Pancake Mix Donuts
If you’re looking for a delightful breakfast treat that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious, look no further than these Pancake Mix Donuts. Imagine soft, fluffy donuts that capture the essence of your favorite pancakes, all while being simple enough to whip up on a lazy Sunday morning. With just a few ingredients, you can create these sweet bites of joy that are perfect for dipping in coffee or enjoying on their own. Plus, they’re made with pancake mix, making them a quick and hassle-free option for any day of the week!
Why This Recipe is a Keeper

These Pancake Mix Donuts are not just another sweet treat; they combine the best of both worlds. You get the fluffy texture of pancakes with the fun shape of donuts. They are quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. The addition of mini chocolate chips takes them over the top, making each bite a little piece of heaven. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting brunch with friends, these donuts are sure to be a hit!
What You’ll Gather
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons of oil or melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of vinegar
- 1 1/4 cups of self-rising flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips
Gear Up: What to Grab
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for combining your wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk: To ensure everything is well mixed and free of lumps.
- Donut Pan: A must-have for shaping your donuts perfectly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Cooling Rack: To cool your donuts evenly post-baking.
The Method for Pancake Mix Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your Pancake Mix Donuts bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Prepare the Donut Pan
Lightly grease your donut pan with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect donut shape.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, egg, oil or melted butter, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, baking soda, and sugar. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. This will allow them to rise without overflowing.
Step 8: Bake
Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
Better Choices & Swaps

- For a healthier option, substitute half of the oil or butter with unsweetened applesauce.
- If you prefer a different flavor, try adding lemon zest or cinnamon to the batter.
- Swap mini chocolate chips for nuts or dried fruit for a different texture and flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, use almond milk or coconut milk in place of regular milk.
Don’t Do This
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense donuts.
- Avoid opening the oven door too soon; this can cause the donuts to sink in the middle.
- Don’t skip greasing the donut pan; otherwise, you may end up with a sticky mess.
- Do not leave the donuts in the pan too long after baking, as they may become soggy.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
To keep your Pancake Mix Donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place the cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Helpful Q&A
Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes! If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can use all-purpose flour and add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder along with the baking soda in the recipe.
Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Absolutely! You can use a muffin tin to make donut holes or simply shape them by hand on a baking sheet. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
What should I do if my batter is too thick?
If your batter seems too thick, you can add a little extra milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a gentle stir before filling the donut pan and baking.
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The Last Word
With these Pancake Mix Donuts, you can indulge in a delightful breakfast treat that brings joy to your morning routine. Their fluffy, tender texture and the sweet bursts of chocolate make them a family favorite. Whether you enjoy them plain or topped with your favorite glaze, these donuts are sure to impress. So grab your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Pancake Mix Donuts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease your donut pan with cooking spray or oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, egg, oil or melted butter, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Whisk until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, baking soda, and sugar.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the donuts in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option.
- Add lemon zest or cinnamon for different flavor profiles.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
