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Indulge in Festive Delight: Baked Chocolate Donuts with Irresistible Red Velvet Marshmallow Glaze

Prepare to transform your holiday baking with a recipe that marries rich, decadent chocolate cake donuts with an utterly dreamy, sparkling Red Velvet Marshmallow Glaze. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration in every bite, perfect for chocolate and red velvet enthusiasts alike! This special festive creation is proudly brought to you in partnership with PEEPS®.

The Ultimate Holiday Donut Experience

Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly baked chocolate cake donut, moist and deeply flavorful, then encountering a generous coating of vibrant, sparkling red velvet marshmallow glaze. This isn’t merely a donut; it’s a masterpiece, my absolute favorite donut creation to date. The striking red color, infused with sparkling sugar from the PEEPS®, makes these treats incredibly festive and undeniably eye-catching. What better way to usher in the joyful spirit of December than with these dazzling confections?

The holiday season calls for comfort, warmth, and, of course, delightful treats that bring smiles to faces. While traditional cookies and pies have their place, these baked chocolate donuts offer a fresh, exciting twist that will undoubtedly become a new family favorite. They’re surprisingly simple to make, yet their presentation and flavor profile suggest hours of painstaking effort. The secret? High-quality ingredients and a touch of marshmallow magic, ensuring every bite is a memorable experience.

Embracing the PEEPSONALITY of the Holidays

When it comes to holiday candies, PEEPS® hold a special place in our hearts. Beyond their iconic Easter presence, these sweet marshmallow chicks, often coated in sparkling sugar, have become a staple in our household for every major holiday throughout the year. Our children adore their cute shapes and fun textures, making them a perfect, whimsical addition to any treat collection or festive spread. This holiday season, I am thrilled to be collaborating with PEEPS® to share a recipe that is part of their enchanting “24 Days of PEEPSONALITY” campaign. Isn’t that a brilliant play on words?

PEEPS® have a unique way of inspiring creativity in the kitchen. Their distinctive marshmallow texture and varied flavors make them incredibly versatile for baking and decorating. For this particular recipe, the choice was clear: the festive and flavorful Red Velvet PEEPS® were the undisputed stars. Their rich color and subtle flavor complement the deep chocolate donut base perfectly, creating a harmonious and indulgent treat. Just take a look at these charming chicks, resplendent in their festive red sugar coats – they practically scream “holiday cheer”!

Crafting the Signature Red Velvet Marshmallow Glaze

The magic truly happens with the glaze. To achieve this deep red, shiny, and irresistibly sweet coating, I carefully melted three Red Velvet PEEPS® chicks with a touch of unsalted butter. This creates a smooth, luscious marshmallow base that is then meticulously combined with sifted powdered sugar. The result is a glaze that’s not only visually stunning but also boasts a uniquely fluffy and sweet red velvet flavor – an ideal complement to the rich, dark chocolate donuts. This red velvet chocolate treat is inherently festive and destined to be the glittering centerpiece of your holiday dessert table. The simplicity of using PEEPS® for such a vibrant and flavorful glaze makes this recipe a true winner for busy holiday bakers.

During my recipe development process, I had the pleasure of experimenting with both the PEEPS® Red Velvet Chicks Dipped in Cream Flavored Fudge and the PEEPS® Vanilla Crème Chicks Pops. While both varieties offer their own delightful charm, the Red Velvet version immediately captured my imagination for this particular project. Perhaps it was their inherent sparkle and the irresistible allure of their rich, festive color! Each package contains three delightful red velvet-flavored chicks, luxuriously dipped in a smooth cream fudge. They are so exquisitely pretty that they could easily double as charming decorations on a holiday treats platter, or even serve as delightful stocking stuffers. These convenient three-count packages typically retail for an affordable $1.99 to $2.49, making them an accessible ingredient for your holiday baking adventures.

The PEEPS® Vanilla Crème Chicks Pops are equally charming and are guaranteed to be a huge hit with children and adults alike! How much fun is it to have four classic PEEPS® chicks conveniently presented on a stick? They make for easy, mess-free enjoyment and delightful party favors. These four-count packages also retail for a similar price range of $1.99 – $2.49, offering another fantastic option for sweet indulgence or creative culinary projects.

Baked Chocolate Donuts with Red Velvet Marshmallow Glaze

Author: Anna

Baked Chocolate Donuts with Red Velvet Marshmallow Glaze – an easy yet festive treat for all chocolate and red velvet lovers, perfect for any holiday celebration!

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 25 mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 donuts

Calories: 220 kcal

Ingredients

¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup + 3 Tablespoons buttermilk
1 large egg
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
¼ cup unsalted butter (4 Tablespoons)
3 PEEPS® Red Velvet Chicks Dipped in Cream Flavored Fudge
3 Tablespoons powdered sugar
2 teaspoons whole milk or half and half

