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To make these delicious chocolate peppermint donuts, you need: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup whole milk - 1/4 cup vegetable oil - 1 large egg - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract - 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/4 cup crushed candy canes (for topping) - Optional: powdered sugar for dusting You can easily adapt this recipe. Here are some swaps: - Flour: Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. - Milk: Almond milk works well if you want a dairy-free version. - Sugar: Coconut sugar can replace granulated sugar for a less processed choice. - Oil: Melted coconut oil is a tasty substitute for vegetable oil. - Egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) can replace the egg for a vegan option. - Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate chips add richness and depth to the flavor. This recipe makes 12 donuts. Each donut is a delightful treat. If you're planning for a larger group, you can easily double the recipe. Just ensure you have enough space in your oven and donut pan. Enjoy every bite! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking. While the oven heats, grease your donut pan well with non-stick spray or butter. Proper greasing prevents your donuts from sticking. In a large bowl, combine the following dry ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt Whisk these until they blend well. Make sure there are no lumps. This mix gives your donuts a rich flavor and a nice rise. In another bowl, whisk together these wet ingredients: - 1/2 cup whole milk - 1/4 cup vegetable oil - 1 large egg - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract Mix until the blend is smooth. The peppermint extract adds a nice holiday twist to the donuts. Now, pour the wet mix into your dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; this keeps your donuts light and fluffy. Next, fold in 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. Make sure they are spread evenly throughout the batter for a burst of chocolate in every bite. Use a piping bag or a small spoon to fill each donut cavity about two-thirds full. This helps them bake evenly. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into a donut. It should come out clean. After baking, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar if you like. Finally, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive touch. Enjoy your delicious chocolate peppermint donuts! To make sure your donuts are fluffy, use fresh ingredients. Check the baking powder and baking soda for freshness. Measure the flour correctly; spoon it into the cup and level off with a knife. Overpacking can make donuts dense. Grease your donut pan well with non-stick spray or butter. This helps the donuts release easily after baking. Fill each cavity about two-thirds full to allow room for rising. Use a piping bag for neat filling. Mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are wet. You will see some lumps, and that is okay. Overmixing makes donuts tough. Gently fold in chocolate chips to keep them intact. This keeps every bite soft and delicious. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for the best rise and texture in your donuts. Don't Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep your donuts light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to dense results. Experiment with Toppings: Besides crushed candy canes, try drizzling melted white chocolate or adding sprinkles for a festive flair. Store Properly: Keep the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their freshness. {{image_4}} To make gluten-free chocolate peppermint donuts, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for brands that work well in baking. Use a mix that includes xanthan gum for the best texture. Follow the same recipe steps. Enjoy soft, tasty donuts without gluten. For vegan chocolate peppermint donuts, replace the egg with a flax egg. To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes. Also, use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk. Ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. These changes keep the flavor rich and delicious. You can dress your donuts with various frostings. A simple chocolate glaze is made from melted semi-sweet chocolate mixed with a bit of vegetable oil. For a creamy touch, try a vanilla frosting made from powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract. You can also add crushed candy canes to any frosting for extra flavor. Each option adds a fun twist to your chocolate peppermint donuts! To keep your chocolate peppermint donuts fresh, place them in an airtight container. This method keeps moisture in, so they stay soft. You can store them at room temperature for up to three days. Avoid stacking them too high to prevent squishing. If you have powdered sugar or candy canes on top, those might get messy over time. If you want to save some donuts for later, freezing is a great option. Let the donuts cool completely first. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This keeps them fresh for about three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature. To reheat your donuts, use an oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes. This warms them up and keeps them soft. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to overheat. Heat for about 10-15 seconds, checking often. Enjoy your tasty treats warm! Yes, you can make these donuts ahead of time. Bake them and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw them before serving. I love to garnish chocolate peppermint donuts with crushed candy canes. They add a nice crunch and color. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. For a richer flavor, drizzle melted chocolate over the top. This makes them look extra special. Absolutely! You can swap peppermint extract for other flavors. Try vanilla or almond extract for a twist. Orange extract can also give a fun citrus taste. Just remember to adjust the amount to keep the flavor balanced. To check if the donuts are done, insert a toothpick into the center of one. If it comes out clean, they are ready. They should look set and spring back when touched. Don’t open the oven too early; it can affect the rise. In this post, we covered how to make delicious chocolate peppermint donuts. We listed the needed ingredients and offered swaps for different diets. I shared easy steps from mixing to baking. You learned tips to make your donuts fluffy and how to store extras. Lastly, I answered common questions to help you succeed. Enjoy your baking and have fun with all the tasty variations!

Chocolate Peppermint Donuts

Indulge in the festive flavors of Chocolate Peppermint Donuts, the perfect addition to your holiday donut recipes! These delightful cocoa powder donuts topped with candy cane finish are a must-try for any holiday gathering. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they’ll impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Ready to bake your own festive treats? Try this simple recipe today and spread some holiday cheer! #ChocolatePeppermintDonuts #HolidayDonutRecipes #FestiveTreats #CocoaPowderDonuts
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Ingredients
  

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup whole milk

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/4 cup crushed candy canes (for topping)

Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan thoroughly with non-stick spray or softened butter to prevent sticking.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until they are well blended and there are no lumps.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, vegetable oil, egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

        Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense donuts.

          Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed within the batter for delightful chocolate bursts in every bite.

            Using a piping bag or a small spoon, fill each cavity of the donut pan about two-thirds of the way full with the batter. Aim for even distribution for uniform baking.

              Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a donut; it should come out clean when baked through.

                Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                  Once cooled, you can dust the donuts lightly with powdered sugar if desired for a sweet finish. Finally, sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top for a festive and textural garnish.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12 donuts

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the donuts on a vibrant holiday-themed platter for an eye-catching display. Enhance the festive look by garnishing with extra crushed candy canes scattered around. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top before serving.