Irresistible Cookie Dough Mini Donuts: Your Ultimate Recipe for Bite-Sized Bliss

Prepare to embark on a delightful culinary journey into the world of miniature sweets with these incredible Cookie Dough Mini Donuts. If you’ve ever dreamt of combining the best parts of a fluffy donut with the indulgent joy of edible cookie dough, your dream is about to come true. This recipe, inspired by the truly talented Jessica from The Novice Chef, brings an unparalleled level of deliciousness and charm to your kitchen. Jessica’s culinary prowess is an understatement; her creativity and passion shine through in every recipe she crafts, and her bestselling book, Mini Donuts: 100 Bite-Sized Donut Recipes, is a testament to her genius. Not only did she meticulously develop each of the hundred recipes within its pages, but she also photographed every single one with breathtaking artistry. Each picture is a masterpiece, making your mouth water with every turn of the page – a true feat for any food blogger or cookbook author.

A Treasure Trove of Sweet Inspirations: Jessica’s Mini Donuts Cookbook

Faced with a dizzying array of choices in Jessica’s cookbook, I found myself in a delicious dilemma. How do you pick just one recipe when every single page promises pure bliss? I even enlisted my 7-year-old for assistance, hoping his youthful enthusiasm would help narrow down the options, but he was just as overwhelmed by the tempting variety! From decadent chocolate concoctions to playful candy-inspired creations, and vibrant fruity delights, the book truly offers something for everyone. Each recipe description and photograph triggered an undeniable craving, making the selection process incredibly challenging. Ultimately, my instincts led me to “The Cookie Monster” recipe, and for good reason: is there ever a bad time for cookie dough? The answer, of course, is a resounding no!

My First Foray into Homemade Donut Perfection

Before diving into this particular recipe, I had never attempted to make donuts from scratch. My previous experiences with store-bought or traditional cake donuts often left me underwhelmed, finding them tough and dry. This led me to believe that homemade donuts might be a similarly disappointing endeavor, and I had largely ruled them out from my baking repertoire. However, these Cookie Dough Mini Donuts were a complete revelation. From the very first bite, I was captivated by their exquisite tenderness and incredibly soft texture. They were everything I never knew a donut could be, far surpassing any previous expectations. And let’s be honest, everything just seems inherently cuter in miniature form, doesn’t it? These little gems were no exception!

The entire process was surprisingly straightforward and incredibly rewarding. The aroma filling my kitchen as they baked was pure heaven, and the joy of seeing these perfectly formed, fluffy treats emerge from the oven was truly special. This inaugural experience making homemade donuts has completely changed my perception, and I am already eagerly anticipating my next batch. The recipe proved to be not only delicious but also remarkably accessible for a first-timer, cementing its place as a new favorite. You absolutely must try them!

The Irresistible Charm of Mini Donuts

Beyond their delightful flavor and texture, mini donuts offer a special charm that makes them perfect for almost any occasion. Their bite-sized nature means they are ideal for parties, allowing guests to sample a variety without feeling overwhelmed. For families, they are a fantastic kid-friendly treat, easy for little hands to hold and even easier to devour. The small scale also makes them feel like a guilt-free indulgence, a perfect little sweet escape without committing to a full-sized dessert. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a birthday, or simply looking for a pick-me-up, these adorable Cookie Dough Mini Donuts fit the bill perfectly. They bring a smile to everyone’s face, proving that sometimes, the best things truly do come in small packages.

Moreover, the versatility of mini donuts is unmatched. While the cookie dough version is undoubtedly a star, Jessica’s cookbook opens up a world of possibilities. You could experiment with different glazes, toppings, and flavor profiles to suit any craving. Imagine a rainbow assortment of mini donuts, each offering a unique taste experience – from classic glazed to sprinkles-covered, fruity, or nutty. These small delights encourage creativity in the kitchen, making baking an even more exciting adventure.

Yield: 24

Cookie Dough Mini Donuts

Fluffy donuts with rich chocolate ganache and an utterly irresistible egg-free cookie dough topping. A bite-sized delight!

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
20 minutes

Total Time
30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Mini Donuts

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 large egg
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup whole milk (or skim milk, as preferred)
3 Tbls vegetable oil (canola oil works great)
2 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Egg-Free Cookie Dough

6 Tbls unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 Tbls whole milk (or skim milk)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

For the Chocolate Ganache Icing

4 Tbls unsalted butter
2 Tbls whole milk (or skim milk)
1 Tbls light corn syrup
2 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped (unsweetened chocolate can also be used for a deeper flavor)
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Lightly grease a mini donut pan.
Make the Donut Batter: In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the egg and sugar until light and frothy. Stir in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until there are no visible lumps. Be careful not to overmix. Spoon or pipe the batter into each donut indentation, filling them about 3/4 of the way full. Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Carefully remove the donuts from the pan and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Edible Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the milk and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. Roll the cookie dough into small balls, approximately the size of 1/2 teaspoon. Set these aside.
Craft the Chocolate Ganache Icing and Assemble: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped chocolate, milk, and light corn syrup. Stir continuously until everything is melted and smooth. Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and vigorously whisk in the powdered sugar until the icing is smooth and glossy. Immediately dip the top of each cooled donut into the warm icing, allowing any excess to drip off, then place them back on the wire rack. While the icing is still wet, top each donut with one of the small cookie dough balls. Let the donuts set for at least 10 minutes, allowing the icing to firm up slightly, before serving.

Notes

This delightful recipe is adapted from “Mini Donuts: 100 Bite-Sized Donut Cookbook” by Jessica from The Novice Chef. For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. Using mini chocolate chips for the cookie dough prevents it from becoming too crumbly and ensures a perfect bite. If you don’t have a mini donut pan, a mini muffin tin can be used, but the baking time may vary.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving
Calories 222Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 25mgSodium 182mgCarbohydrates 29gFiber 1gSugar 19gProtein 4g

Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on dinnersdishesanddesserts.com should only be used as a general guideline.

Did you make this recipe?

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Expert Tips for Perfect Cookie Dough Mini Donuts

Achieving bakery-quality mini donuts at home is easier than you think, especially with a few insider tips:

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough donuts. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and no lumps remain.
Use a Piping Bag: For neatly filled donut cavities, transfer your donut batter to a piping bag (or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off). This makes filling the pan quick and mess-free.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your egg, milk, and butter are at room temperature. This helps them combine more smoothly and creates a more uniform batter and cookie dough.
Quality Chocolate: For the ganache, using a good quality bittersweet chocolate makes a noticeable difference in flavor. If you prefer less sweetness, unsweetened chocolate is a great option.
Work Quickly with Icing: The ganache sets relatively fast. Have your cooled donuts and cookie dough balls ready so you can dip and top them immediately after the icing is prepared.
Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If it’s warm, refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Why These Mini Donuts Are a Must-Try

These Cookie Dough Mini Donuts are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. They combine the nostalgic comfort of raw cookie dough (in a safe, egg-free form!) with the delightful lightness of a baked donut, all enhanced by a decadent chocolate ganache. They’re perfect for:

Weekend Brunch: Elevate your brunch spread with these charming treats.
Birthday Parties: A fun and unique dessert that kids and adults alike will adore.
Potlucks and Gatherings: Easily transportable and perfectly portioned for sharing.
A Sweet Indulgence: When you need a little something special just for yourself.
Baking with Kids: The mini size and fun toppings make it a joyful project for little helpers.

The satisfaction of creating such adorable and delicious treats from scratch is truly immense. This recipe proves that homemade goodies can be both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly simple to make. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these irresistible bite-sized wonders!

**Disclaimer: I was sent a copy of Jessica’s “Mini Donuts: 100 Bite-Sized Donut Cookbook” for review purposes. All opinions expressed in this post are 100% my own and reflect my genuine experience. This post also contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me continue to share delicious recipes and content!**