### Adorable Panda Donuts Recipe: A Sweet Treat That Brings Joy!

Panda donuts are not just irresistibly cute; they also deliver a delightful taste that will brighten your day! I whipped up a batch of these charming treats for Aerie and debated whether to share the recipe. Ultimately, I couldn’t hold back from sharing this fun creation.

While I enjoy deep frying, my true passion lies in baking donuts. There’s something incredibly rewarding about piping the batter into the donut wells and achieving that perfect shape. Although I faced some challenges getting my candy melts to a smooth consistency, everything turned out well in the end—just with a bit of rustic charm.

This recipe yields six adorable panda donuts, making it ideal for those who prefer moderation when indulging in sweets. Who can resist these cute little creatures? The day after baking them, I took some over to a friend’s house. She mentioned she had seen me making them on Instagram and was excited to try them out. Later, she texted me saying: “Thanks for the donuts! Just had one—it’s so delicious that I don’t want to share!” That really made my day!

I hope you get the chance to make these delightful panda donuts! They’re sure to bring smiles while you prepare them, savor each bite, or gift them away!

#### Panda Baked Double Chocolate Donuts Recipe
**Yields:** 6 panda donuts
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Bake Time:** 10 minutes
**Total Time:** 45 minutes (including decorating)

##### Ingredients:
– Cooking spray (for greasing the donut pan)
– 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
– 3 ounces dark chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 large egg yolk
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 6 mini Oreos (halved)
– 1 cup white candy melts
– 1/4 cup black or brown candy melts

##### Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to **400°F** and lightly coat a six-count donut pan with cooking spray.

2. In one bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In another large bowl, combine melted butter with chocolate chips until fully melted and smooth. Stir in brown sugar and egg yolk until well blended before adding buttermilk; mix until smooth.

4. Gradually add dry ingredients into wet ingredients while mixing gently until no flour streaks remain—be careful not to overmix! Pipe this mixture evenly into your prepared donut pan.

5. Bake for **7–10 minutes**, or until firm when touched.

6. Allow cooling in the pan for one minute before flipping it over onto a cooling rack; let cool completely.

7. Melt white candy melts according to package instructions; dip each cooled donut into white chocolate coating and allow it to set.

8. Use black or brown candy melts for piping eyes and mouth onto each donut face.

9. Carefully cut slits where ears should go using a knife; dip halved Oreos slightly in melted candy melt before inserting them as ears on each panda donut.

Enjoy your adorable creations! These panda donuts are sure to be loved by everyone who sees—and tastes—them!