Now you didn't think I was going to let Christmas slip by without making doughnuts....did you?!  

These peppermint mocha doughnuts are divine.  I knew that this combo of flavours had the potential to get super sweet and rich, especially with the chocolate glaze, so I made sure that the cake part of the doughnut wasn't super sweet!  The coffee and cocoa powder flavours really stand out, and then the chocolate peppermint glaze brings back a bit of sweetness.  It is so good!

I love making doughnuts when friends come over, as they never fail to impress!  They're something different, and are just so cute.

Another plus about these doughnuts?  They're baked!  So you don't need to fuss with hot oil this time around.  And this recipe only makes 8, which is great since that's a totally acceptable number of doughnuts to eat by yourself....right?

Peppermint Mocha Doughnuts

recipe by: Kelsey Siemens
yields: ~8 doughnuts

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix together the sugar and egg.  Add the oil and vanilla, and mix well.

Add the vinegar to the milk and set aside for about 5 minutes, then add it to the egg mixture.

Dissolve the instant coffee in the hot water, and then add to the batter.

In a separate bowl, mix together the baking soda, flour, and cocoa powder.

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet until just mixed together.

Bake at 350 for 9-11 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.  Allow doughnuts to cool before glazing.

For the glaze, add all of the ingredients together, and then add more powdered sugar or milk to get the consistency you desire.  *I will often do a "test doughnut" to see if the glaze is to my liking.

Dip doughnuts in glaze and top with sprinkles or crushed candy canes.

Doughnuts are best served the day they are made.  They do freeze well, but leave off the glaze until just before serving.

Ingredients:

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 large egg

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup milk + 2 teaspoons vinegar

2 teaspoons of instant coffee + 1 tablespoon hot water

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup cocoa powder

Glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

2 tablespoons milk

1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract (or to taste)

Also, a big shoutout to my little sis, Jordyn!  She's the "hands" you always see in my photos, and is my go to consultant when I'm questioning my judgement on big decisions like "are there enough sprinkles on these doughnuts?".  She's the best!

And I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!  I'll see ya on the other side.

-Kelsey