Swap the drive-thru for your oven and treat the morning to warm, homemade lemon-glazed chocolate donuts. These tiny, rich chocolate rounds wear a bright citrus glaze. They bake fast and vanish faster.
What makes these lemon-glazed chocolate donuts special
These are not fried batter rings. They are baked in a mini donut pan, so cleanup is easier. The base is a simple cocoa batter. A quick lemon glaze adds a glossy, tangy finish.
Quick facts:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini donuts
- Method: Oven-baked
- Category: Breakfast / Snack
Ingredients for the donuts and lemon glaze
Gather pantry staples. Measure ingredients before you start for a smooth bake.
Donut batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 3/4 cup plain yogurt
Lemon glaze
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (add more to adjust thickness)
Step-by-step baking process
Follow these steps for evenly baked, glossy donuts.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a mini donut pan.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the beaten egg and yogurt until the batter is smooth.
- Fill each donut cavity about three-quarters full.
- Bake 8–10 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the donuts cool a few minutes, then pop them out of the pan.
- Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice. Add juice slowly to reach a spreadable glaze.
- Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze and set on a rack until the glaze sets.
Pro tips for perfect mini chocolate donuts
- Don’t overmix: Stir batter until combined to keep donuts tender.
- Even fill: Use a piping bag or zip-top bag to fill molds neatly.
- Cooling matters: Glaze only cooled donuts to avoid a melting mess.
- Adjust glaze: Add lemon gradually for your preferred shine and tang.
- Batch baking: If your pan holds fewer cups, rotate and bake in multiple batches.
Serving ideas and storage tips
These bites shine fresh from the rack. Serve with coffee or tea for an easy breakfast treat.
- Store airtight at room temperature up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for longer life; bring to room temp before serving.
- Try sprinkling a little lemon zest on top for extra aroma.
- They also freeze well: freeze unglazed, thaw, then dip in glaze before serving.
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