Instructions

Preheat oven to 420 degrees F (215°C).
Lightly grease a 6-donut pan. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, and salt.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine and whisk together all the wet ingredients: buttermilk, pure vanilla extract, large egg, and vegetable oil until well combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients mixture to the dry ingredients. Whisk until the batter is smooth and just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense donuts.
Carefully fill each cavity of the prepared donut pan with the batter. For best results, you can pipe the batter using a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off. Fill each cavity about two-thirds full to allow for rising. Gently tap the pan against the counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles.
Bake the donuts for 9 to 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. The donuts should be lightly golden brown and spring back when gently pressed.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack. It’s crucial they are fully cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting or sliding off.
To make the glaze: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the 3 PEEPS® Red Velvet Chicks Dipped in Cream Flavored Fudge. Stir constantly with a whisk or spatula, continuing to cook until the PEEPS® have completely melted and combined with the butter, forming a smooth, glossy, red mixture.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Sift the powdered sugar over the melted marshmallow mixture. Whisk vigorously until the glaze is smooth and free of lumps. If the glaze appears too thick, gradually add whole milk or half and half, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired dipping consistency – it should be thick enough to coat but thin enough to drip smoothly.
Dip each completely cooled donut into the warm red velvet marshmallow glaze, ensuring an even coat. For a thicker glaze, you can double-dip after the first layer has set slightly. Place the glazed donuts back onto the wire cooling rack set over parchment paper (to catch any drips) and allow the glaze to set. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle with additional red or white edible glitter or sprinkles while the glaze is still wet. Serve immediately or store as directed.

Nutrition

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Baking Tips for Perfect Chocolate Donuts

Achieving perfectly baked donuts at home is easier than you might think, and far less messy than frying! Here are a few invaluable tips to ensure your chocolate cake donuts are moist, fluffy, and utterly delicious every time:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure your wet ingredients, especially buttermilk and egg, are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This helps them incorporate more evenly into the dry ingredients, leading to a smoother, more emulsified batter and a better, more consistent rise in the oven.
Do Not Overmix: After combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing is a common pitfall in baking; it can overdevelop the gluten in the flour, resulting in dense, chewy donuts instead of the light, tender, cake-like texture we’re aiming for. A few small lumps are perfectly fine!
Filling the Donut Pan with Ease: For a clean and easy fill, transfer your donut batter into a piping bag, a sturdy Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off, or even a pastry bag. This allows for precise filling of the donut cavities without creating a sticky mess. Fill each cavity about two-thirds full to allow ample space for the donuts to rise beautifully without overflowing. Gently tap the filled pan against the counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles, ensuring an even bake.
Cooling is Crucial: Resist the irresistible urge to glaze hot donuts! The warmth will cause the delicate marshmallow glaze to simply melt and run off, creating a sticky puddle rather than a beautiful coating. Allow your donuts to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes to an hour before attempting to dip or drizzle them. This ensures the marshmallow glaze sets beautifully, adheres perfectly, and maintains its sparkling finish.
Invest in a Quality Donut Pan: A good quality non-stick donut pan makes a significant difference in the ease of baking and removal. Even with a top-notch non-stick pan, a light greasing with butter or non-stick spray is always recommended to ensure your donuts pop out easily and retain their perfect shape.

Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations

These Baked Chocolate Donuts with Red Velvet Marshmallow Glaze are absolute showstoppers on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience or to inspire some creative experimentation:

The Perfect Holiday Brunch Feature: Serve them as a delightful centerpiece for your holiday brunch spread. Their festive colors and rich flavors pair wonderfully with a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee, a comforting mug of hot chocolate, or even a sparkling cranberry mimosa for an extra special touch.
Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange these vibrant donuts on a dessert platter alongside other holiday treats like classic sugar cookies, rich homemade fudge, or even a bowl of fresh, vibrant berries. The contrast of textures and colors will create an undeniably inviting display.
Thoughtful Homemade Gifts: Pack a few glazed donuts in a decorative box, tie it with a festive ribbon, and present it as a thoughtful homemade holiday gift. They travel surprisingly well and are always appreciated as a personal touch during the season of giving!
Garnish Galore for Extra Sparkle: While the red velvet glaze is stunningly beautiful on its own, consider adding extra garnishes for enhanced texture and visual appeal. A sprinkle of delicate white chocolate shavings, a scattering of mini chocolate chips, or even a dusting of cocoa powder can add another layer of indulgence. For ultimate festive charm, edible gold or silver glitter can truly make these donuts sparkle!
PEEPS® Flavor Swap Adventure: Feeling adventurous? Don’t limit yourself to red velvet! Experiment with other delightful PEEPS® flavors for your glaze. Imagine a refreshing peppermint PEEPS® glaze on chocolate donuts for a cool, minty twist, or perhaps a sweet sugar cookie PEEPS® glaze for a truly unique and comforting flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!
Artistic Drizzle Effect: Instead of fully dipping the donuts, you could drizzle the glaze over them in a swirling pattern for a more artistic and elegant look. This allows some of the rich chocolate donut to show through, creating an appealing contrast.

Storing Your Delicious Donuts

To keep your Baked Chocolate Donuts with Red Velvet Marshmallow Glaze fresh and wonderfully delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will retain their optimal freshness and flavor for up to 2-3 days. While they are undoubtedly best enjoyed on the day they are made, their moistness and taste will hold up well for a couple of days, making them perfect for preparing a little in advance of your holiday gathering. If you need to stack them, consider placing a small piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent the delicate glaze from sticking or smudging.

This holiday season, let your kitchen be filled with the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked chocolate and the sweet, inviting scent of marshmallow. These donuts are more than just a treat; they’re an experience, a delightful fusion of classic flavors and festive fun, guaranteed to be a highlight of your celebrations. Enjoy the simple yet profound joy of creating them as much as you enjoy sharing them with loved ones!

If you fall in love with this recipe and decide to make these delightful donuts, we’d be absolutely thrilled to see your creations! Snap a beautiful photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Don’t forget to tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can admire your festive treats and share them with our wonderful community!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by PEEPS®. All opinions, enthusiastic recommendations, original text, and captivating photos are 100% my own. We extend our sincere gratitude for supporting the brands that make it possible for us to bring delicious and inspiring content to this blog.