Chocolate Chip Mini Donuts Recipe

There is something about mini donuts. They are just a fun snack, no matter your age. We have been loving them, and when you pair them with some hot chocolate in the cooler weather, they are even better. I don’t know why it took me so long to make chocolate chip mini donuts.

Watch this Recipe Cooked Step-by-Step

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This is another great easy-to-make mini donut recipe. We use this with our mini donut maker, it takes no time at all to have them ready for a snack.

Your kids will not only love to eat them, but they’ll love making them with you too. These are perfect for making with your kids, or for letting them make them themselves. You don’t have to worry about them being around the hot oven or stove.

What you need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons melted butter
• 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

How to Make Chocolate Chip Mini Donuts

In a large bowl mix together your flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Then add in your milk, eggs, vanilla and melted butter, and continue to mix it until well combined.

Stir in the chocolate chips with a spoon. You could use mini chocolate chips, but I didn’t have any more on hand from making these before.

Pour batter into your preheated mini donut maker. Don’t forget to use a non-stick spray, these will stick, especially with the chocolate chips.

Remove your mini donuts from your mini donut maker to cool on a wire cooling rack. I use a large tablespoon to kinda scoop my mini donuts out of the mold. It saves my fingers from getting burnt and works better than anything else I have tried. You could add some frosting to these, but I think they are sweet enough without frosting. Kind of like light fluffy chocolate chip cookies,

How to Make Donuts in A 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.

I have bought a handle batter dispenser for use when making mini donuts, however, this batter is too thick, and the regular-sized chocolate chips wouldn’t move through it easily. Using mini chocolate chips would remove one of the obstacles but the batter is still quite thick and may not work that well in a batter dispenser.

Chocolate Chip Mini Donuts: Ingredient Swaps, Add-Ins, and Family-Friendly Baking Tips

As a mother who bakes from the heart, few things bring me more joy than surprising my kids with a batch of warm, fluffy chocolate chip mini donuts. These bite-sized treats are perfect for breakfast, school snacks, lunchboxes, or after-dinner desserts. Whether you’re baking for picky eaters or looking for a weekend family baking project, these homemade mini donuts are simple, fun, and endlessly customizable.

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this recipe even more flexible. Below are some of my favorite ingredient alternatives, flavor combinations, and mom-tested baking tips that will make your mini donuts unforgettable—and easier to find through search engines.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mini Donuts

1. Flour Alternatives
   Use all-purpose flour for a classic base, but whole wheat pastry flour works great for a slightly nutty flavor and added fiber. For gluten-sensitive families, use a one-to-one gluten-free baking mix designed for baking cakes or muffins.

2. Sugar Swaps
   Granulated white sugar is the most common sweetener, but brown sugar or coconut sugar can be used to add depth and a hint of caramel flavor. For a lower-sugar version, try a blend of monk fruit sweetener or erythritol.

3. Dairy-Free Options
   Replace regular milk with almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk for a dairy-free version. Substitute melted coconut oil or plant-based margarine for butter in both the batter and greasing your donut pan.

4. Egg Replacements
   To make egg-free mini donuts, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) for similar texture and moisture.

5. Chocolate Chip Variations
   Mini semisweet chocolate chips are perfect for even distribution, but you can also use dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even butterscotch or peanut butter chips for different flavor profiles.

Fun Add-Ins and Toppings for Chocolate Chip Mini Donuts

Make your mini donuts bakery-worthy with some of these creative ideas:

• Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract to enhance flavor
• Mix in crushed Oreos or sprinkles to the batter for a cookies-and-cream or funfetti version
• Top baked donuts with a chocolate ganache or drizzle of maple glaze
• Dip the tops in powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or a thin icing glaze
• Fold in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried berries for added texture
• Serve with a side of fruit or yogurt for a balanced breakfast platter

Kid-Friendly Customizations

Because these mini donuts are baked, not fried, they’re a healthier option that kids still love. You can also involve children in the process by letting them:

• Help stir the batter or pour it into the donut pan
• Choose their favorite mix-ins
• Decorate the donuts with glaze and toppings

It’s a great way to build kitchen confidence and spend quality time together.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These mini donuts can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave them for about 10 seconds for a just-baked feel. They also freeze well—simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes at 300°F.

Similar recipes you may be interested in:

• Cinnamon Roll Mini Donuts
• Peanut Butter Mini Donuts
• Simple Mini Donuts Maker Recipe