off the corner of the bag.
- Squeeze the batter into the greased donut maker or donut pan.
- Close the lid on the donut maker and let the donuts bake. My maker takes about 3 minutes, but the follow the instructions on your donut maker.
- Remove donuts and let them cool on a sheet pan or wire rack. Once cooled you can eat them all or store some of them for later. If you would like to add frosting, add it once the donuts are completely cooled.
How to Make Mini Donuts without a Donut Maker
These delicious chocolate donuts can still be made if you don't have a little mini donut maker. First, you can use mini donut pans and bake them in the oven for 8-10 minutes at 350°F.
Second, you can make your own donut pan using a muffin pan. Simply put a ball of aluminum foil in the middle of greased muffin cups and pipe or spoon the batter around the ball. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
Lastly, you can use mini muffin pans and make them into donut holes. Scoop the batter into greased mini muffin pans and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. All these ways create the same pumpkin deliciousness.
Glaze, Frosting or Plain?
I personally leave the donuts plain because they are just so good that way, and they make perfect clean snacks for the kids. However, you can add a simple glaze, or a chocolate ganache frosting if you like.
Glaze: Combine 1 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk and a ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk it up good and drizzle over the donuts, or dunk the tops and place on wire racks until set.
Chocolate Ganache: Heat up ½ cup of cream in the microwave until very steamy. Takes about a minute in the microwave, but keep an eye on it so it don't bubble over. Pour hot cream over 1 cup of your favorite chocolate chips. Let sit 2-3 minutes then whisk until all the chocolate is melted. Drizzle over donuts or dip tops and place on wire rack to set.
Storing Baked Chocolate Mini Donuts
Storing: Store cooled donuts in an air tight container or zip top bag on the counter at room temperature for 4-5 days. However, I doubt there will be any left that long.
Freezing: These donuts freeze great! Make a double batch and freeze them to have them on hand for quick snacks, breakfast, treats or to pack in the kids lunches. Place cooled donuts in a freezer safe air tight container or zip top bag between layers of wax paper then, label, date and freeze for up to 4 months.
Thawing: Let the donuts sit on the counter for a few hours until ready to enjoy. I like to place the frozen donuts in the kids lunches. By the time lunch comes around they are thawed and ready to eat.
More Kid Friendly Snacks:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins
- Mini Pumpkin Donuts
- Banana Scones
- Monster Cookie Protein Bites
- Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
- French Toast Mini Donuts
- Chickpea Peanut Butter Bites
- Peanut Butter Apple Sandwiches
- Easy Blueberry Muffins
- Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bites
- Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Muffins
Chocolate Mini Donuts
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ⅓ cup sugar
- pinch salt
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ⅔ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup salted butter, melted
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well or hole in the middle of the flour mix.
- Add beaten egg, milk, vanilla and melted butter.
- Whisk together until smooth.
- Add batter into a zip top bag and snip the corner.
- Pipe batter into greased donut maker and close lid.
- Bake for 3 minutes. (Follow your donut maker instructions.)
- Let donuts cool completely before storing.
Beth says
Wonderful flavor and so easy.
Beth says
Thank you for this recipe! Just made some for my daughter's birthday breakfast and they are great!! I used canola oil, and the flavor and texture are just right. Blessings!
Faiza Ghani says
Do you use dutch process cocoa or natural? I have both and I’m wondering which one is better! Thanks
Heather Warburton says
I usually use just natural unsweetened cocoa powder, but I have also used dark chocolate coco powder. Both are delicious. The dark chocolate gives them a richer chocolate flavor.
Kris says
Can you use just white ap flour instead?
Heather Warburton says
Absolutely! 🙂
Luciana says
Loved the donuts!
Heather Warburton says
Yaaay! I'm so glad! Thanks for letting me know! 🙂