Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts

Introduction

Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts bring a burst of sunshine to every bite! These bite-sized delights are packed with fresh citrus flavor, complemented by the subtle crunch of poppy seeds. Baked to perfection, they’re light, fluffy, and topped with a sweet, tangy lemon glaze that makes them utterly irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a midday treat, these golden donuts are as beautiful as they are delicious.

I still remember the first time I baked a batch of these—it filled the kitchen with the most amazing lemony aroma, and they disappeared almost as quickly as I could glaze them! The balance of bright citrus and delicate sweetness makes them a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, they’re easy to customize—try adding a hint of vanilla, swapping the glaze for a dusting of powdered sugar, or even dipping them in white chocolate for an extra indulgence.

What makes these mini donuts even better is how simple they are to make. With just a few pantry staples and a donut pan, you can whip up a batch in no time. Whether you’re treating yourself, sharing with friends, or baking for a special occasion, these Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts are guaranteed to bring smiles all around!

Perfect for:

• Breakfast and brunch
• Spring and summer gatherings
• Afternoon tea
• Gift-giving
• Lemon dessert lovers

Why You’ll Love This Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts

Here’s why Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts will become your new favorite treat:

• Bright Lemon Flavor: Fresh lemon juice and zest give these donuts a vibrant citrus taste that’s refreshing and zesty.
• Soft and Moist Texture: These donuts are baked, not fried, resulting in a light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Bite-Sized Goodness: Their mini size makes them easy to eat, perfect for portion control and sharing.
• Simple to Make: This recipe comes together quickly with basic ingredients and a mini donut pan.
• Perfectly Glazed: A sweet lemon glaze enhances the flavor and adds a beautiful shine to each donut.
• Customizable: You can add toppings like shredded coconut, crushed nuts, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra flair.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: 24 mini donuts
• Calories per serving: Approximately 90-100 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 14g, Fat: 3.5g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts:

For the Donuts:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk + ½ teaspoon lemon juice)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

For the Lemon Glaze:

• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon milk (if needed for consistency)

Ingredient Highlights

• Lemon Zest & Juice: The key to a bright, tangy flavor—zest adds depth, while juice provides acidity and freshness.
• Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds add a mild nutty crunch that complements the citrus.
• Buttermilk: Helps keep the donuts tender and moist while adding a slight tangy richness.
• Melted Butter: Adds a subtle richness and helps with the donut’s soft texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts:

Prepare the Donut Batter:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini donut pan with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. Set aside.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the sugar and egg until smooth. Add the buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice, stirring until fully combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light and fluffy texture.

Bake the Donuts:

5. Fill the Donut Pan: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or use a spoon to fill each mini donut cavity about ¾ full.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Lemon Glaze:

8. Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. If the glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk to thin it out.
9. Glaze the Donuts: Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.

How to Serve Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts

Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts are a versatile treat that can be served in various ways:

• With a Lemon Glaze Drizzle – Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the donuts for extra sweetness and a glossy finish.
• On a Dessert Board – Arrange them on a dessert charcuterie board with fresh berries, lemon wedges, and whipped cream.
• Stacked on a Skewer – Thread mini donuts onto a skewer with fresh fruit for a fun and elegant presentation.
• With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar – Lightly sprinkle powdered sugar over the donuts for a simple and classy look.
• Alongside a Cup of Tea or Coffee – Serve them as a delightful accompaniment to afternoon tea or coffee.
• Dipped in White Chocolate – Dip half of each donut in melted white chocolate and top with extra poppy seeds or zest.
• With Ice Cream – Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet for a refreshing dessert.
• On a Tiered Cake Stand – Display them on a tiered cake stand for a bakery-style presentation at brunch or a party.
• As a Breakfast Treat – Pair them with Greek yogurt and honey for a sweet yet balanced morning indulgence.
• With Lemon Curd Filling – Slice them in half and spread lemon curd inside for a tangy surprise.

Additional Tips for Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts

Here are some tips to ensure your Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts turn out perfect every time:

• Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor—avoid bottled juice.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the donuts dense instead of light and fluffy.
• Grease the Pan Well: To prevent sticking, be sure to grease your mini donut pan thoroughly.
• Pipe the Batter: Using a piping bag makes it easier to evenly distribute the batter in the donut pan.
• Adjust the Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a few drops of milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
• Store Properly: Keep donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for Later: These donuts freeze well! Store in a freezer-safe container and thaw before serving.

Recipe Variations for Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts

Try these delicious twists on Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts:

• Lemon Blueberry Donuts: Fold in ¼ cup of fresh or dried blueberries for a fruity twist.
• Lemon Almond Donuts: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor.
• Lemon Coconut Donuts: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the glaze for a tropical touch.
• Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
• Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts: Substitute dairy-free butter and buttermilk (almond milk + lemon juice) and use a flax egg.
• Honey Lemon Donuts: Replace some of the sugar with honey for a natural sweetness.
• Lemon Chia Seed Donuts: Swap poppy seeds for chia seeds for added fiber.
• Orange Poppy Seed Donuts: Use orange zest and juice instead of lemon for a citrus variation.

Freezing and Storage for Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts

• Freezing: Place cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts

Here are some tools to make preparing Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts easier:

• Mini Donut Pan: Essential for shaping the donuts.
• Piping Bag: Helps distribute the batter evenly in the donut cavities.
• Zester: A microplane zester ensures fine, fragrant lemon zest.
• Cooling Rack: Allows donuts to cool properly before glazing.

Frequently Asked Questions for Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts

1. Can I make these without a mini donut pan?
   Yes! Use a mini muffin pan instead—baking time may need slight adjustment.
2. Can I skip the poppy seeds?
   Absolutely! The donuts will still be delicious without them.
3. How do I know when the donuts are done?
   They should be golden around the edges and spring back when lightly pressed.

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Conclusion

Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts are a delightful way to bring a burst of citrusy joy to your kitchen. With their bright lemon flavor, soft, fluffy texture, and the perfect touch of poppy seeds, these bite-sized treats are simply irresistible. A sweet glaze adds the finishing touch, making them even more delectable.

Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these mini donuts are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re savoring them with a cup of tea, sharing with friends, or treating yourself to a little indulgence.

I’d love to see how your Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!