Chocolate Baked Donuts Recipe

The Fluffy, Irresistible Chocolate Baked Donuts Recipe

These decadent chocolate baked donuts pack a rich, velvety punch that satisfies every sweet craving.

Rich chocolate baked donuts emerge as the ultimate treat for dessert enthusiasts seeking indulgence without complicated steps.

Soft, tender, and intensely chocolatey, these donuts promise a delightful experience with every bite.

The recipe delivers bakery-quality results right from your home kitchen.

Baking these donuts requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor.

Dark cocoa and simple ingredients combine to create a mouthwatering sensation that will impress even the most discerning chocolate lovers.

You won’t be able to resist these irresistible chocolate treats that are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients Required For Chocolate Baked Donuts Magic

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base of the donut that provides structure and texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and dark color.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the donuts rise and creates a light texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the donuts.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Milk: Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the donuts remain soft and tender.
  • Vinegar: Helps activate the baking soda and creates a tender crumb.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the chocolate flavor.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Butter, Cream or Milk, Corn Syrup, Vanilla Extract: Creates a smooth, glossy base for the glaze.
  • Chocolate Chips: Provides rich chocolate flavor and creates the glaze's main component.
  • Powdered Sugar: Thickens the glaze and adds sweetness.
Optional Topping:
  • Sprinkles: Adds a decorative and fun element to the donuts.

Follow These Steps For Chocolate Baked Donuts Joy

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab a donut baking pan and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray or a light butter massage.

Step 2: Create the Dry Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re best friends and completely combined.

Step 3: Awaken the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together:
  • Milk
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vinegar
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until everything is happily mingling.

Step 4: Unite the Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Whisk with enthusiasm until the batter becomes smooth and lump-free.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Cavities

Carefully spoon the batter into each donut pan cavity, filling them about three-quarters full.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 14-15 minutes.

Test doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Let Them Rest

Allow donuts to chill in the pan for 5 minutes.

Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Chocolate Glaze

In a medium pot over medium heat, melt butter.

Stir in:
  • Cream or milk
  • Corn syrup
  • Vanilla extract

Step 9: Chocolate Melting Magic

Add chocolate chips to the pot.

Lower heat if needed.

Stir continuously until chocolate melts into a silky smooth mixture.

Step 10: Sugar Shower

Remove pot from heat.

Whisk in powdered sugar.

Pro tip: Sift the sugar to avoid any pesky lumps.

Step 11: Glaze with Grace

Dip each cooled donut into the warm glaze.

Let excess drip off for a clean, glossy finish.

Step 12: Sprinkle Some Fun

If you’re feeling festive, quickly add sprinkles or toppings before the glaze sets.

Chocolate Baked Donuts Tricks Your Friends Will Love

  • Choose high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich, deep chocolate flavor that elevates the entire donut.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter and don't overbake to keep donuts moist and tender, checking donuts at 14 minutes with a toothpick.
  • Sift powdered sugar before adding to the chocolate mixture to eliminate lumps and create a silky, glossy coating.
  • Experiment with various sprinkles, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes to add texture and personal flair to your chocolate donuts.
  • Store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Create Your Own Chocolate Baked Donuts Remix

  • Vegan Chocolate Donuts: Replace milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of regular oil, and swap eggs with mashed banana or applesauce for binding.
  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Donuts: Substitute wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and rich chocolate flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Donuts: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and replace some cocoa with dark chocolate powder to maintain intense chocolate taste.
  • Protein-Packed Chocolate Donuts: Add protein powder to the dry ingredients, use Greek yogurt in place of milk, and incorporate chia seeds for extra nutrition and texture.

