Name: Soft & Chewy Chocolate Baked Donuts: Your New Favorite!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 12 donuts
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour; ⅔ cup (130g) granulated sugar; ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder, Dutch-processed; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 large egg, at room temperature; ¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk, at room temperature (or ¾ cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice/vinegar); ⅓ cup (80ml) whole milk, at room temperature; ¼ cup (55g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Cooking spray or additional butter for greasing the donut pans; For the Chocolate Glaze:; 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar), sifted; ¼ cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder, Dutch-processed; ¼ cup (60ml) whole milk; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1-2 tablespoons additional milk, if needed, for desired consistency; Pinch of salt; Optional Toppings:; Sprinkles (rainbow or chocolate); Mini chocolate chips; Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts); Desiccated coconut

Chocolate Baked Donuts are more than just a sweet treat; they are an invitation to pure, unadulterated bliss right in your own kitchen. Imagine waking up to the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked goods, knowing that a batch of these delectable, cakey delights awaits. While the traditional donut has a rich and fascinating history spanning centuries, the modern adaptation of baking them offers a wonderfully convenient and often lighter alternative to their fried counterparts. This evolution has paved the way for healthier indulgence, allowing us to savor every bite without compromise, making these a truly popular choice for conscientious treat-lovers.

There’s an undeniable charm to these particular donuts. People simply adore them for their incredibly moist and tender crumb, which perfectly complements the deep, luxurious flavor of premium chocolate. They provide that comforting, satisfying experience we crave from a donut, but with the ease and elegance of a baked good, meaning less mess and more enjoyment. Whether you’re planning a special breakfast, a relaxed brunch, or simply need a delightful pick-me-up, these Chocolate Baked Donuts are a phenomenal choice. They’re quick to assemble, visually appealing, and promise to bring smiles to everyone who tries them, making them a true star in any home baker’s repertoire.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
⅔ cup (130g) granulated sugar
½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder, Dutch-processed preferred for a richer color and flavor in our Chocolate Baked Donuts
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 large egg, at room temperature
¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk, at room temperature (or ¾ cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice/vinegar, let sit 5 minutes)
⅓ cup (80ml) whole milk, at room temperature
¼ cup (55g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Cooking spray or additional butter for greasing the donut pans

For the Chocolate Glaze:

1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), sifted
¼ cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder, Dutch-processed
¼ cup (60ml) whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons additional milk, if needed, for desired consistency
Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings:

Sprinkles (rainbow or chocolate)
Mini chocolate chips
Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts)
Desiccated coconut

Preparing the Doughnut Batter – The Heart of Our Chocolate Baked Donuts

Preheat and Prepare Your Pans: Before we dive into mixing, let’s get our oven and pans ready. Preheat your oven to a comforting 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, generously grease two standard 6-cavity donut pans with cooking spray or a little melted butter. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of each cavity, especially the center posts, to prevent sticking. A little dusting of cocoa powder after greasing can also help ensure easy release and add an extra layer of chocolatey goodness, which is always a win when making Chocolate Baked Donuts. Set these prepared pans aside.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, I like to start by whisking together all of my dry ingredients. This includes the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, that beautiful unsweetened cocoa powder (I find Dutch-processed gives the richest, darkest color, perfect for a truly decadent chocolate donut), baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. It’s crucial to whisk these thoroughly – think of it as aerating the mixture and ensuring all the leavening agents are perfectly distributed. This step prevents any lumps and guarantees an even rise for your future Chocolate Baked Donuts. I usually give it a good minute or two of vigorous whisking to be absolutely sure.
Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, let’s combine our wet ingredients. Crack in your large egg, add the buttermilk, whole milk, the melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter, and the pure vanilla extract. Whisk these together until they are fully incorporated and smooth. Using room temperature ingredients for the egg and milks is important here; it helps them combine more easily and creates a smoother batter, which in turn leads to a more uniform and tender crumb in your Chocolate Baked Donuts. If your butter is too hot, it could cook the egg, so ensure it’s just melted and cooled down a bit.
Combine Wet and Dry: Now for the magic! Pour the wet ingredients mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Using a whisk or a rubber spatula, gently mix everything together until just combined. The key here is not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can lead to tough, chewy donuts – and we’re aiming for light, tender, cake-like Chocolate Baked Donuts. A few lumps are perfectly fine; in fact, they’re often a sign you’ve mixed just enough. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of dry flour.

