These Baked Mint Chocolate Chip Donuts are a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and cool peppermint, bringing a refreshing twist to your favorite sweet treat. Their soft, cakey texture paired with the smooth, glossy ganache creates an indulgent experience that satisfies every chocolate lover’s craving. The touch of green coloring makes them extra festive, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or simply as a fun weekend bake. Unlike fried donuts, these are baked to perfection, offering a lighter yet equally delicious alternative. The addition of mini chocolate chips inside the batter ensures a burst of chocolate in every bite, while the luscious ganache takes it to the next level. Whether you’re serving these at a party or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these donuts will disappear fast!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon fine sea or kosher salt
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3/4 cup whole milk
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2 large eggs
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
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1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
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2-4 drops mint green food coloring
For the Chocolate Ganache:
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1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
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1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
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1/4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with baking spray.
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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In another bowl, mix milk, eggs, melted butter, peppermint extract, and green food coloring.
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Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until fully incorporated.
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Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
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Transfer the batter to a piping bag (or spoon carefully) and fill each donut cavity about ¾ full.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden and set.
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Cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
For the Ganache:
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Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until steaming but not boiling.
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Pour over the semisweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and let sit for 1 minute.
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Whisk until smooth and glossy.
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Dip each cooled donut into the ganache and place back on the rack.
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Sprinkle with additional mini chocolate chips.
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Allow the ganache to set before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 8-10 donuts
The Ultimate Guide to Baked Mint Chocolate Chip Donuts
Baked Mint Chocolate Chip Donuts are a delightful treat that perfectly balances the refreshing taste of peppermint with the richness of chocolate. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a mint enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys a soft, cakey donut, this recipe is a must-try! Unlike traditional fried donuts, these are baked, making them a lighter yet still indulgent dessert option. In this article, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about these delicious donuts, including their background, why they’re healthier than fried donuts, baking tips, variations, serving ideas, and much more!
A Brief History of Donuts and Why We Bake Them Instead of Frying
Donuts have been a beloved treat for centuries. Their origins can be traced back to Dutch settlers in America, who made deep-fried dough pastries called “olykoeks” (or “oily cakes”). Over time, these evolved into the modern donut, complete with its signature ring shape.
However, fried donuts, while delicious, are high in oil and calories. Baking donuts is a fantastic alternative because it:
- Reduces the fat content – No deep frying means less oil absorption.
- Creates a lighter texture – Baked donuts are soft and cakey, making them easier to digest.
- Simplifies the cooking process – No need for a deep fryer, just a simple donut pan!
- Enhances flavor – Instead of an oily taste, baked donuts let the true flavors of chocolate and mint shine.
This is why our Baked Mint Chocolate Chip Donuts are such a great choice—they give you all the indulgence of a traditional donut without the grease!
Why Mint and Chocolate Are a Perfect Pairing
Chocolate and mint have been paired together for centuries, and for good reason. The cool, slightly sweet taste of mint cuts through the richness of chocolate, creating a balanced and refreshing contrast. This combination is often associated with indulgent treats like mint chocolate chip ice cream, peppermint bark, and, of course, our delicious donuts.
Additionally, mint has some fantastic health benefits:
- Aids digestion – Mint is known to soothe the stomach and reduce bloating.
- Provides a refreshing taste – It naturally enhances the flavor of sweets without being overpowering.
- Pairs well with dark or milk chocolate – Whether you prefer bitter chocolate or something sweeter, mint complements both.
This makes Baked Mint Chocolate Chip Donuts an exciting twist on classic flavors!
What Makes This Recipe the Best?
There are many donut recipes out there, but here’s why this one stands out:
- Baked, not fried – You get all the deliciousness of a donut without the extra oil.
- Perfectly balanced flavors – The subtle hint of peppermint enhances the chocolate without overpowering it.
- Easy to make – No complicated techniques; just mix, bake, dip in ganache, and enjoy!
- Great for special occasions – The green tint makes these donuts perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas, or any festive celebration.
- Ganache topping – Instead of a plain glaze, we use a rich and velvety chocolate ganache for extra indulgence.
- Fun for all ages – Kids and adults alike love the combination of flavors and textures.
This recipe is foolproof, meaning that even beginners can achieve bakery-quality donuts right at home!
Step-by-Step Baking Tips for Perfect Donuts
Baking donuts is simple, but a few key tips will help ensure that your Baked Mint Chocolate Chip Donuts turn out amazing every time:
Use Fresh Ingredients
- Baking powder loses effectiveness over time, so make sure yours is fresh for the best rise.
- Always use pure peppermint extract, not imitation or spearmint, for an authentic taste.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
- Overmixing creates tough donuts. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to keep them soft and fluffy.
Use a Piping Bag for Even Shaping
- Transferring the batter to a piping bag (or a ziplock bag with the tip cut off) makes it easier to fill the donut pan neatly and evenly.
Bake Just Until Set
- Overbaking dries out the donuts, so check them at 10 minutes. If they spring back when touched, they’re ready!
Dip in Ganache While Warm
- Warm donuts absorb the chocolate ganache better, making them extra rich and delicious.
Let the Ganache Set Before Serving
- This prevents a sticky mess and allows the chocolate to firm up just enough for a perfect bite.
Following these steps ensures your donuts will be soft, flavorful, and bakery-quality every time!
Variations and Customization Ideas
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is! Here are some ways to customize your Baked Mint Chocolate Chip Donuts:
Different Chocolates
- Swap semisweet chocolate for dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.
- Use white chocolate in the ganache for a fun twist.
Extra Toppings
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for added crunch.
- Add shredded coconut for a tropical touch.
- Drizzle with caramel or white chocolate for extra decadence.
Make Them Vegan or Dairy-Free
- Use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk.
- Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
- Use vegan chocolate chips and coconut cream for the ganache.
Add More Minty Goodness
- Mix crushed mint cookies into the batter.
- Add a drop of peppermint essential oil for an extra-strong flavor boost.
These variations allow you to personalize the recipe to your taste and dietary needs!
How to Store and Serve These Donuts
Baked Mint Chocolate Chip Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them for later too:
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration – Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days (let them come to room temperature before eating).
- Freezing – Freeze unfrosted donuts for up to 3 months and dip them in ganache after thawing.
Best Ways to Serve:
- Pair with hot coffee or peppermint mocha for a cozy treat.
- Serve as a dessert at holiday parties or special occasions.
- Enjoy with vanilla ice cream for an extra-indulgent experience.
Conclusion
Baked Mint Chocolate Chip Donuts are a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make dessert that is sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family gathering, or just a weekend treat, these donuts offer the perfect balance of chocolatey richness and minty freshness. By baking instead of frying, you get a healthier, lighter donut that still satisfies your sweet tooth. Plus, with the rich chocolate ganache on top, every bite is pure indulgence! So why wait? Try this recipe today and enjoy the perfect combination of chocolate and mint in a soft, delicious baked donut!