As a seasoned home baker who’s tested dozens of mini donut recipes, I can confidently say these Mini Chocolate Donuts strike the perfect balance between soft, cake-like texture and bold cocoa flavor.
Ready in just 20 minutes, these Mini Chocolate Donuts are ideal for breakfast, snacking, or showing off on a dessert table. Whether you're hosting a brunch, packing lunchboxes, or just want a quick chocolate fix—this recipe delivers.
Each bite of these Mini Chocolate Donuts melts in your mouth, and trust me—they won’t last long. Make a batch today and watch them disappear faster than you can say “chocolate!”
Why You'll Love These Mini Chocolate Donuts
There’s something undeniably magical about mini desserts—they’re adorable, perfectly portioned, and often even more satisfying than their full-sized cousins. These Mini Chocolate Donuts are no exception. They deliver rich flavor, soft texture, and pure joy in every bite.
As a home baker who values both ease and flavor, I can tell you these Mini Chocolate Donuts are a game-changer. They’re baked, not fried, which means less mess in the kitchen and a lighter bite without sacrificing indulgence.
The batter takes just minutes to mix, and they bake in only 7–8 minutes. That’s right—fresh Mini Chocolate Donuts in under 10 minutes from oven to plate!
What makes these Mini Chocolate Donuts even better? Their versatility. Add colorful sprinkles for birthdays, dip them in silky ganache for elegance, or drizzle with glaze for a classic touch.
No matter how you top them, one thing’s certain—Mini Chocolate Donuts never last long on the plate.
The Sweet Origin of Mini Chocolate Donuts
Mini Chocolate Donuts have a nostalgic charm rooted in American fairground culture. They first stole the spotlight at carnivals and state fairs, where compact donut machines whipped up fresh, warm mini treats right before your eyes. These bite-sized wonders quickly became fan favorites—and it wasn’t long before the chocolate version became a must-have in home kitchens.
Today’s Mini Chocolate Donuts carry on that tradition with a modern twist. Unlike full-sized donuts that often require messy deep frying, these mini versions are baked, making them simpler, lighter, and easier to prepare. They're a nod to the beloved cake donut style, using leavening agents like baking powder for a fluffy rise instead of yeast.
Whether enjoyed warm with coffee, cold with a glass of milk, or alongside a rich mug of hot chocolate, Mini Chocolate Donuts bring joy to every break in your day. Their two-bite size makes them perfect for breakfast spreads, brunch tables, or kid-friendly dessert trays.
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Ingredients
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Donuts:
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Buttermilk
- Egg
- Melted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Mini chocolate chips (optional)
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Sprinkles (optional)
See recipe card for quantities.
Ingredient Substitutions:
- For gluten-free mini chocolate donuts, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Make them dairy-free by using almond milk mixed with vinegar instead of buttermilk
- No buttermilk? Mix regular milk with lemon juice or vinegar
- For less sugar, reduce amount and add a mashed ripe banana for natural sweetness
- Egg allergy? Substitute with unsweetened applesauce
Instructions
Prepare the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your mini donut pan
- Mix dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt) in one bowl
- Whisk wet ingredients (sugar, buttermilk, egg, butter, vanilla) in another bowl
- Combine wet and dry ingredients just until mixed, then fold in chocolate chips if using Pro tip: Don't overmix - a few small lumps are fine and will prevent tough donuts
Bake the Donuts
- Transfer batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag with corner snipped
- Pipe batter into mini donut cavities, filling each about ⅔ full
- Bake for 7-8 minutes until donuts spring back when touched
- Cool in pan for 2 minutes before removing to a wire rack Pro tip: If donuts stick, run a thin knife around the edges to loosen
Glaze and Finish
- Whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla for the glaze
- Dip the tops of cooled donuts into the glaze and add sprinkles if desired
- Place on a wire rack to set before serving Pro tip: For a thicker glaze that sets firmly, use less milk
- Prepare the Batter: Mix dry and wet ingredients, then gently combine and fold in chocolate chips.
- Bake the Donuts:Pipe the batter into the donut pan and bake for 7–8 minutes.
- Glaze and Finish: Dip the donuts in glaze and decorate with sprinkles. Let them set.
Equipment For Mini Chocolate Donuts Recipe
- Mini donut pan - essential for the perfect shape (a 12-cavity pan works best)
- Mixing bowls - one for dry and one for wet ingredients
- Whisk - for smooth incorporation of ingredients
- Piping bag or zip-top bag - for neat filling of the pan
- Wire cooling rack - allows air circulation for proper setting of the glaze
Don't have a mini donut pan? A mini muffin tin works great for donut holes. If you bake often, investing in a quality non-stick mini donut pan is worth it - they're typically under $15 and will last for years.
