Healthier Baked Chocolate Donuts with Creamy Chocolate Icing & Pistachios
Written by Dietitian & Mom: Elis Halenko
Soft. Chocolatey. Festive. The ultimate better-for-you holiday treat.
Move over sugar cookies—there’s a new holiday favorite in town. These Healthier Baked Chocolate Donuts are everything you want in a treat: rich, fudgy flavor, a dreamy creamy chocolate glaze, and a generous dusting of festive pistachios.
Baked instead of fried and made with wholesome ingredients like almond flour and Greek yogurt, they’re a little lighter than your average donut—but taste just as good as the baked donuts of your dreams.
The best part? Pistachios not only bring their signature buttery crunch, but they add a vibrant green pop that makes these donuts extra beautiful for Christmas brunch tables, holiday parties, or even gifting to friends or neighbors.
Why You’ll Love These Donuts:
- Baked, not fried—lighter on oil, just as delicious
- Naturally sweetened & made with better-for-you ingredients
- Rich in chocolate flavor without being overly sweet
- Topped with festive pistachio crumble for crunch + color
- Kid-approved, adult-adored, and easy to make ahead!
Ingredients (Makes 6–8 donuts)
For the Donuts:
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup whole wheat flour or all-purpose
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted coconut oil
- 2 tbsp milk of choice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Creamy Chocolate Icing:
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 11/2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp coconut oil (for shine & smoothness)
Topping:
- 1/4 cup crushed pistachios (lightly salted or raw, shelled)
Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan or spray with nonstick spray.
2. Mix the Batter
In a bowl, whisk together almond flour, cocoa powder, whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, mix egg, yogurt, maple syrup, oil, milk, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry until smooth.
3. Fill the Pan & Bake
Spoon or pipe batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full.
Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
4. Make the Icing
Melt chocolate chips, milk, and coconut oil together (microwave or double boiler). Stir until smooth and glossy.
5. Dip & Decorate
Dip cooled donuts into the icing or drizzle over the top. Immediately sprinkle with chopped pistachios before glaze sets.
Why Pistachios
Pistachios are rich, naturally festive, and full of good-for-you fats. That pop of green instantly adds elegance and a seasonal vibe—without food coloring or artificial flair. Plus, their slightly salty crunch perfectly balances the sweet, fudgy chocolate in these donuts.
Dietitian Notes
We love these donuts because:
- Greek yogurt adds protein and moisture
- Almond flour provides healthy fats and fiber
- Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that keeps blood sugar more stable than refined sugar
- Pistachios = protein, antioxidants, and heart-healthy fats
Make mini donuts or donut holes for toddlers or snack trays!
Hosting Tip:
Make a batch ahead of time and store in the fridge. Right before serving, warm slightly and glaze. They also make a perfect edible gift—wrap in parchment, tie with twine, and tuck into a cookie box for a beautiful holiday surprise.
Storage
- Store at room temp for 1 day
- Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 5 days
- Freeze (unglazed) for up to 2 months—glaze just before serving
Made These? Tag Me!
If you make these festive donuts, tag me @thefoodstylistrd! I love seeing your holiday creations—especially when pistachios are involved.
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"I do not consider myself as anything special unless I am able to achieve success. I strive to keep moving forward, organizing my life, and facing challenges head-on."
Elis Halenko




