Peppermint hot cocoa donuts bring a cozy mix of warm chocolate and fresh peppermint. These vegan donuts bake up soft, sweet, and very comforting. They are simple to make and perfect for a calm morning or a quick homemade treat.
In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make tender chocolate donuts with a light peppermint glaze. I’ll share easy vegan ingredient swaps and helpful storage tips. Whether you bake for yourself or for someone you love, these peppermint hot cocoa donuts add a little winter magic to any day.
Why Peppermint Hot Cocoa Donuts Will Become Your Family’s Favorite
There’s something about these donuts that feels instantly comforting, and it starts with the balance of flavors. The gentle cocoa, the hint of peppermint, and the soft, cake-like texture make them taste like a warm cup of hot chocolate in donut form. They’re sweet but not overwhelming, which makes them perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a mid-day snack.
Another reason families love them is how simple they are to make. Because they’re baked—not fried—they come together quickly and with very little mess. You don’t need any fancy equipment beyond a basic donut pan, and every ingredient is easy to find at any grocery store. Even kids can take part in mixing the batter or dipping the donuts in the glaze.
If you enjoy trying different donut flavors, learn more about fun fruity variations with my strawberry frosted donuts, which offer a bright and colorful twist.
They’re also naturally vegan, which means anyone avoiding dairy or eggs can enjoy them without substitutions or complicated ingredient lists. And if you have someone in the family who prefers gluten-free treats, this recipe works beautifully with a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
These donuts also keep well, which makes them ideal for busy households. You can bake them ahead for school mornings, holiday gatherings, or cozy weekend breakfasts. A quick warm-up in the microwave brings them right back to life.
Most of all, they feel festive without waiting for winter. The peppermint adds a refreshing twist that makes these donuts special any day of the year. Once your family tries them, they’ll ask for them again and again.
Ingredients You Need
Overview
Before you begin, it helps to organize your ingredients. This recipe uses simple vegan staples, and each group below shows what you need and why it matters.
Dry Ingredients Overview
These ingredients shape the texture of the donuts and provide chocolate depth.
Flour
All-purpose flour gives structure. You may also use a gluten-free 1:1 blend.
Cocoa Powder
Unsweetened cocoa adds rich chocolate flavor.
Leavening Agents
Baking powder and baking soda help the donuts rise.
Salt
A small amount balances sweetness and enhances cocoa.
Wet Ingredients Overview
These ingredients add moisture, sweetness, and a smooth batter texture.
Plant Milk
Almond, oat, soy, or any neutral milk works well.
Oil
Light oil keeps the donuts soft.
Sugar
Cane sugar sweetens the batter without overpowering the peppermint.
Flavor Extracts
Vanilla adds warmth, while peppermint creates the signature mint flavor.
Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar reacts with baking soda for lift.
Glaze Ingredients Overview
The glaze brings shine and a refreshing finish.
Powdered Sugar
Creates a smooth glaze base.
Plant Milk
Helps adjust consistency.
Peppermint Extract
Adds a bright, minty finish.
Optional Cocoa
For a chocolate-peppermint variation.
Optional Toppings Overview
These add texture, color, and finishing flair.
Peppermint Bits
Crushed candies give a festive crunch.
Chocolate Chips
Mini dairy-free chips add sweetness.
Cocoa Powder
A light dusting enhances chocolate flavor.
Shredded Coconut
Adds a snowy look and gentle sweetness.
Final Notes
With your ingredients ready and grouped, mixing becomes quick and simple. Each group works together to create soft, flavorful donuts with the right balance of chocolate and peppermint.
How to Make Peppermint Hot Cocoa Donuts Step-by-Step
Overview of the Process
To make these donuts successfully, you will move through several short, simple steps. Each one builds on the last, and as a result, the donuts turn out soft and evenly baked.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan so the donuts release cleanly. This preparation helps achieve smooth edges and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Next, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This blends the ingredients evenly, and as a result, the donuts rise with a consistent texture.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the non-dairy milk, oil, sugar, vanilla, peppermint extract, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until the mixture looks smooth. This step helps the sugar begin to dissolve.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together
Then, pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, because doing so can create dense donuts.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Cavities
Afterward, spoon or pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling each space about two-thirds full. Filling them evenly helps the donuts bake at the same rate. If you love experimenting with different donut bases, check out my banana donuts guide for another soft and simple baked option.