Hints & Expert Cooking Tips
- For super tender mini chocolate donuts, don't overmix the batter - mix just until ingredients are combined
- Room temperature ingredients blend better, so set your egg and buttermilk out 30 minutes before baking
- For perfectly shaped donuts, fill each cavity only ⅔ full - they will rise while baking
- No donut pan? Use a mini muffin tin to make chocolate donut holes
- For extra chocolate flavor, add ½ teaspoon espresso powder to the batter (it won't taste like coffee)
- Use a chopstick to clear the center holes if they start to close while filling the pan
Recipe Variations
Make Them Vegan:
- Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water)
- Use plant-based milk with vinegar instead of buttermilk
- Substitute vegan butter for regular butter
Flavor Twists:
- Orange-Chocolate: Add 1 tablespoon orange zest to the batter and ¼ teaspoon orange extract to the glaze
- Mint Chocolate: Add ¼ teaspoon mint extract to the batter and top with crushed peppermint
- Mocha: Add 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder to the batter
- Mexican Chocolate: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter
Fun Toppings:
- Dip in melted peanut butter before the chocolate glaze
- Sprinkle with shredded coconut while the glaze is wet
- Top with crushed nuts or cookie crumbs
- Drizzle with white chocolate for a pretty contrast
Storage
Counter Storage:
- Store unglazed mini chocolate donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
- Glazed donuts will stay fresh for 1-2 days in an airtight container
Refrigerator Storage:
- For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- Let come to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture
Freezing Instructions:
- Freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag
- Store frozen for up to 3 months
- Thaw at room temperature and add glaze just before serving
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate in a covered bowl
- Mix dry ingredients ahead of time and store in an airtight container until ready to use
The Secret That Changed My Mini Chocolate Donuts Forever
Years ago, while experimenting in my tiny kitchen late at night, I stumbled upon a trick that transformed my Mini Chocolate Donuts from good to bakery-level incredible. I had just mixed the batter when I got distracted by a phone call—and instead of rushing to fill the pan, I let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes. What came out of the oven was shockingly fluffy and tender.
Since then, I’ve learned it wasn’t just luck—it was science. Giving the batter time allows the leavening agents to activate and the flour to fully hydrate. And here’s my second secret weapon: a pinch of instant espresso powder. Just ⅛ teaspoon is enough to deepen the chocolate flavor beautifully—no coffee taste, just rich, intense cocoa.
Trust me, if you try these two tricks, your Mini Chocolate Donuts will never be the same again. In the best way possible.
FAQ
Why are my mini donuts not fluffy?
Mini chocolate donuts may lack fluffiness due to overmixing the batter, which develops too much gluten. Other common causes include expired leavening agents (baking powder/soda), overfilling the donut cavities, or incorrect oven temperature. For perfectly fluffy mini chocolate donuts, mix ingredients just until combined, use fresh leavening agents, fill cavities only ⅔ full, and ensure your oven is properly preheated to 350°F.
What is the secret ingredient in doughnuts?
The secret ingredient in the best mini chocolate donuts is often nutmeg, which provides that distinctive classic donut flavor. For chocolate varieties, a touch of espresso powder (⅛ teaspoon) enhances the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste. Some bakers add a tablespoon of yogurt or sour cream to create tender mini chocolate donuts. Professional bakeries sometimes include a dash of cardamom for subtle complexity.
Can you use cake mix for a mini donut maker?
Yes, cake mix works excellently for mini chocolate donuts in a donut maker! Simply prepare the cake mix according to package directions, but reduce liquid slightly for thicker batter. Chocolate cake mix creates perfect mini chocolate donuts with minimal effort. Fill each cavity about ⅔ full and cook for 3-5 minutes. This shortcut method produces consistently delicious mini chocolate donuts with the characteristic cake donut texture.
What are the ingredients in Walmart mini donuts?
Walmart mini chocolate donuts typically contain enriched wheat flour, sugar, cocoa powder, vegetable oil (often palm or soybean), eggs, leavening agents (baking soda/powder), salt, and artificial flavors. Many varieties include chocolate glaze made from sugar, cocoa, corn syrup, and preservatives. Unlike homemade mini chocolate donuts, store-bought versions often contain emulsifiers like mono and diglycerides plus preservatives to extend shelf life.
Tiny Donuts, Big Smiles—And More Delicious Bakes to Explore!
These Mini Chocolate Donuts may be small, but they deliver massive flavor and joy in every bite. Whether you're baking for a cozy weekday breakfast, an after-school snack, or a festive dessert table, these little chocolate gems are always a hit. Quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, they’re proof that simple treats can make the biggest impact.
Don’t stop here—if you loved these Mini Chocolate Donuts, be sure to check out my Heavenly Strawberry Banana Bread Muffins for a fruity twist on morning baking, or try the wholesome goodness of my Rustic Artisan Whole Wheat Bread Recipe for something heartier and homemade.
Ready to bake? Try this recipe today and watch how fast these donuts disappear! If you give them a go, leave a comment below—I'd love to hear your creative topping ideas or any fun twists you added.
Happy baking, and stay sweet!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Mini Chocolate Donuts Recipe
Easy Mini Chocolate Donuts Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Mini donut pan 12-cavity recommended for even baking
- 2 Mixing bowls One for dry and one for wet ingredients
- 1 Whisk For smooth blending of wet ingredients
- 1 Piping Bag Or zip-top bag with a snipped corner
- 1 Wire rack For cooling and setting glaze
Ingredients
Donuts
- 1 cup All-purpose flour Spoon and level
- ¼ cup Unsweetened cocoa powder Natural not Dutch-processed
- ½ teaspoon Baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ½ cup Granulated sugar
- ½ cup Buttermilk Room temperature
- 1 Large Egg room temperature
- 2 tablespoon Melted butter Unsalted
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Pure
- ¼ cup Mini chocolate chips Optional
Glaze
- ¾ cup Powdered sugar Sifted for smooth glaze
- 2 tablespoon Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2–3 tbsp Milk Adjust for glaze thickness
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract
- Sprinkles Optional for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven and grease donut pan
- Mix dry ingredients
- Whisk wet ingredients
- Combine and gently fold batter
- Fill donut pan ⅔ full
- Bake 7–8 minutes, then cool on rack
- Whisk glaze ingredients
- Dip donuts in glaze and decorate
- Let glaze set before serving
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