Irresistible Chocolate Mini Donuts with Creamy Peanut Butter Glaze: Your New Favorite Homemade Treat
Remember that time I promised you donuts? Well, I could never disappoint you, and the moment has finally arrived! Prepare yourselves for an extraordinary indulgence that perfectly marries two beloved flavors. These aren’t just any donuts; they are delightful little bites of rich chocolate cake, generously topped with a sweet and incredibly creamy peanut butter glaze. Each bite is a miniature explosion of flavor, designed to make you feel like you’re savoring a gourmet peanut butter cup – but with the added joy and satisfying chew of a freshly made donut. Yes, they come with a few more carbs, but trust me, they are absolutely worth every single one!
There are some flavor combinations in life that are simply undeniable, and for me, chocolate and peanut butter sit at the very top of that list. It’s truly my culinary kryptonite – the one pairing I can never, ever turn down. It’s like ketchup and fries, or peaches and goat cheese (don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it!). Some things are just meant to be together, creating a symphony of tastes that is more than the sum of its parts. This particular recipe captures that magic perfectly.
The true testament to their addictiveness came from one of my fabulously honest cousins during our recent Mother’s Day brunch. As she was eagerly devouring these miniature delights, her eyes widened, and she declared, with the utmost seriousness a nine-year-old can muster, “these are ADDICTING!” Honestly, hearing that enthusiastic endorsement from a child who pulled no punches made my entire day. It’s the kind of genuine compliment that every home baker dreams of, affirming that these little guys truly hit the sweet spot for everyone, regardless of age.
Embracing Childhood Joy and Adult Indulgence
That comment from my cousin also got me thinking… can we just take a moment to reflect on how much I truly miss being a kid? I really do. Especially during the glorious, endless days of summer. Let’s set aside the fact that you had an entire three months off from school (if I had three months off work, I honestly don’t know what I would do with myself. Actually, I do. I would eat cake. For every meal. Now I think I understand why adults don’t get three months off every summer – it would be pure, unadulterated chaos and endless sugar highs!). Remember when you had the boundless freedom to run around the playground with your friends, your laughter echoing as you chased each other without a care in the world? Or perhaps the simple thrill of rolling down one of those gorgeous, green hills, shrieking at the top of your lungs until you came to a dizzying stop at the bottom? Those were the days of pure, unadulterated joy, where the biggest decision was what game to play next.
Those memories evoke a profound sense of nostalgia, a longing for a time when life felt simpler, filled with endless possibilities and carefree adventures. But then, there’s the silver lining of adulthood, isn’t there? At least now, as an adult, I have the executive privilege of eating these delectable mini donuts for dinner without getting grounded for a week. And let me tell you, I not only would, but I have already exercised that privilege!
I suppose there truly are some perks to being an adult, huh? The ability to make your own rules, especially when it comes to dessert (or dinner, in this case), is certainly one of them. These mini donuts aren’t just a treat; they’re a celebration of simple pleasures, a delicious bridge between childhood fantasies and adult freedoms. They are perfect for brunch, an afternoon pick-me-up, a party dessert, or, as proven, a totally acceptable dinner option. Their small size makes them incredibly versatile – easy to share, easy to portion, and utterly impossible to resist.
Crafting Your Perfect Chocolate Mini Donuts
Making homemade donuts might sound intimidating, but I promise you, these mini chocolate donuts are surprisingly straightforward. The key to their tender texture and rich flavor lies in quality ingredients and a few simple techniques. Let’s walk through the process to ensure your donuts are nothing short of spectacular.
The Dough: A Foundation of Flavor
The base for these donuts is a luscious chocolate dough. Starting with a blend of all-purpose flour and rich cocoa powder ensures that deep, satisfying chocolate flavor. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while baking powder provides the necessary lift to make them light and fluffy. A touch of cinnamon and salt enhances the chocolate, adding subtle warmth and balancing the overall taste. When combining the dry ingredients, ensure they are thoroughly whisked together to distribute everything evenly.
