Chocolate Mint Donuts

Name: Chocolate Mint Donuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: ½ cup butter (softened); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed); ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; ⅔ cup sour cream; ⅔ cup buttermilk; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup dark cocoa powder; 1½ teaspoons baking powder; 1½ teaspoons baking soda; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 cup Andes Mint Baking Chips; About 2 cups Andes Mint Baking Chips; 1 tablespoon shortening; Sprinkles

This post may contain affiliate links. As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full Disclosure Policy for details.

These Chocolate Mint Donuts are soft, rich, and baked rather than fried, making them an easy homemade treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or holiday baking. Every bite is packed with deep chocolate flavor and topped with a smooth mint chocolate coating that pairs perfectly with the tender cake-like donut underneath.

Chocolate Mint Donuts on a serving platter with mint chocolate coating and festive green sprinkles

Pin this now to find it later

Pin It

Made with sour cream, buttermilk, dark cocoa powder, and Andes Mint Baking Chips, these baked donuts stay incredibly moist while delivering the classic chocolate-and-mint flavor combination everyone loves. Best of all, they’re ready in about 45 minutes from start to finish.

Whether you’re baking for Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, a birthday celebration, or simply satisfying a chocolate craving, this Chocolate Mint Donuts recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.

A Longtime Family Favorite

Chocolate and mint have always been one of my favorite flavor combinations, and these baked donuts have become one of those recipes I find myself making year after year.

They’re simple enough for a weekend baking project, yet special enough to serve for holidays, brunches, or celebrations. Since they’re baked rather than fried, they’re easy to make at home while still delivering the bakery-style texture everyone loves.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich chocolate flavor in every bite
Soft, moist cake-style donuts
Baked instead of fried
Ready in about 30 minutes
Easy enough for beginner bakers
Perfect for Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, birthdays, and brunches
Freezes beautifully
Fun to decorate with sprinkles for any occasion

What Are Chocolate Mint Donuts?

Chocolate Mint Donuts are baked cake donuts made with cocoa powder, sour cream, and buttermilk to create a soft, tender crumb. Instead of frying, the batter is piped into donut pans and baked until light and fluffy.

Once completely cooled, each donut is dipped in melted mint chocolate and finished with sprinkles, if desired. The result is a bakery-worthy donut with rich chocolate flavor balanced by a refreshing mint finish.

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Why This Recipe Works

Sour cream and buttermilk work together to create an incredibly tender, moist crumb, while dark cocoa powder gives these baked donuts a deep chocolate flavor without making them overly sweet. Andes Mint Baking Chips melt beautifully into the batter, adding little pockets of creamy mint chocolate throughout each donut for even more flavor.

Key Ingredients

NOTE: This section highlights ingredients used in the recipe. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

Butter

Provides richness while helping create a soft, tender texture.

Brown sugar and granulated sugar

Using both sugars creates a moist donut with just the right amount of sweetness and a subtle caramel note.

Sour cream

One of the secrets to keeping these baked donuts exceptionally moist and tender.

Buttermilk

Adds richness while reacting with the baking soda to create a lighter texture.

Dark cocoa powder

Creates a rich chocolate flavor and beautiful deep color.

Andes Mint Baking Chips

These baking chips add creamy mint chocolate flavor throughout the donuts and melt perfectly into the batter.

Mint chocolate coating

A smooth mint chocolate coating gives these donuts a bakery-style finish and adds the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients for Chocolate Mint Donuts measured and arranged before baking

Ingredients & Substitutions

NOTE: This section suggests substitutions. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

Butter – Unsalted butter is recommended. If using salted butter, reduce the salt slightly if desired.
Vanilla extract – Pure vanilla provides the best flavor, although imitation vanilla works in a pinch.
Brown sugar – Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
Granulated sugar – Balances sweetness and creates a tender crumb.
Egg – Adds structure and richness.
Sour cream – Full-fat plain Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute.
Buttermilk – If needed, make your own by adding 2 teaspoons lemon juice or white vinegar to ⅔ cup milk. Let it stand for 5 minutes before using.
All-purpose flour – Spoon and level the flour for the most accurate measurement.
Dark cocoa powder – Regular unsweetened cocoa powder may be substituted.
Baking powder – Helps the donuts rise.
Baking soda – Reacts with the sour cream and buttermilk to create a light texture.
Nutmeg – Adds subtle warmth. A pinch of cinnamon also works well.
Andes Mint Baking Chips – These are recommended throughout the recipe for the best flavor and consistency. Mint chocolate chips or chopped Andes Mints may also be used.
Mint chocolate coating – Andes Mint Baking Chips create an extra-creamy coating, but Mint fudge cups melt beautifully and are an excellent substitute.
Shortening – Helps thin the chocolate for smooth dipping. Coconut oil may also be used.
Sprinkles – Optional, but perfect for holidays, birthdays, or festive occasions.

