Peppermint Mocha Donuts

Name: Peppermint Mocha Donuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup plus 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup cocoa powder; 4 tsp instant espresso powder; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp brown sugar; ¼ cup Greek yogurt; ¼ cup plus 2 tbsp milk (whole); 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)

Posted on November 20, 2025

Desserts & Sweets

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The Peppermint Mocha Donuts are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, coffee, and refreshing peppermint. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy weekend breakfast, these baked donuts are not only quick to prepare but also bring a festive spirit to any occasion. Their unique flavor profile and easy preparation make them a must-try for anyone who loves sweet indulgences.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these donuts in no time.
Festive Flavor: The combination of peppermint and mocha creates a deliciously unique taste that’s perfect for celebrations.
Baked Not Fried: Enjoy the richness of donuts without the extra oil from frying, making this a lighter option.
Customizable Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings; crushed peppermint candies add a wonderful crunch and color!
Perfect for Sharing: These donuts are great for family gatherings, holiday parties, or as gifts for friends.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful Peppermint Mocha Donuts, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will streamline the process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Donut pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula

Why These Tools Matter

Donut pan: This specialized tool ensures your donuts bake evenly and hold their shape perfectly.
Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows for easy mixing of ingredients without mess.
Whisk: A good whisk helps to incorporate air into your batter, resulting in lighter donuts.

Ingredients

The flavors of chocolate, coffee, and peppermint shine in these Peppermint Mocha Donuts. These baked donuts are surprisingly quick and easy to make.

For the Batter

¾ cup plus 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
4 tsp. instant espresso powder
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. salt
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp. brown sugar
¼ cup Greek yogurt
¼ cup plus 2 tbsp. milk (I used whole)
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tbsp. unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)

For the Glaze

1 ½ cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp. milk
¼ tsp. peppermint extract
2 tbsp. crushed peppermint candies

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How to Make Peppermint Mocha Donuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step as it ensures that your donuts bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Donut Pan

Grease your donut pan lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Cocoa powder
3. Instant espresso powder
4. Baking powder
5. Baking soda
6. Salt

Whisk together until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
1. Granulated sugar
2. Brown sugar
3. Greek yogurt
4. Milk
5. Egg
6. Vanilla extract
7. Melted butter

Make sure everything is well mixed.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
1. Fold gently until just combined; avoid overmixing which can lead to dense donuts.

Step 6: Fill the Pan

Using a spatula or piping bag, fill each donut cavity about two-thirds full with batter.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Powdered sugar
2. Milk
3. Peppermint extract

Stir until smooth.

Step 10: Glaze Your Donuts

Dip each cooled donut into the glaze and then sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies on top before serving!

How to Serve Peppermint Mocha Donuts

These Peppermint Mocha Donuts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a festive gathering or enjoying a quiet day at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your donut experience.

Pair with Coffee

Classic Brew: Serve the donuts alongside a hot cup of coffee to enhance the rich flavors.
Mocha Latte: Complement them with a mocha latte for an extra chocolatey experience.

Add Whipped Cream

Creamy Topping: Top the donuts with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. You can even sprinkle crushed peppermint on top for decoration.

Serve with Fruit

Fresh Berries: Pair with fresh strawberries or raspberries to balance the sweetness of the donuts.
Banana Slices: Add banana slices on the side for a creamy contrast to the flavors.

Create a Dessert Platter

Variety of Treats: Arrange the donuts with other desserts like brownies and cookies for a delightful dessert platter at gatherings.

How to Perfect Peppermint Mocha Donuts

To ensure your Peppermint Mocha Donuts turn out perfectly every time, consider these tips for baking success.

Bold Measurement Accuracy: Make sure to measure your ingredients precisely. Even slight variations can affect texture and flavor.
Bold Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Old leavening agents can lead to dense donuts.
Bold Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until combined; overmixing can result in tougher donuts.
Bold Allow Cooling Time: Let the donuts cool in the pan briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
Bold Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings like chocolate glaze or additional crushed candies for extra flair.

Best Side Dishes for Peppermint Mocha Donuts

Peppermint Mocha Donuts pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some delicious options that will enhance your dessert experience.

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the sweet donuts.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy and crunchy side.
Chai Tea: The spiced warmth of chai tea pairs beautifully with the minty chocolate flavor.
Nutty Granola Bars: Serve alongside homemade granola bars for a satisfying crunch.
Cinnamon Rolls: Offer cinnamon rolls as an indulgent option that goes well with the coffee notes in the donuts.
Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can balance out the sweetness and create an interesting flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Peppermint Mocha Donuts can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Bold Measurement Errors: Always double-check your ingredient measurements. Using too much or too little can affect the texture and flavor of your donuts.
Bold Overmixing the Batter: Mix the donut batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough donuts instead of light and airy ones.
Bold Skipping the Cooling Time: Allow the melted butter to cool slightly before adding it to the mixture. Hot butter can cook the eggs prematurely, affecting the final product.
Bold Ignoring Baking Times: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your donuts while baking, as they may need adjustments in time for perfect doneness.
Bold Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your baking powder, baking soda, and espresso powder are fresh for optimal rise and flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

Store Peppermint Mocha Donuts in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Peppermint Mocha Donuts

Place cooled donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months; label with the date for reference.

Reheating Peppermint Mocha Donuts

Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place donuts on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
Bold Microwave: Heat one donut at a time in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
Bold Stovetop: Place a donut in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Peppermint Mocha Donuts?

Peppermint Mocha Donuts are delicious baked treats that combine rich chocolate, coffee flavors, and refreshing peppermint. They make perfect festive desserts or snacks.

Can I customize my Peppermint Mocha Donuts?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips or swap out peppermint candies for other toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles. Get creative with flavors!

How do I make these donuts gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. This will maintain the texture while accommodating gluten-free diets.

How should I store leftover donuts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them if you want them to last longer.

Conclusion

These Peppermint Mocha Donuts are not only easy to make but also bursting with delightful flavors that everyone will love. With options for customization, you can make them uniquely yours. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these festive treats!