If you have a sweet tooth that craves rich chocolate and a soft, tender crumb, then this Baked Chocolate Donuts Recipe is an absolute must-try. These donuts are delightfully moist and intensely chocolaty, yet light because they are baked, not fried. It’s like having a little indulgence that’s easier on your conscience and just as satisfying as any bakery treat. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a special occasion, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of chocolate flavor and fluffy texture every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Baked Chocolate Donuts Recipe plays a vital role in creating texture, flavor, and that irresistible chocolate depth. The mix is simple yet thoughtfully curated to give you the best homemade donuts that feel both gourmet and comforting.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The foundation of our donuts, providing structure and softness when balanced correctly.
- Baking powder (½ tsp): Helps give the donuts a gentle rise for a light, airy crumb.
- Baking soda (½ tsp): Works together with baking powder for lift and also aids in browning.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (â…“ cup): The essence of chocolate flavor, delivering a rich and deep cocoa punch.
- Kosher salt (â…› tsp): Just a pinch to elevate all the sweet and chocolatey flavors.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds sweetness and helps create that tender crumb texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and adds moisture and richness.
- Plain yogurt (½ cup): Boosts moisture and tenderizes for a delightfully soft bite.
- Canola oil (¼ cup): Keeps the donuts moist and adds a subtle richness without overpowering flavors.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with warm, sweet notes.
- Chocolate chips (½ cup): Melts into the baked donuts for bursts of gooey goodness.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Enriches the glaze with a creamy finish.
- Milk (1 tbsp): Lightens the glaze for easy spreading and shine.
- Pure vanilla extract (½ tsp): Added to the glaze for extra depth and smoothness.
- Chocolate sprinkles (2 tbsp): For that fun, festive finish on top of the chocolate glaze.
How to Make Baked Chocolate Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F and generously spray your donut tin with nonstick baking spray. This simple prep ensures your donuts come out perfectly every time, with no sticking or broken edges.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Sift the all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl to remove lumps and aerate it. Then add in baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, kosher salt, and granulated sugar. Whisk these all together to blend the flavors evenly, which is key for consistent chocolatey goodness in every bite.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg, plain yogurt, canola oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture will add moisture and moisture balance to the dry ingredients, giving the donuts their tender texture and rich flavor.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently stir until just smooth. Be careful not to overmix here — overworking the batter can lead to tough donuts. The goal is a silky batter that’s just combined, ready to rise beautifully during baking.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Tin
Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each well slightly more than three-quarters full. This gives enough room for the donuts to expand without overflowing, producing perfectly shaped treats with that classic donut hole center.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tin into the oven and bake for just 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the thickest part comes out clean. Let the donuts cool for 5 minutes, then invert the tin over a wire rack to carefully release them without damage.
Step 7: Make the Chocolate Glaze
While the donuts cool, melt the chocolate chips, unsalted butter, milk, and vanilla extract together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals. Stir until smooth and glossy — this luscious glaze is the grand finale that takes these baked donuts over the top.
Step 8: Frost and Decorate
Generously coat each cooled donut with the chocolate glaze, then sprinkle on the chocolate sprinkles for that irresistible crunchy texture and whimsical look. Let the glaze set slightly before serving for the perfect bite.
How to Serve Baked Chocolate Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond chocolate sprinkles, fresh raspberries or a dusting of powdered sugar add a bright contrast to these rich donuts. Chopped nuts or shredded coconut can also bring texture and flavor complexity for an unexpected twist.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a steaming cup of coffee, rich hot chocolate, or a cold glass of milk. Fresh fruit or yogurt parfaits complement the decadence beautifully, balancing sweetness and refreshing the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these donuts to create a fun tower for a brunch centerpiece or thread them onto a wooden skewer for donut kabobs. You can also place them in small individual boxes or jars for charming party favors or gifts that will make everyone smile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover baked chocolate donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and fresh without drying out. If you need to store longer, consider refrigeration but bring them back to room temp before serving.
Freezing
These donuts freeze wonderfully! Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. They keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter before glazing for best results.
Reheating
Warm frozen or refrigerated donuts in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or until just warm. This refreshes their soft texture beautifully. You can also briefly toast them in a toaster oven for a slightly crispier exterior if desired.
FAQs
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suited for baking. Just ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious!
What can I use instead of plain yogurt?
If you don’t have yogurt on hand, sour cream or buttermilk are excellent substitutes that provide similar moisture and tang. Just use the same measurement to keep the batter balanced.
Can I skip the chocolate glaze?
You can certainly enjoy these donuts without glaze — they’re moist and chocolatey enough on their own. However, the glaze adds a lovely shine, extra chocolate flavor, and a little fun texture with the sprinkles.
How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?
Generously spray your donut tin with nonstick baking spray before filling the wells. Letting the donuts cool slightly before unmolding also prevents sticking and breaking. Using a silicone donut pan helps too if you have one.
Are these donuts suitable for kids’ parties?
Definitely! These donuts are easy to eat, not overly sweet, and the fun chocolate sprinkles make them an instant hit. Plus, they’re baked, which some parents prefer as a slightly healthier option than fried treats.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the warm, rich aroma of fresh-baked chocolate donuts, and this Baked Chocolate Donuts Recipe lets you capture that magic right in your own kitchen. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and spectacular results, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for celebrations, cozy mornings, or anytime you want to impress yourself and your loved ones. So go ahead, treat yourself to a batch soon — I promise these donuts will become one of your treasured favorites.
Print
Baked Chocolate Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Chocolate Donuts are a delicious and healthier twist on the classic deep-fried treat. Made with cocoa powder and rich chocolate chips, the donuts are baked to perfection, producing a tender crumb with a luscious chocolate glaze topped with sprinkles. Perfect for a breakfast treat or dessert, this recipe yields 8 moist and flavorful donuts with a simple preparation and quick baking time.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
- ½ tsp baking powder (2g)
- ½ tsp baking soda (3g)
- â…“ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (28g)
- â…› tsp kosher salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg (50g)
- ½ cup plain yogurt (114g)
- ¼ cup canola oil (50g)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (4g)
Chocolate Glaze
- ½ cup chocolate chips (85g)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (28g or ¼ stick)
- 1 tbsp milk (14g)
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract (2g)
Topping
- 2 tbsp chocolate sprinkles (24g)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a donut tin with nonstick baking spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl to aerate and remove lumps.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, kosher salt, and granulated sugar into the sifted flour. Whisk these together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and cocoa.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, plain yogurt, canola oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently mix until the batter is just smooth without overmixing to avoid developing gluten which would make donuts tough.
- Fill Donut Tin: Transfer the batter into the prepared donut tin using a spoon or piping bag. Fill each donut cavity a bit more than ¾ full to prevent overflow as the donuts rise during baking.
- Bake Donuts: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Allow donuts to cool for 5 minutes in the pans, then invert the pan over a wire rack to release the donuts. Repeat for remaining batter.
- Prepare Chocolate Glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, unsalted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Microwave for 30 seconds or until melted. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Glaze and Decorate: Generously frost each cooled donut with the chocolate glaze. Immediately sprinkle chocolate sprinkles on top before the glaze sets for added texture and decoration.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep donuts tender and avoid chewiness.
- Filling the donut tin slightly more than ¾ full helps prevent overflow while allowing for rising.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, a spoon works fine to fill the donut wells.
- Allow the donuts to cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute yogurt and butter with non-dairy alternatives.
- Chocolate glaze can be adjusted by adding a bit more milk for a thinner consistency if needed.
