Chocolate Mini Doughnuts

Rob surprised me with a mini doughnut pan that arrived in the mail yesterday. He sure knows the way to my heart. And it doesn't work out so shabby for him when he comes home to a variety of triple chocolate mini doughnuts either. Gifts for the kitchen are really a gift for everyone. 

Especially for my toddler who ripped open the box, popped all the bubble-wrap and then proceeded to help me make a big batch of chocolate mini doughnuts. It was a happy afternoon, with only a mild sugar crash in the evening. 

If you happen to have a mini doughnut pan lying around, why not whip up a batch of these awesome little treats? They're sure to put a smile on your face

Chocolate Mini Doughnuts
adapted from Food4Tots

Makes: 3 dozen mini donuts

1¼ cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup sugar

2 large eggs
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Pre-heat oven to 400. Grease mini doughnut pans with cooking spraying or butter.

Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt and sugar in a medium bowl.

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, vanilla, buttermilk and oil. Pour dry ingredients into bowl, and mix until batter is smooth.  

Pour the batter into a piping bag and fill each doughnut mold ¾ full.

Bake for 4-6 minutes or until when a toothpick inserted into the doughnut come out clean. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes and then invert them onto a cooling rack.

Chocolate Glaze

1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 Tbs. shortening
1 Tbs. corn syrup
1 tsp. hot water

Microwave chips, shortening and cornsyrup at 30-second intervals until melted, stirring each time. Stir in hot water until mixture is smooth. Dip doughnuts in glaze and top with desired sprinkles.