Healthier Baked Chocolate Donuts

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.