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

Posted on December 5, 2025

Desserts & Sweets

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The flavors of chocolate, coffee, and peppermint shine in these Peppermint Mocha Donuts. Perfect for holiday gatherings, brunches, or a cozy afternoon treat, these baked donuts are surprisingly quick and easy to make. With their delightful combination of rich cocoa and refreshing peppermint, they stand out as a festive dessert that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of baking, you can whip up a batch in no time.
Flavorful Combination: The blend of chocolate, coffee, and peppermint creates a mouthwatering taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
Versatile Treat: These donuts are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating the holidays or simply indulging your sweet tooth.
Healthier Option: Made with Greek yogurt and baked instead of fried, these donuts offer a lighter version of a classic favorite.
Customizable Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings or glazes based on your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather the essential tools you’ll need for making your Peppermint Mocha Donuts. Having the right equipment can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Donut pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula

Why These Tools Matter

Donut pan: This specialized tool ensures your donuts have the perfect shape and texture.
Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows for easy organization during your mixing process.
Whisk: A good whisk helps incorporate air into your ingredients, 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.

Dry Ingredients

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

Wet Ingredients

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)

Glaze Ingredients

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

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts: Calories: 303 kcal, Carbs: 64 g, Protein: 5 g, Fat: 4 g, Saturated Fat: 2 g, Cholesterol: 34 mg, Sodium: 216 mg, Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 44 g

How to Make Peppermint Mocha Donuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the donut batter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, instant espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Mix together the Greek yogurt, milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Both Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient mixture:
1. Gently fold until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fill Donut Pan

Spoon or pipe the batter into a greased donut pan:
1. Fill each cavity about two-thirds full.

Step 6: Bake

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

Step 7: Prepare Glaze

While donuts cool:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth.

Step 8: Glaze Donuts

Once cooled:
1. Dip each donut into the glaze.
2. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Peppermint Mocha Donuts!

How to Serve Peppermint Mocha Donuts

Serving Peppermint Mocha Donuts can elevate your dessert experience. Whether for a holiday gathering or a cozy brunch, these donuts are sure to impress.

With Whipped Cream

Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess and a touch of elegance.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

A drizzle of rich chocolate sauce enhances the chocolate flavor and makes the presentation stunning.

Topped with Crushed Peppermint

Sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candies on top for a refreshing crunch and festive look.

Paired with Coffee

Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee to highlight the espresso notes in the donuts.

How to Perfect Peppermint Mocha Donuts

Perfecting your Peppermint Mocha Donuts is easy with these helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for the best results.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for optimal rise.
Measure Accurately: Proper measurements are crucial for texture; use weighing scales if possible.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep donuts light and fluffy.
Cool Before Glazing: Let donuts cool completely before adding glaze to prevent it from melting off.
Experiment with Toppings: Try different toppings like crushed nuts or chocolate chips for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Peppermint Mocha Donuts

Pairing side dishes with your Peppermint Mocha Donuts can enhance your meal. Here are some delightful options that complement their flavors beautifully.

Fruit Salad: A fresh mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the donuts.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy contrast.
Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses like brie or gouda to add savory notes.
Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide an earthy crunch that pairs well with sweet treats.
Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea adds soothing flavors that complement the peppermint.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: For a double dessert treat, serve classic cookies alongside the donuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Peppermint Mocha Donuts can be a fun experience, but there are common mistakes that can ruin your batch. Here are a few to watch out for:

Ignoring Ingredient Temperature: Using cold ingredients can lead to dense donuts. Make sure your egg and yogurt are at room temperature for better mixing.
Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can create tough donuts. Stir until just combined to keep them light and fluffy.
Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Imbalanced measurements can affect texture and taste. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
Skipping the Cooling Time: Frosting warm donuts can cause it to melt away. Allow them to cool completely before icing for the best results.
Using Low-Quality Cocoa Powder: Poor cocoa affects flavor. Choose high-quality cocoa for rich, chocolatey donuts.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Peppermint Mocha Donuts

Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
They will last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Peppermint Mocha Donuts

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 5-7 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Heat one donut at a time for about 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat.
Stovetop: Warm in a covered skillet over low heat for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Peppermint Mocha Donuts?

Peppermint Mocha Donuts are baked treats that combine rich chocolate, coffee flavors, and refreshing peppermint. They are perfect for holiday gatherings or coffee breaks.

Can I customize my Peppermint Mocha Donuts?

Yes! You can add chocolate chips, swap Greek yogurt with applesauce, or experiment with different frostings like vanilla or chocolate glaze.

How do I store leftover Peppermint Mocha Donuts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them as described above.

Are Peppermint Mocha Donuts gluten-free?

You can make gluten-free Peppermint Mocha Donuts by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Conclusion

These Peppermint Mocha Donuts are not only easy to make but also offer a delightful mix of flavors that everyone will love. Feel free to personalize them with your favorite toppings or spices. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy these festive treats!