If you’re looking for the perfect Mini Chocolate Donuts, this easy baked recipe is sure to become a favorite. Soft, rich, and coated with a silky chocolate ganache, these bite-sized treats are ideal for breakfast, dessert, parties, or an afternoon snack. Since they’re baked instead of fried, they’re simple to prepare while delivering an irresistible chocolate flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor in every bite.
- Baked instead of fried for an easier recipe.
- Perfect bite-sized treats for kids and adults.
- Ready in less than 30 minutes.
- Smooth chocolate ganache makes them extra indulgent.
- Great for birthdays, brunches, holidays, or everyday treats.
- Easy to customize with sprinkles or toppings.
Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup buttermilk
- 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Chocolate Ganache
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chopped chocolate
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a mini donut pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, buttermilk, and melted butter until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a ½-inch round tip.
- Pipe a thin layer of batter into each donut cavity, filling each about halfway.
- Bake the Mini Chocolate Donuts for 4–6 minutes, or until they spring back when gently pressed.
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- To prepare the ganache, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer.
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and whisk until smooth.
- Let the ganache cool slightly until it thickens.
- Dip each cooled donut into the ganache.
- Decorate with sprinkles while the glaze is still wet.
- Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the donuts tender.
- Fill the donut cavities only halfway to prevent overflowing.
- Use high-quality chocolate for a richer ganache.
- Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture.
- Allow the donuts to cool completely before glazing.
- Decorate with crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or colorful sprinkles.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 minutes
- Cooling Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 25–30 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini chocolate donuts
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian
- Equipment Needed: Mini donut pan, mixing bowls, whisk, piping bag, wire cooling rack
Notes
- Substitute dark chocolate for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra aroma.
- Use festive sprinkles for holidays or birthdays.
- Serve with coffee, hot chocolate, or milk.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Donut)
- Calories: 95
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQ
Can I make these without a donut pan?
A mini muffin pan can be used instead, although the shape will be different.
Can I freeze Mini Chocolate Donuts?
Yes. Freeze the unglazed donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Glaze after thawing.
Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes. Mix regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Why are my donuts dry?
Overbaking or adding too much flour can dry them out. Bake only until they spring back when touched.
Can I use dark cocoa powder?
Absolutely. Dark cocoa gives these baked mini donuts an even richer chocolate flavor.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Let thaw at room temperature or warm for a few seconds in the microwave before glazing or serving.
Similar Recipes
Mini Chocolate Donuts
Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup buttermilk
- 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter melted
For the Chocolate Ganache
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chopped chocolate
- Sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a mini donut pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, buttermilk, and melted butter until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a ½-inch round tip.
- Pipe a thin layer of batter into each donut cavity, filling each about halfway.
- Bake the Mini Chocolate Donuts for 4–6 minutes, or until they spring back when gently pressed.
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- To prepare the ganache, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer.
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and whisk until smooth.
- Let the ganache cool slightly until it thickens.
- Dip each cooled donut into the ganache.
- Decorate with sprinkles while the glaze is still wet.
- Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Notes
- Substitute dark chocolate for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra aroma.
- Use festive sprinkles for holidays or birthdays.
- Serve with coffee, hot chocolate, or milk.
Conclusion
These Mini Chocolate Donuts are rich, soft, and incredibly easy to make. Their moist chocolate crumb and silky ganache topping create a bakery-style treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply satisfying a chocolate craving, this recipe delivers delicious results every time.