Peanut Butter Baked Donuts – A Cozy Chocolatey Treat
There’s something undeniably comforting about the scent of freshly baked donuts wafting through the kitchen. When that warm, nutty aroma of peanut butter mingles with the rich, indulgent scent of chocolate, you know you’re in for something special. These Peanut Butter Baked Donuts strike the perfect balance of cozy nostalgia and modern indulgence. They’re light yet satisfying, sweet without being cloying, and a wonderful treat to share with family or friends—or to keep all to yourself with a hot cup of coffee.
Unlike traditional fried donuts, these beauties are baked, making them lighter on oil yet still rich in flavor. The base is soft, tender, and infused with the nutty warmth of peanut butter. Once cooled, each donut takes a glossy dip into luscious chocolate glaze before being sprinkled with crushed peanuts and mini chocolate chips. The result is a donut that’s bakery-worthy but entirely achievable in your own kitchen.
From weekend brunch spreads to after-school snacks or even midnight cravings, these baked donuts are a versatile sweet treat that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Let’s dive into the recipe details, along with some tips and variations to make them your own.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Optional Toppings:
- Crushed roasted peanuts
- Mini chocolate chips
- Peanut butter drizzle
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with nonstick spray.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add egg, vanilla, and milk, whisking until fully combined. Stir in melted butter.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- For the glaze, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter, and milk in a heatproof bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Whisk in powdered sugar until glossy.
- Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, letting excess drip off, then sprinkle with peanuts and chocolate chips.
- Allow glaze to set for 10–15 minutes before serving (if you can wait that long!).
Peanut Butter Baked Donuts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with nonstick spray.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In another bowl, beat peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add egg, vanilla, milk, and melted butter.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
- Spoon or pipe batter into donut pan, filling 2/3 full.
- Bake 10–12 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes before transferring to rack.
- For glaze, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter, and milk in bursts until smooth. Stir in powdered sugar.
- Dip cooled donuts in glaze, sprinkle with toppings, and let set.
Notes
Tips & Tricks
- Piping the batter with a zip-top bag makes filling the donut pan easier and less messy.
- For extra peanut butter punch, swirl a spoonful into the glaze.
- Don’t skip letting the donuts cool before glazing—they’ll hold the topping better.
Variations
- Swap chocolate glaze for white chocolate glaze for a “Peanut Butter Cup” vibe.
- Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the glaze for a mocha twist.
- Stir mini Reese’s Pieces into the batter for fun pops of color.
Serving Suggestions
These donuts pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a cappuccino, or even hot cocoa on chilly evenings. Arrange them on a platter for brunch or stack them in a rustic basket lined with parchment for a cozy gathering.
Storage Information
Keep donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze (unglazed) for up to 2 months. To refresh, warm gently in the microwave before glazing.
FAQ
- Can I make these donuts without a donut pan? Yes! You can bake them in a muffin tin, though the shape will differ.
- Can I use natural peanut butter? For best texture, stick with creamy processed peanut butter. Natural varieties may separate.
- Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. This recipe doubles well—just adjust pan space accordingly.
History / Fun Facts
Did you know baked donuts rose to popularity during the health-conscious trends of the early 2000s? While fried donuts will always have their place, baked donuts offered a lighter, easier alternative. The pairing of peanut butter and chocolate, however, is timeless—dating back to early 20th-century candy inventions. Together, they’ve become one of the most beloved dessert duos worldwide.