Variations

Extra minty – Add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract to the batter for a stronger mint flavor.
Double chocolate – Stir mini chocolate chips into the batter along with the Andes Mint Baking Chips.
White chocolate drizzle – Once the mint coating has set, drizzle melted white chocolate over the tops for an elegant bakery-style finish.
Holiday donuts – Decorate with seasonal sprinkles for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or St. Patrick’s Day.
Mini donuts – Bake the batter in a mini donut pan for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties.

Hand holding a homemade Chocolate Mint Donut topped with mint chocolate and green sprinkles

Tips for Best Results

Use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest batter.
Measure the flour using the spoon-and-level method.
Mix just until combined to keep the donuts tender.
Pipe the batter into the pans for evenly shaped donuts.
Allow the donuts to cool completely before dipping them into the chocolate coating.
Stir the chocolate every 30 seconds while melting to prevent scorching.
Let the coating harden completely before storing or stacking the donuts.

FAQs

Are these baked or fried?

These are baked cake donuts, making them easier to prepare with less mess than traditional fried donuts.

Do I need a donut pan?

Yes. A donut pan gives these donuts their classic shape and helps them bake evenly.

Can I use regular cocoa powder?

Yes. Dark cocoa powder provides a richer flavor and darker color, but regular unsweetened cocoa powder works well, too.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?

Absolutely. Full-fat plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute.

Can I freeze these donuts?

Yes. Freeze the baked, undecorated donuts for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before dipping them in the mint chocolate coating.

Can I use peppermint extract?

Yes. Add about ¼ teaspoon if you’d like a stronger mint flavor.

Why are my donuts dry?

Overbaking is usually the culprit. Start checking them around 8 minutes, since every oven bakes a little differently.

Can I make mini donuts instead?

Yes. Reduce the baking time to about 5-7 minutes.

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

Yes. Bake the donuts a day ahead, then dip and decorate them shortly before serving for the freshest presentation.

How to Store Chocolate Mint Donuts

Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the softest texture.

How to Make Chocolate Mint Donuts

NOTE: This section includes a step-by-step guide. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

Preheat the oven and grease two donut pans.
Cream together the butter, vanilla, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
Beat in the egg, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth.
Whisk together the dry ingredients.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Fold in the Andes Mint Baking Chips.
Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pans, filling each cavity about three-fourths full.
Bake until the tops spring back lightly when touched.
Cool the donuts completely on a wire rack.
Melt the mint chocolate coating and dip each cooled donut.
Decorate with sprinkles before the coating sets.

Greased donut pans prepared for baking Chocolate Mint Donuts

Butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla in a mixing bowl for Chocolate Mint Donuts

Make Ahead Instructions

Bake the donuts up to one day in advance and store them tightly covered at room temperature. Dip them in the chocolate coating just before serving for the freshest appearance.

The baked, undecorated donuts also freeze beautifully, making them a great make-ahead dessert for holidays and parties.

What to Serve With Chocolate Mint Donuts

These donuts pair perfectly with:

Fresh coffee
Espresso drinks
Peppermint mocha
Hot chocolate
Cold milk
Vanilla latte
Fresh berries
Fresh fruit salad
Breakfast casserole for brunch

If You Enjoyed Chocolate Mint Donuts

If you loved this recipe, you’ll want to keep that donut pan busy!

Pumpkin Donut Holes are a fun fall treat, coated in cinnamon sugar and absolutely irresistible straight from the pan. If you prefer a classic, Chocolate Donut Holes are rich, glazed, and impossible to stop eating. For something a little different, Chocolate Cinnamon Doughnuts combine two of the best flavors around into one perfectly cakey baked donut.

The chocolate love doesn’t have to stop at breakfast either. Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a sneaky way to get an extra serving of vegetables while still feeling like you’re eating dessert – and it slices up beautifully for an easy morning treat.

If you’re in the mood for something fruity and fresh, Vanilla Cake Donuts with Strawberry Glaze are light, tender, and topped with the prettiest pink glaze.

And if you want a sweet weekend breakfast that feels a little extra special, Apple Fritter Bread is loaded with cinnamon-spiced apples and a sweet glaze that makes the whole house smell amazing.

📌 Save This Recipe

Love this recipe? Save or pin these Chocolate Mint Donuts to your favorite Pinterest dessert board so you can easily find them whenever you’re craving a rich chocolate treat with a refreshing mint twist.

Pin this now to find it later

Pin It