Step 6: Bake the Donuts
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. When done, the donuts should bounce back when touched. Let them rest briefly in the pan, and then transfer them to a cooling rack.
Step 7: Make the Peppermint Glaze
Meanwhile, whisk powdered sugar, a little non-dairy milk, and peppermint extract. Add the milk slowly so the glaze stays thick. If you prefer, add cocoa powder for a chocolate variation.
Step 8: Glaze the Donuts
Once the donuts have cooled, dip them into the glaze or drizzle it across the tops. Let the glaze set for a few minutes. Add crushed peppermint or chocolate chips while it is still wet if you want extra texture.
Step 9: Serve the Donuts
Finally, the donuts are ready to enjoy. They taste wonderful fresh, and in many cases, the flavor improves once the glaze settles.
Step 10: Store for Later
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container for two days at room temperature. Alternatively, refrigerate them for up to four days. A quick warm-up in the microwave restores their softness.
FAQ Section
Here are the most common questions people ask about vegan peppermint hot cocoa–style treats, answered clearly and simply. These responses also help guide anyone wanting to understand ingredients, substitutions, or store-bought options more fully.
Currently, Dunkin’ does not offer a fully vegan hot chocolate. Their hot chocolate mix contains dairy ingredients, so even when ordered with plant-based milk, it is not considered vegan.
All-purpose flour is the most reliable choice for soft and fluffy vegan donuts. It reacts well with baking powder and baking soda, and as a result, it produces a tender texture. A gluten-free 1:1 baking blend can also work, although the donuts may be slightly more delicate.
No, the peppermint mocha at Dunkin’ is not vegan. The flavor swirl contains dairy, and therefore, ordering it with plant milk does not make it vegan. Dunkin’s flavor shots are usually dairy-free, but the peppermint swirl is not one of them.
Dunkin’ Donuts chocolate donuts are not vegan. They contain dairy and eggs, which means they are not suitable for a vegan diet. Baking your own vegan chocolate donuts at home is the best alternative.
Yes, vegan donuts can be baked with great results. Baking creates a soft, cake-like donut that is easy to prepare and requires no frying. This method is especially helpful for beginners.
Peppermint extract is very potent, so start with a small amount. You can always adjust the flavor by adding more glaze or a small increase in extract, but too much peppermint can quickly overpower the cocoa. For another cozy seasonal donut idea, learn more about my vegan gingerbread chai baked donuts, which pair warm spices with a tender baked texture.
Let Me Know If You Fall in Love…
Baking these peppermint hot cocoa donuts brings together everything comforting about homemade treats—warm cocoa, a hint of cool peppermint, and a soft texture that feels like a small moment of calm in a busy day. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or save them for a cozy morning later in the week, they offer a simple kind of joy that’s easy to share.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Let me know if your family falls for that chocolate–peppermint combination as much as mine does. Happy baking, and may your kitchen always smell this wonderful.
Peppermint Hot Cocoa Donuts
Equipment
- 1 Donut pan Standard size
- 1 Mixing Bowl Medium
- 1 Whisk For dry ingredients
- 1 Piping bag or spoon For filling donut pan
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup non-dairy milk
- 1/4 cup light oil
- 1/2 cup cane sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Peppermint Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp non-dairy milk
- 1/8 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder optional
Optional Toppings
- crushed peppermint candies
- dairy-free chocolate chips
- cocoa powder
- shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix milk, oil, sugar, vanilla, peppermint extract, and vinegar.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut cavities.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until the donuts spring back to the touch.
- Cool the donuts on a rack.
- Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth.
- Dip cooled donuts in glaze and let set.
- Add toppings if desired and serve.