Indulge Guilt-Free: Easy & Delicious Mint Oreo Donuts (Weight Watchers Friendly Recipe!)
Who doesn’t adore Oreo cookies? Their classic chocolatey goodness is simply irresistible. And when Oreo Thins hit the market, they brought a wave of excitement to every cookie enthusiast who also keeps an eye on their health goals. For those of us with a passion for all things mint, the Mint Oreo Thin cookies are an absolute revelation – a crispy, refreshing, and perfectly balanced treat. It was this love for minty Oreos that sparked the inspiration for these incredible Mint Oreo Donuts. Imagine sinking your teeth into a fluffy, flavorful donut that captures the essence of your favorite mint cookie, all while being incredibly light on points. At just 3 SmartPoints (or 2 PersonalPoints) per donut, they are the quintessential guilt-free indulgence, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat without derailing your wellness journey.
These aren’t just any donuts; they’re a celebration of flavor and mindful eating. We’ve managed to infuse the beloved combination of chocolate and refreshing mint into a baked donut that feels incredibly decadent. Forget the deep-fried calorie bombs; our recipe uses a simple baking method that results in a tender, cake-like texture, making them a perfect breakfast treat, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a delightful dessert. The magic truly happens when you combine the convenience of a simple recipe with the vibrant taste of mint extract and the iconic crunch of crushed Oreo Thins. Let’s dive into how you can create these delightful mint chocolate masterpieces right in your own kitchen.
Mint Oreo Donuts: A Delightful Baked Treat
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour + 1 Tbsp
- 2 Tbsp white cake mix (adds a lovely flavor and texture, but extra flour can be substituted if unavailable)
- 1/2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 Tbsp liquid egg whites
- 1/3 cup milk, preferably 1% for fewer points
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp mint extract (start with 1/4 tsp and add more to taste for desired mint intensity)
- 4 Oreo Thin cookies (Mint flavor is ideal here!)
Instructions
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First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, prepare your 6-hole donut pan by generously spraying it with non-stick cooking spray to ensure your donuts release easily.
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine all your dry ingredients: flour, white cake mix, sugar, and baking powder. Whisk them together thoroughly until well combined. The cake mix is a fantastic secret ingredient here, adding an extra layer of flavor and moisture to your donuts. However, if you don’t have white cake mix on hand, you can simply substitute it with an additional 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
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Next, add the wet ingredients to your dry mixture: milk, liquid egg whites, vanilla extract, and mint extract. Stir everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and often lead to a more tender donut.
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Now, let’s prepare the star ingredient: the Oreo Thins. Carefully separate the mint cream filling from the chocolate cookie wafers. Place the mint cream in a small bowl and set it aside for your delicious icing. Crush the chocolate cookie wafers into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a Ziploc bag and crushing them with a rolling pin, or by pulsing them in a food processor. Once crushed, set aside 1 tablespoon of the cookie crumbs for topping, and add the remaining crumbs directly into your donut batter.
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Gently fold the cookie crumbs into the batter until evenly distributed. Then, carefully spoon or pipe the batter into your prepared 6-hole donut pan. Fill each cavity about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they are cooling, you can prepare the simple icing. Gently warm the reserved mint cream filling (you can microwave it for a few seconds if it’s too stiff) and spread or drizzle it over the cooled donuts. Finally, sprinkle the remaining reserved cookie crumbs on top for that perfect finishing touch and extra texture.
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This recipe makes 6 delectable donuts, each weighing in at approximately 3 SmartPoints or 2 PersonalPoints, making them a fantastic option for a controlled treat.
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Nutritional information per donut: Calories 85, Fat 1.5g, Saturated Fat 0.5g, Carbs 15.4g, Fiber 0.3g, Sugars 5.3g, Protein 2.4g.
Additional Info
Tips for Baking Perfect Light & Fluffy Donuts
Achieving the perfect baked donut is all about a few key techniques. Firstly, **do not overmix your batter**. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough, dense donuts instead of the light and airy texture we’re aiming for. Mix until just combined, even if there are a few small lumps. Secondly, **properly greasing your donut pan** is crucial. Even with non-stick pans, a good spray ensures easy release and prevents any tearing. A pastry brush can help spread the spray evenly into all the nooks and crannies.
For filling your donut pan, a **piping bag or a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off** works wonders. It allows for a cleaner fill and helps create that classic donut shape without messy spills. If you don’t have a piping bag, simply spooning the batter carefully will work too. Remember to fill the cavities about two-thirds full to allow for expansion without overflowing. When baking, keep an eye on your oven; all ovens vary slightly. The donuts are done when they are lightly golden and spring back when gently touched. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry them out.
Customizing Your Mint Oreo Donuts: Variations & Serving Suggestions
While these Mint Oreo Donuts are perfect as is, there’s always room for a little customization! If you’re a true mint fanatic, you can add a drop or two of green food coloring to your mint cream icing for a vibrant visual appeal. For an extra chocolate kick, consider incorporating a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder into your dry ingredients. You could also experiment with different types of Oreo Thins – imagine a Lemon Oreo Thin donut for a zesty twist, or even a Golden Oreo Thin donut with a vanilla glaze!
The topping possibilities are endless. Beyond the crushed Oreo crumbs, you could sprinkle a few mini chocolate chips, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even some finely chopped fresh mint leaves for an elegant touch. These donuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of milk. They are ideal for brunches, dessert platters, or simply as a special treat to enjoy any day of the week. Because they are baked, they also store quite well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, though we doubt they’ll last that long!
Why These Guilt-Free Donuts are Your New Favorite Treat
In today’s world, balancing our love for delicious food with our health and wellness goals can often feel like a challenge. That’s where recipes like these Mint Oreo Donuts shine. By using lighter ingredients and a baking method instead of frying, we’ve created a donut that satisfies your sweet tooth without the heavy guilt that often accompanies traditional donuts. The precise measurements and thoughtful ingredient choices contribute to their low SmartPoints/PersonalPoints value, making them an excellent choice for anyone following a Weight Watchers program or simply looking for healthier dessert alternatives.
They offer the rich flavor of chocolate and the invigorating freshness of mint, combined with the delightful texture of a soft, baked cake donut. It’s a testament to the fact that eating mindfully doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. These donuts are quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy schedules, and they’re impressive enough to share with friends and family. So go ahead, treat yourself to these fantastic Mint Oreo Donuts – they are proof that delicious and healthy can coexist beautifully in one irresistible bite!