1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure your mini doughnut pan is well-greased or lined with baking spray if necessary.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional spices (cinnamon and nutmeg). These ingredients are the foundation of your doughnut batter and will ensure a tender crumb.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the egg. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, whisking until well combined. The melted butter adds richness, while the vanilla enhances the flavor of your doughnuts.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want just enough mixing to combine the ingredients into a smooth batter. Overmixing can result in dense doughnuts.
5. Fill the Doughnut Pan:
Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a plastic zip-top bag with the tip cut off. Pipe the batter into the mini doughnut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. This helps ensure the doughnuts will rise nicely without overflowing.
6. Bake the Doughnuts:
Bake in the preheated oven for 7-9 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The doughnuts should be golden brown on the edges and slightly soft in the center. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist and tender.
7. Cool the Doughnuts:
Allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling step prevents them from becoming soggy and helps them hold their shape.
8. Prepare the Glaze:
While the doughnuts are cooling, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed. The glaze should be smooth and slightly runny.
9. Glaze the Doughnuts:
Dip the cooled doughnuts into the glaze, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow excess glaze to drip off before placing them back on the wire rack. For an extra touch, sprinkle with your choice of toppings while the glaze is still wet.
10. Let the Glaze Set:
Allow the glaze to set for at least 15 minutes before serving. This will ensure that the glaze firms up and doesn’t smudge when handled.
Tips for Perfect Mini Doughnuts:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the batter come together smoothly and ensures an even rise.
- Don’t Overfill the Pan: Filling the cavities ¾ full will give the doughnuts room to rise without spilling over.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add a touch of lemon zest, almond extract, or cocoa powder to the batter for a unique twist.
- Storage: Store any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be warmed slightly before serving.
- Customization: Dip the doughnuts in various glazes or toppings, such as chocolate ganache, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of caramel, to suit different tastes.
Enjoy your perfectly mini doughnuts as a delightful treat or a charming addition to any gathering. This exclusive recipe ensures every bite is packed with flavor, and the step-by-step instructions guarantee success. With their irresistible taste and adorable size, these mini doughnuts are sure to make a lasting impression on your guests. Happy baking!