Ingredients
For the Chocolate Mini Donuts:
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup white sugar
- 4 tablespoons sunflower oil (or any neutral oil; melted butter can also be used)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk (regular or dairy-free)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 6 tablespoons chocolate chips (regular or dairy-free)
- 1 ½ tablespoons melted butter (regular or dairy-free)
- 3 tablespoons milk (regular or dairy-free)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini donut pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. If you don’t have a mini donut pan, you can use a mini muffin pan instead.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the white sugar, brown sugar, and oil until well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Stir in the milk.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In the same bowl, add the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Gently mix until the batter is just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts dense instead of light and fluffy.
Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan
Fill each donut cavity about halfway with batter. The easiest way to do this is by transferring the batter into a ziplock bag, snipping off a corner, and piping it into the pan. This method ensures even distribution and minimizes mess.
Step 5: Bake the Donuts
Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed. If you’re unsure whether they’re done, insert a toothpick into one donut—if it comes out clean, they’re ready.
Step 6: Cool the Donuts
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Place a sheet of parchment paper or a baking tray underneath the rack to catch excess glaze.
Step 7: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze
In a small pan over low-medium heat, melt the chocolate chips, butter, and milk while stirring continuously. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.
Step 8: Dip and Glaze
Dip each donut upside down into the chocolate glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Place them back on the wire rack to set. The glaze will firm up as it cools.
Notes
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Donuts Turn Out Too Dry: This can happen if you overmix the batter or overbake them. Be sure to mix just until the ingredients are combined and check for doneness at the 7-minute mark.
- Glaze is Too Runny: If your glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk.
- No Donut Pan? No problem! You can use a mini muffin pan instead, and the result will be similar to donut holes.
Kitchen Efficiency Tips
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use the scoop-and-level method for flour and cocoa powder to avoid adding too much, which can make the donuts dense.
- Speed Up Cooling: If you’re in a rush, pop the donuts into the fridge for a few minutes to cool them faster before glazing.
- Easy Cleanup: Line your counter with parchment paper before glazing to make cleanup effortless.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes