Name: Baked Peppermint Mocha Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup cocoa powder; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy); 1 large egg; 2 tbsp melted butter or oil; 1 tsp instant espresso powder; ½ tsp peppermint extract; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp cocoa powder; 1–2 tbsp milk; ¼ tsp peppermint extract; Crushed candy canes (for topping)

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If you are dreaming of a treat that combines festive cheer with the comfort of a warm, chocolatey beverage, you have to try this Baked Peppermint Mocha Donuts Recipe. These donuts are soft and tender, with the rich taste of espresso and cocoa perfectly balanced with a refreshing peppermint kick. Topped with a glossy chocolate glaze and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, they make an irresistible addition to any holiday breakfast table or a cozy winter dessert spread. Trust me, once you try these, they will become your go-to for any special occasion or simply whenever you want to indulge in a little festive magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image shows a muffin tray filled with thick, dark chocolate batter, smooth and glossy, with each cavity nearly full and one small circle of batter in the center of each muffin mold. Nearby, a white bowl holds small dark chocolate chips, and two red and white candy canes rest on the white marbled surface. Soft natural light highlights the textures with subtle shadows. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Baked Peppermint Mocha Donuts Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that rich chocolate flavor, the perfect tender crumb, and that refreshing peppermint finish. Whether you are using dairy or non-dairy options, these pantry staples come together to make magic happen in the oven.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and soft base for these baked delights.
Cocoa powder: Gives the donuts their deep chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right without overpowering the other flavors.
Baking powder: Ensures the donuts rise perfectly for a light, airy texture.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Keeps the batter moist and tender.
Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness.
Melted butter or oil: Adds moisture and a velvety texture to the donuts.
Instant espresso powder: Boosts the chocolate with a sophisticated mocha depth.
Peppermint extract: Infuses the batter with a crisp, festive freshness.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with warmth and complexity.
Powdered sugar: The base for the irresistible chocolate peppermint glaze.
Crushed candy canes: Adds a delightful crunch and holiday flair on top of the glaze.

How to Make Baked Peppermint Mocha Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and greasing your donut pan—this ensures the donuts come out flawlessly. Then, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This base sets the stage for the rich flavors to shine.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the milk, egg, melted butter or oil, instant espresso powder, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well mixed. The espresso powder might sound unusual in a donut, but it intensifies the chocolate flavor like nothing else—trust me on this one!

Step 3: Mix Batter Together

Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir just until combined and smooth. Avoid overmixing here to keep your donuts tender and soft. The batter may be a bit thick, which is perfect for piping into the donut pan.

Step 4: Fill Your Donut Pan

Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner cut off, then pipe the batter evenly into your greased donut wells, filling each about three-quarters full. This step helps maintain the perfect shape and predictable portion size for each donut.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your donuts for 8 to 10 minutes until they spring back lightly when pressed—this is the sign they are perfectly baked through. Don’t rush this part; getting the timing right means your donuts will be tender yet structured enough to hold the glaze.

Step 6: Cool Before Glazing

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial so that your glaze adheres well without melting off the warm donuts.

Step 7: Make and Apply the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, peppermint extract, and just enough milk to reach a smooth, dip-able consistency. Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into this luscious glaze and immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes over them for that perfect holiday crunch and color.

How to Serve Baked Peppermint Mocha Donuts Recipe

The image shows three chocolate donuts on a white plate with a detailed edge pattern, placed on a white marbled surface. Each donut is topped with a smooth layer of chocolate glaze that shines slightly, with small pieces of crushed white and red candy sprinkled all over, giving a festive look. One donut is in the front, with two bites taken out from opposite sides, showing the soft, rich chocolate cake inside. Behind it, a second donut is whole and the third donut, behind the second, is slightly out of focus. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the texture and colors of the donuts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The crushed candy canes on top add not only a festive touch but also a satisfying crunch that complements the soft donut perfectly. You can also consider adding a light dusting of cocoa powder or a few mini chocolate chips for an extra indulgent finish.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, a creamy hot chocolate, or even a spiced latte. For a breakfast spread, serve them alongside fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait to balance the indulgence with some brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not stack a few donuts on a pretty tiered tray for a festive party centerpiece? You can also package them in clear boxes tied with ribbon as thoughtful homemade gifts. For kids or the young at heart, add a scoop of peppermint ice cream to create a fun holiday dessert parfait.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their softness and prevents the glaze from drying out or becoming sticky.

Freezing

If you want to prep these ahead of time, donuts freeze beautifully. It’s best to freeze them unglazed by wrapping each donut individually in plastic wrap, then placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep delicious for up to two months.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen donuts, thaw them at room temperature and warm briefly in a microwave or oven. The glaze might soften during reheating but will still taste heavenly. Avoid reheating too long to keep their soft texture intact.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts vegan?

Absolutely! Use your choice of non-dairy milk and vegan butter or oil to replace dairy ingredients, and swap the egg for a flax or chia seed egg substitute. The flavors will stay just as festive and fantastic!

What if I don’t have instant espresso powder?

You can substitute strong brewed espresso or even instant coffee granules, though the powder form blends best. If you omit it altogether, the donuts will still be chocolatey and pepperminty but just less mocha-rich.

How do I make sure the glaze sets properly?

Make sure your donuts are fully cooled before dipping them in the glaze. Also, spreading the glazed donuts on a wire rack until the topping hardens will give you that perfect glossy finish that snaps just right.

Can I use fresh peppermint instead of extract?

Fresh peppermint leaves won’t give the same intense flavor as peppermint extract because the essential oils are different. The extract provides that classic candy-cane punch, but you could experiment by infusing milk with fresh peppermint to add a subtle fresh note.

Is it okay to add more espresso powder for a stronger mocha flavor?

Definitely! The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon, but increasing to 1½ teaspoons will deepen the mocha taste without overpowering the peppermint. Just balance carefully so the espresso doesn’t become bitter.

Final Thoughts

If you want to wow your friends and family with a baked treat that feels like a warm holiday hug, you cannot go wrong with this Baked Peppermint Mocha Donuts Recipe. It’s fun to make, utterly delicious, and packed with festive flavors that brighten any morning or dessert table. Give this recipe a try—you might find it becomes your new holiday tradition!