Baked Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Donuts Recipe

These Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Donuts are the perfect festive treat to bake this holiday season. Soft, cake-like, and coated in a cool peppermint glaze, they’re everything you love about a classic donut recipe, just made gluten-free and baked instead of fried. Perfect for Christmas morning, cookie swaps, or anytime you want to bring a little extra joy (and chocolate!) to the Christmas season.

Every December, I crave that nostalgic mix of chocolate and candy cane, but without the sugar rush or heavy fried dough. That’s how this new recipe came to life, soft, baked chocolate donuts topped with a cool peppermint glaze and crushed candy canes for crunch.

They’ve quickly become a returning holiday favorite in my house, right alongside my Gingerbread People Cookies, Grinch Cookies and Pecan Pie Cookies. These donuts are everything you love about holiday baking: festive, easy, and perfect for special occasions.

Bake a batch for a Christmas breakfast spread, bring them to a cookie exchange, or gift them in a cute bakery box for friends. However you serve them, one bite of that chocolate-peppermint combo and you’ll see why they’re the kind of treat that instantly puts you in the Christmas spirit.

Since I know you'll want even more easy Christmas treats to try, check out my 12 favorite Christmas cookie recipes and don't forget to pour yourself a warm mug of Protein Hot Chocolate to go along with your treats! And if you're a fan of chocolate & peppermint, try this Protein Hot Cocoa Pudding.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Festive dessert for any special occasion, perfect for Christmas morning or holiday brunch.
• Gluten-free + baked, so you skip the fryer but keep the soft, cake-like texture.
• Quick + easy, whip up the donut batter in one bowl, no mixer required.
• Peppermint chocolate perfection rich cocoa flavor meets cooling peppermint glaze.
• Customizable add crushed candy cane, red frosting with green sprinkles, or a drizzle of chocolate icing for extra flair.

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Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Donut Ingredients & Tested Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Flour. I use Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour for a perfect cake-like texture. Any similar blend with xanthan gum works.
• Cocoa Powder. Unsweetened cocoa gives these donuts that deep, chocolate flavor.
• Sugar. You can use white cane sugar or you can use granulated monk fruit sweetener to keep these donuts refined sugar free.
• Almond Oil. Almond oil keeps the crumb tender without being greasy. If you can't find almond oil, melted coconut oil or avocado oil will do the trick.
• Chocolate Milk. Adds moisture and subtle chocolate flavor. I use a low-lactose chocolate milk, but almond or oat milk works too.
• Vanilla Extract. Enhances both the chocolate and peppermint notes. Make sure to choose real vanilla and not imitation.
• Peppermint Extract. The key to that candy cane-inspired holiday flavor. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to taste.
• Coconut Cream & Powdered Sugar. Whisked together for a smooth, glossy glaze that sets beautifully. Adjust thickness by adding more coconut cream or powdered sugar. You can also use powdered monk fruit instead to keep things refined sugar free.
• Candy Cane Pieces (optional)/ Adds festive crunch and color!

Christmas Donuts Step by Step Instructions

1. Prep. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a silicone donut pan (or donut tin) and place it on a baking sheet for easy handling.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla, oil, and chocolate milk until smooth.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

4. Fold Together. Use a silicone spatula to gently fold dry ingredients into wet until a smooth donut batter forms. Avoid overmixing.

5. Fill the Pan. Pour or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.

6. Bake. Bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

7. Cool. Transfer donuts to a cooling rack and let cool completely before glazing.

8. Make the Glaze. In a shallow bowl, whisk powdered sugar, coconut cream, and peppermint extract until smooth.

9. Dip + Decorate. Dip each donut top-side down (donut upside) into glaze, then sprinkle with crushed candy cane or drizzle red icing. Place on a paper towel or rack to set.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Pipe the Batter. For perfectly shaped donuts, use a piping bag or zip bag with the corner snipped off.
• Don’t Overbake. Baked donuts can dry out quickly; remove them as soon as they spring back to touch.
• Add Protein/ Swap ¼ cup of the flour for chocolate protein powder to make them a little more satiating.
• Decorate Creatively. Try Grinch green icing, black chocolate Santa belts, or white buttercreme details for themed festive Christmas donuts.

How to Store Christmas Donuts

Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze unglazed donuts between layers of wax paper. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.

Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a 5 star rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!