For the wet ingredients, milk, a lightly beaten large egg, melted and cooled unsalted butter, and vanilla extract come together to create a rich, moist dough. The secret here is to pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts, as it overdevelops the gluten in the flour. A few lumps are perfectly fine! Once your dough is mixed, don’t skip the crucial step of covering it with plastic wrap and letting it rest in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to handle and contributing to a more tender donut. It also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Shaping and Frying: Achieving Golden Perfection
Once your dough is well-rested, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to approximately 1/2-inch thickness. You can use a dedicated donut cutter for classic shapes, or if you don’t have one, a biscuit cutter can create perfect circles. For the signature donut hole, a small circular object like the wide end of a frosting tip or even a clean soda bottle cap works wonderfully. Don’t discard those donut holes – fry them up too! They make for delicious little bite-sized treats.
Now for the frying! This step requires a little attention to detail but is incredibly rewarding. In a large saucepan, heat approximately 2 to 3 inches of oil over medium heat. An oil thermometer is your best friend here; you want the oil to reach a consistent 365 degrees Fahrenheit (185 degrees Celsius). Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for perfectly cooked donuts – too cool, and they’ll be greasy; too hot, and they’ll burn on the outside before cooking through.
Fry the donuts in small batches, about 2 to 3 at a time, to avoid overcrowding the pan and dropping the oil temperature. Fry them for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully puffed and golden brown. Once cooked, remove them with a slotted spoon or spider and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat this process with the remaining dough circles, including the charming donut holes.
The Peanut Butter Glaze: The Crown Jewel
While your freshly fried donuts are cooling slightly, it’s time to prepare the star of the show: the creamy peanut butter glaze. In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, creamy peanut butter, 1 ½ tablespoons of milk, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and wonderfully creamy. If your glaze seems a bit too thick, you can add a tiny splash more milk, a few drops at a time, until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. If it’s too thin, a bit more powdered sugar will thicken it up.
This glaze is the perfect complement to the rich chocolate donuts, offering that signature sweet and salty peanut butter flavor that makes these treats so irresistible. Finally, for the grand finale, dunk each donut into the luscious glaze, allowing the excess to drip off, then immediately sprinkle generously with mini semi-sweet chocolate chips. The chocolate chips not only add another layer of chocolatey goodness but also provide a delightful textural contrast. Allow the glazed donuts to set for about 10 to 15 minutes, giving the glaze time to firm up slightly. Then, they are ready to be devoured!
These homemade chocolate mini donuts with peanut butter glaze are more than just a recipe; they are an experience. They bring together comfort, nostalgia, and an undeniably delicious flavor profile that will leave everyone craving for more. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself on a Tuesday, these donuts are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and a burst of joy to your taste buds. Enjoy every delightful bite!
table of contents
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Chocolate Mini Donuts with Peanut Butter Glaze
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 1/3 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 5 Tbsp unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 Tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, lightly beaten egg, melted and cooled butter, and vanilla extract. Pour this wet mixture into the dry flour mixture and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the dough to rest.
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Remove the rested dough from the refrigerator and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out until it is approximately 1/2-inch thick. Using a donut cutter or a biscuit cutter, cut out circles from the dough. Then, use a small circular object (like the wide end of a frosting tip or a small bottle cap) to cut out the centers, forming the donut shape.
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In a large saucepan, heat approximately 2 to 3 inches of oil over medium heat until it reaches 365 degrees Fahrenheit (185°C). Fry the donuts 2 to 3 at a time to prevent overcrowding. Cook for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until they are puffed and beautifully golden brown. Carefully remove the fried donuts to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining dough circles and donut holes.
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While the donuts are cooling, prepare the peanut butter glaze. In a small bowl, stir together the powdered sugar, creamy peanut butter, 1 1/2 tablespoons of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dunk each donut into the peanut butter glaze, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Then, sprinkle liberally with mini chocolate chips. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack or plate and let them set for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow the glaze to firm up.