Mint Chocolate Chip Baked Donuts

Introduction

Ah, the sweet, sweet joy of donuts! There’s something magical about biting into a soft, fluffy donut, especially when it’s packed with the refreshing zing of mint and the indulgent richness of chocolate chips. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had your fair share of donuts, but let me tell you—these Mint Chocolate Chip Baked Donuts are in a league of their own. They’re the perfect treat to brighten up a lazy Sunday morning, a cozy afternoon with friends, or even as a sweet surprise for your family. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, so you can feel a little better about indulging in these tasty gems!

Key Recipe Stats

Here’s what you need to know before you start:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 27-30 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 donuts
• Calories: 220 per donut
• Dietary Tags: Dairy-Free, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (optional)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these divine Mint Chocolate Chip Baked Donuts:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour mix)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup whole milk (or dairy-free milk alternative, like almond or oat milk)
• 1 egg (or 1 flax egg for a vegan option)
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (or ¼ cup neutral oil, like canola or coconut oil)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (or dairy-free chocolate chips)
• Optional: Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using a donut pan, lightly grease it with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. If you don’t have a donut pan, don’t worry! You can use a muffin tin—just know your donuts will have a slightly different shape.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. If you’re using gluten-free flour, make sure to whisk it well to incorporate any xanthan gum or other additives.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, egg (or flax egg), applesauce (or oil), and peppermint extract. If you’re using flax eggs, let the mixture sit for a few minutes to thicken before proceeding.

4. Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix! The batter should still be slightly lumpy.

5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips. If you’re using dairy-free chocolate chips, be extra careful not to overmix, as they can be more delicate.

6. Pipe the Batter

Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top plastic bag with a corner cut off. Pipe the batter into your prepared donut pan or muffin tin, filling each cavity about ¾ of the way full.

7. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool and Enjoy

Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re feeling extra fancy, dust them with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional info for these Mint Chocolate Chip Baked Donuts:

Tips, Variations, and FAQs

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezer: You can also freeze the donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.

Variations

• Glazed Donuts: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk (or dairy-free milk).
• Sprinkles: Add some festive sprinkles on top of the glaze for a colorful touch.
• Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips for a deeper, richer flavor.
• Nuts: Add a handful of chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, for some extra crunch.

FAQs

• Can I make these donuts vegan?
  Absolutely! Use a flax egg, dairy-free milk, and dairy-free chocolate chips.
• What if I don’t have a donut pan?
  No problem! Use a muffin tin instead. The shape will be different, but the taste will be just as delicious.
• Can I freeze the batter?
  Yes, you can freeze the batter for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

User Engagement

Now that you’ve got the recipe, it’s time to get baking! I’d love to hear how your Mint Chocolate Chip Baked Donuts turn out. Leave a comment below with your thoughts, tips, or any variations you try. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends and family who love donuts as much as you do!

Happy baking, and remember—life is short, so eat the donut (or two, or three…)!

Final Tip: These donuts are perfect for sharing! Wrap them up in a cute box or bag and surprise someone special with a homemade treat.