Last post of 2018!
And while it’s not quite my blog-iversary, it’s pretty close. But before that happens let’s talk about January. Around here we are opting for a meatless month (of course the kitties, consummate carnivores that they are, will be excluded). This is for many reasons – health, cost, recuperation from several months of over-indulgence, fun, etc. But I think most of all for me, it will be a way to get creative in the kitchen again. If I can’t reach for chicken, pork, or beef, well then what will we eat? I think I’ve probably got the first couple weeks covered, but I’m predicting a slump somewhere in the middle of week three, so if you’ve got any recommendations I am all ears, friends!
So with that juicy bit of information, what do you think we’re making before we officially say goodbye to this year? Although it seems only natural that I’d be going on an all out meat-fest before the days of beans and greens and tofu begin, well you’d be right, but that’s not our focus today. Today we’re leaving things on a sweeter note with something that is near and dear to my heart. Donuts.
Specifically, peanut butter donuts with an easy chocolate glaze
If my husband had anything to do with it this would be the only flavor combination on the planet (making a possible exception for the alluring Pop Secret and Dr. Pepper pairing). Honestly, whenever I ask for suggestions of what to make for the blog, the answer alternates between “stir fry” or “something with chocolate and peanut butter“. I still haven’t gotten around to the stir fry – sorry babe! But these peanut butter donuts are so good they’ll probably keep the marital strife at bay.
Making homemade donuts is not hard
To be more accurate it’s actually pretty easy – that is when they’re homemade BAKED donuts! Honestly, I was little conflicted by the notion of a baked peanut butter donut, or really any sort of baked donut. I mean donuts are supposed to be fried, right? But change is great, and if it means I get to have peanut butter donuts without the fuss of hot oil or any sort of yeast then I am a-ok with that! Plus, less oil means healthier which equals more donuts for Jo.
How to make your own baked peanut butter donuts – a note or two
For as easy as these fluffy little rings of delight are, they do take some special equipment, mainly a donut pan. I picked mine up from Target for a measly 12 bucks. Is it a necessary piece of equipment that every home cook should own? No. But if you want to bake something cute and delicious and call it a donut, well you’ll need one. If however you’re not in the market for a donut pan because you don’t have the space, or just hate the idea of a uni-tasker (thanks Alton Brown) sitting in your cabinet, well you can totally make these muffin style. They won’t be donuts, but they’ll still be peanut buttery and delicious and dripping in a shiny chocolate glaze – so I think we’re all winners.
So obviously your first tip concerned the necessary equipment. And guess what? There’s not much else to keep in mind. As with any cake or muffin, try not to overmix the batter. Also don’t overfill your donut pan as it will rise up and obliterate the hole in the middle. Aside from those helpful hints, this homemade donut recipe is really quite easy. It’s all made in one bowl, there isn’t any fussy stuff like sifting involved, and the super simple chocolate glaze comes together in just a few minutes.
And just like that you’ll have 12 perfect little baked peanut butter donuts with a slick of dark chocolate glaze ready to ring in the new year. If you make this please snap a pic and post it so I can ogle your beautiful creations, and if you have a quick second please rate this recipe as well. As always, you guys are the best and I am wishing you all the best, most delicious days in 2019!
PrintBaked Peanut Butter Donuts with Dark Chocolate Glaze
These donuts are sweet, tender pillows of peanut buttery goodness. Pair em with a dark-as-night chocolate glaze and you’ll be in donut heaven.
- Prep Time: 25 Mins
- Cook Time: 20 Mins
- Total Time: 45 Mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
4 T unsalted butter
½ C smooth peanut butter
⅓ C dark brown sugar
⅓ C granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 egg yolk
½ tsp salt
½ C milk
¼ C plain yogurt
1 C all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
For the glaze:
1 T unsweetened cocoa powder
3 T brewed coffee
½ C dark chocolate chips or chunks
1 T coconut oil
½ C powdered sugar
⅛ tsp salt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Grease a donut pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
In a large bowl, microwave the butter and peanut butter until melted, about 30-60 seconds. Whisk to combine and let cool for five minutes.
Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, egg yolk, salt, milk, and yogurt. Whisk thoroughly.
Add the flour. Then sprinkle the baking powder evenly over the surface of the flour. Mix just until no more dry spots remain and dough is relatively smooth.
Transfer half of the dough to a gallon zip-top bag, forcing all the dough down towards one of the bottom corners of the bag. Snip the corner of the bag with scissors (about a ½ inch up) and pipe the dough into your prepared pan, filling each well about 2/3’s full. This is a tricky balance to strike – too much dough and the donuts won’t really have a discernible hole because the batter will rise up too far, too little and the donuts can be a little bit dry.
Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the top of the donuts spring back when gently pressed.
Let cool in pan for five minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Re-grease your pan and repeat with remaining dough.
To make the glaze. In a small bowl whisk together the cocoa powder and coffee until smooth. Set aside.
Microwave the chocolate and coconut oil in 20 seconds bursts, stirring in between each, until melted.
Add the powdered sugar, salt, and cocoa powder mixture to the melted chocolate and whisk until smooth.
Glaze the donuts by dunking each one top down into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Then set glaze side up on a cooling rack. The glaze will set up as it sits.
Optional: garnish with chopped peanuts.
Notes
If you don’t have a donut pan you can also make these in muffin tins. The bake time will be slightly longer. I would begin checking at 15 minutes.
Keywords: baked donuts, chocolate peanut butter dessert, easy donuts
This looks and sounds delicious! I have never made this before….
Priya,
They are definitely worth trying out. Please let me know if you whip up a batch!