Chocolate Mini Donut Maker Recipe

Mini donuts are just plain fun! Having a mini donut maker in your kitchen means you can make them anytime you want them. They are great snacks just because you want them. These are great for birthday parties or any kind of party or gathering you might be having. Serve this light, fluffy chocolate mini donut maker recipe.

Watch this Recipe Cooked Step-by-Step

Chocolate Mini Donut Maker Recipe

This post contains affiliate links, see my disclosure policy for more information.

This is a donut recipe for a donut maker such as the Baby Cake brand or the Dash brand. You can try making them in the oven but I have not made these in the oven so I do not know how long you would need to bake them or how they would turn out.

What You Need:

• 5 tbsp margarine, softened
• 1/2 c white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 c milk
• 1 c white flour
• 1/2 c cocoa
• pinch of salt

How to make Chocolate Mini Donuts

These are really easy to make. Cream together the egg, margarine, and sugar.

Add in baking powder and vanilla.

https://shop.forgetfulmomma.com/product/donut-writing-art-persuasive-writing/

Mix in the flour, cocoa, and milk.

To make this as easy as possible I use a Ziploc bag, and pour/scrap my batter into it. I am going to use it as a piping bag. This makes it easier to fill my Bella mini donut maker without making a mess, without trying to figure out how to get the batter into each space.

They only take about 2 minutes to bake through. These are light, fluffy mini chocolate donuts. To make these 40 mini donuts only takes about 12 minutes.

I use a large spoon, like a soup spoon, to swipe my doughnuts out of the doughnut maker to save me from burning my fingers and from squishing them.

This has been the best method I have found for removing them from the donut maker.

I think these might just be the best mini donut recipe that I have made so far, but then again I am a huge fan of chocolate. But these chocolate mini donuts are light and fluffy, and delicious.

How to Use A Mini Donut Maker:

In case you just got your mini donut maker and you are looking to see exactly how to it, this post is for you: How to Use a Mini Donut Maker. I show you how I do it easily with a Ziploc bag.

You can also get a batter dispenser to fill your donut molds for a no waste, easy-to-use option. It may not work with all recipes as some are thicker than others.

Extra Ideas, Swaps & Ways to Make These Chocolate Mini Donuts Even Better

Ingredient Variations & Substitutions

• Butter or oil instead of margarine: If you prefer a more natural or richer flavor, swap the margarine for unsalted butter or a neutral oil like vegetable or coconut oil. Butter will lend more depth; oil may make the donuts a bit moister.
• Whole wheat or pastry flour: Replace some or all of the white flour with whole wheat pastry flour for more fiber. The texture will be slightly denser.
• Alternative sweeteners: Use coconut sugar, brown sugar, or even maple sugar in place of white sugar. These add a more complex flavor. If using liquid sweeteners (like honey or maple syrup), reduce the milk slightly to maintain batter consistency.
• Dairy swap: Use non-dairy milk (almond, oat, soy) instead of regular milk if you want dairy-free or vegan. Use a dairy-free margarine or butter alternative in that case.
• Egg substitute: For an egg-free version, try using a flax egg (1 Tbsp ground flax mixed with 3 Tbsp water) or a commercial egg replacer. The texture may be slightly different but still tasty.
• Cocoa powder swaps: Different cocoa powders (natural vs Dutch‐process) affect flavor and color. If using Dutch-process, consider adding a pinch of baking soda to balance acidity. Also, for lighter chocolate flavor, reduce cocoa slightly and add mini chocolate chips or chocolate chips on top.

Ways to Enhance Flavor & Texture

• Add spices: A small pinch of cinnamon, espresso powder, or even a dash of chili powder can intensify the chocolate flavor.
• Zest or extract: Orange zest, mint extract, or even almond extract can pair wonderfully with chocolate. Add a small amount so it doesn’t overpower.
• Mix-ins: Toss in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts), or even dried fruit like cherries or cranberries for texture contrast.
• Toppings & glazes: After donuts are cooked, dip or drizzle with chocolate glaze, vanilla glaze, or a simple powdered sugar glaze. Sprinkles, crushed cookies, or coconut flakes add visual appeal and extra flavor.
• Dusting: Simple powdered sugar or cocoa sugar dusting works well. If you want something fancier, mix powdered sugar with a bit of cocoa powder or cinnamon.

Tips to Improve Cooking & Outcome

• Preheat properly: Ensure the mini donut maker is hot before you start filling it. This helps with even cooking and forming a nice crust outside while keeping the inside light.
• Fill evenly: Use a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off (as you already do) to fill molds cleanly without overflow.
• Don’t overcook: Since the original recipe yields about 40 mini donuts in ~12 minutes, keep a close eye on the first batch to gauge how much time your specific donut maker needs. Some units run hotter or cooler.
• Cooling & removal: Let the donuts rest a couple of seconds after cooking, then use a soft tool (wooden skewer or silicone spatula) to gently remove them. Overhandling hot donuts can cause breakage.

Additional Relevance & Fun Ideas

• Themed mini-donuts: Tailor colors or flavors for holidays — e.g. peppermint for Christmas, orange for Halloween, strawberry or raspberry for Valentine’s, green color or matcha for St. Patrick’s.
• Make ahead & freeze: If you want to prep in advance, you can bake several batches, let cool completely, then freeze. Reheat gently in microwave or warm oven to refresh. Glaze or decorate right before serving.
• Nutrition info / lighter version: For healthier versions, reduce sugar a bit, use whole grain flour, and non-dairy or lighter fats. You could also make “mini muffin” size versions in muffin tins if you don’t have a donut maker.
• Pairings: Suggest what to serve alongside: flavored coffees, milk, fruit smoothies, or even fresh berries or whipped cream.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Donuts

Can I make mini donuts without a donut maker?

Yes! If you don’t have a mini donut maker, you can bake the batter in a mini muffin pan or a standard donut pan in the oven. They won’t have the exact same shape, but the flavor and texture will still be delicious.

How long do mini donuts stay fresh?

Mini donuts are best enjoyed the day they’re made, but they will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Can you freeze chocolate mini donuts?

Absolutely. Let the donuts cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature or reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving. Add glaze or toppings after thawing for best results.

Are baked mini donuts healthier than fried donuts?

Baked mini donuts are generally lighter than fried donuts because they use less oil. They may not have the exact same texture as deep-fried donuts, but they’re a great alternative when you want a quick, homemade treat that feels a little lighter.

What toppings go best with mini donuts?

Some favorites include powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, chocolate glaze, vanilla glaze, maple glaze, sprinkles, crushed cookies, or even shredded coconut. You can keep them simple or turn them into a fun decorating activity for kids.

Can I make these donuts dairy-free or egg-free?

Yes! Use a non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy, and swap the butter or margarine with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. For egg-free donuts, try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).

Do baked mini donuts taste like fried donuts?

They have a slightly different texture—lighter and more cake-like than fried donuts—but the chocolate flavor shines through, and most people love them just as much.

More Mini Donut Maker Recipes:

• Simple Mini Donuts
• Mini Donut Recipe Round-Up
• Peanut Butter Mini Donuts
• Simply Delicious Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts