Santa is so over cookies…

No one can deny that donuts are one of the best things on the earth. I’m actually eating one right now (OK I’m really eating two) thinking to myself, I am such a happier person when I have a donut.

However, I’m not happy with the awful ingredients and absurd amount of calories that tag along with the standard fried donut. See my previous baked donut post for more in regards to nutritional info.

If you want to indulge in something heavenly this holiday season without scarfing down a belly-full of guilt, try this recipe. It uses real ingredients and no oil for frying to create a donut that is perfect for any celebration.

The dark chocolate doesn’t hurt either. It’s rich in antioxidants and is also good for your heart!

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup of cake flour (or all-purpose)

1/4 cup of unsweetened dark cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

1/4 teaspoon of salt

1/2 cup of low-fat buttermilk

1/2 cup of dark brown sugar, packed

1 egg

3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Glaze

1/4 cup of butter

3 ounces of white chocolate

1 1/2 cup of powdered sugar

2-3 tablespoons of water

1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract

Soft peppermint candies, crushed

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees and prepare a donut pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a smaller mixing bowl, beat together the buttermilk, sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla on medium speed until the mixture is frothy (about 2 minutes).

Beat the milk mixture into the flour mixture on low-speed until the batter is smooth (about 1 minutes). The batter will be very thick.

Transfer the batter into a large zip-top bag and squeeze it into the prepared donut pan (about 2/3 full) by snipping off a corner of the bag.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the donuts are firm when shaken and spongy to the touch.

Remove the donuts from the pan and allow them to cool on parchment paper or a baking rack while you prepare the glaze.

For the glaze, fill a small saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil.

Create a double boiler by placing a small glass or metal bowl on the rim of the pan without letting the water touch the bottom of the bowl.

Inside the bowl, melt the butter and white chocolate, stirring often.

Add the sugar, water, and peppermint extract, whisking the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then remove it from the heat.

Dip one side of each cooled donut into the warm glaze and place them on wax or parchment paper to set. Sprinkle each donut top with crushed peppermint candies and enjoy.

You won’t be able to resist these treats, and Santa won’t either. Give them as a thoughtful homemade gift, or serve them to your guests as a breakfast treat. Either way, you’ll want to keep this one in the recipe box for years to come.

Merry almost Christmas!

- Kelsey