Chocolate Baked Donuts Perfect For Every Occasion

  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Sprinkle a generous handful of colorful rainbow sprinkles over the warm chocolate glaze for a playful, festive touch that makes each donut pop with excitement.
  • Sweet and Crunchy Delight: Crush some toasted almonds or pecans and gently press them into the glaze right after dipping, creating a delightful nutty crunch that complements the rich chocolate flavor.
  • Decadent Drizzle Design: After the initial glaze sets, create elegant chocolate or white chocolate zigzag patterns across the donuts using a squeeze bottle or spoon for a bakery-style presentation that looks professionally crafted.

Save Chocolate Baked Donuts With Smart Storage

  • Store glazed donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them in a single layer to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
  • If planning to enjoy within 24 hours, leave unglazed donuts at room temperature in a sealed container. This helps preserve their soft, moist crumb and prevents drying out.
  • Wrap individual unglazed donuts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze just before serving for the freshest taste.
  • Always store glazed donuts in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas that can cause the chocolate glaze to melt or become too soft.

FAQs

  • Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but it will change the texture and make donuts slightly denser. Use a 1:1 ratio replacement, but expect a slightly heavier result.

  • What if I don't have a donut pan?

You can use a muffin tin instead. Fill each cavity about 3/4 full and bake, though the shape will be different from traditional donuts.

  • Is there a way to make these donuts dairy-free?

Substitute milk with almond milk or coconut milk, and use dairy-free chocolate chips. The recipe will work similarly with these alternatives.

  • Can I make these donuts without vinegar?

Replace vinegar with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. The acid helps activate the baking soda and creates a tender texture.

Chocolate Baked Donuts Worth Every Single Bite

  • Savor Homemade Chocolate Bliss: Craft delectable chocolate donuts right in your kitchen without needing professional baking skills.
  • Master Quick Baking Magic: Whip up these donuts with simple ingredients and basic mixing techniques, making it perfect for novice bakers seeking delicious results.
  • Customize Your Chocolate Delight: Experiment with different toppings like sprinkles, nuts, or additional chocolate drizzles to personalize your sweet treat and make each batch unique.
  • Family-Friendly Baking Adventure: Engage kids or friends in a fun cooking activity that produces mouthwatering chocolate donuts everyone will love and enjoy together.
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Chocolate Baked Donuts Recipe

Chocolate Baked Donuts Recipe


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4.5 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Chocolate lovers rejoice with these irresistible chocolate baked donuts that bring rich, velvety indulgence straight to your kitchen. Delicate chocolate rings deliver pure bliss with minimal effort, promising a delightful treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) white granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup (33 g) cocoa
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) oil (olive or canola)

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 ml) vinegar (apple cider or white)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (57 g) butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) cream or milk
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) light corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ounces (56 g) chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
  • 3/4 cup (90 g) powdered sugar

Optional Topping:

  • Sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare the donut pan by lightly coating with non-stick spray or butter.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all dry ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together liquid components including milk, oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract until well integrated.
  4. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry mixture, stirring until the batter becomes completely smooth with no visible lumps.
  5. Carefully transfer batter into donut pan, filling each cavity approximately three-quarters full to allow proper rising during baking.
  6. Bake for 14-15 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when fully cooked.
  7. Let donuts rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  8. Create glaze by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then incorporate cream, corn syrup, and vanilla extract.
  9. Reduce heat slightly and add chocolate chips, stirring continuously until they melt completely and form a smooth mixture.
  10. Remove from heat and whisk in sifted powdered sugar until the glaze reaches a glossy, uniform consistency.
  11. Dip each cooled donut into the warm glaze, allowing excess to drip off naturally.
  12. While glaze is still wet, quickly sprinkle desired toppings to ensure they adhere properly before the coating sets.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality cocoa powder for richer chocolate flavor, ensuring deep and intense taste in every bite.
  • Replace dairy milk with almond or oat milk to create a vegan-friendly version of these delectable donuts.
  • Use a piping bag or zip-lock bag with corner cut off for neater and more precise batter filling in donut pan cavities.
  • Prevent donuts from sticking by generously greasing pan and using non-stick cooking spray with flour component.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 157
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 118 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 16 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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