Filling the Pans and Baking – Bringing Our Chocolate Baked Donuts to Life

Fill the Donut Pans: This step can be a little tricky, but I have a favorite method. Transfer your donut batter into a large piping bag. If you don’t have a piping bag, a large resealable plastic bag with one corner snipped off works just as well, or you can even spoon the batter carefully into the molds. Pipethe batter evenly into each cavity, filling them about two-thirds full. Be mindful not to overfill, as the donuts will expand during baking, and we want to maintain that classic donut shape. Piping the batter ensures a neat and even distribution, which will result in beautifully shaped Chocolate Baked Donuts.
Bake to Perfection: Carefully transfer your filled donut pans to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 9-12 minutes. The exact time can vary depending on your oven, so I recommend keeping an eye on them. You’ll know they’re done when they spring back lightly to the touch when gently pressed, or a toothpick inserted into one of the donuts comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely divine at this point – the unmistakable scent of freshly baked Chocolate Baked Donuts!
Cooling the Donuts: Once baked, remove the pans from the oven. Let the donuts cool in the pans for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling period helps them firm up slightly, making them easier to handle without breaking. After 5 minutes, carefully invert the pans onto a wire rack to release the donuts. If any are a little stubborn, a gentle tap on the bottom of the pan should do the trick. Allow these gorgeous chocolate baked donuts to cool completely on the wire rack before glazing. Glazing warm donuts will cause the glaze to melt right off, so patience is key here for perfect results.

Crafting the Decadent Chocolate Glaze – The Crown for Our Chocolate Baked Donuts

Prepare the Glaze: While your Chocolate Baked Donuts are cooling, let’s get started on the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and the unsweetened cocoa powder. Sifting is an important step here to ensure a super smooth, lump-free glaze. Next, add the whole milk, vanilla extract, and a tiny pinch of salt. The salt really helps to enhance the chocolate flavor and balance the sweetness.
Achieve Perfect Consistency: Whisk all the glaze ingredients together until you have a smooth, pourable, yet thick consistency. If the glaze seems too thick, add additional milk a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can add a little more sifted powdered sugar. The ideal glaze for our Chocolate Baked Donuts should be thick enough to cling to the donut without being overly gloopy, but thin enough to drip attractively. I usually look for a consistency that coats the back of a spoon and holds a trail when I lift it.

Glazing and Finishing – The Irresistible Touch for Your Chocolate Baked Donuts

Glaze the Cooled Donuts: Once your chocolate baked donuts are completely cool, it’s time for the fun part! Place the wire rack with the donuts over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper – this will catch any excess glaze and make cleanup a breeze. Take each donut and dip the top side into the prepared chocolate glaze, twisting slightly to ensure full coverage.
Allow Excess to Drip: Lift the donut from the glaze, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. This helps to prevent a super thick, overly sweet glaze layer. Place the glazed donut back on the wire rack.
Add Optional Toppings: If you’re using any optional toppings like sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or chopped nuts, this is the moment! Apply them immediately after glazing each donut, while the glaze is still wet and tacky. This ensures they adhere beautifully. I always love a good sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles for a festive touch on my Chocolate Baked Donuts, but chocolate sprinkles add extra cocoa depth.
Set the Glaze: Let the glazed and decorated chocolate baked donuts sit on the wire rack for about 15-30 minutes, or until the glaze has set. You can also place them in the refrigerator for a quicker set, especially if you’re in a hurry to enjoy them (which I totally understand!). Once the glaze is firm to the touch, your homemade Chocolate Baked Donuts are ready to be devoured! They’re absolutely perfect with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. I truly hope you enjoy every single delicious bite of these wonderfully rich and tender chocolate baked donuts! They’re a real treat and surprisingly simple to make, proving that a little effort in the kitchen can yield truly amazing results.

<h2>Conclusion:</h2>

<p>So, there you have it – my absolute favorite recipe, one that I genuinely believe will transform your baking routine and bring so much joy to your kitchen. These aren’t just any donuts; these are the kind of treats that spark happiness, create delicious memories, and prove that indulgence can indeed be a homemade affair. What makes these particular treats truly stand out is their incredible simplicity coupled with an unbelievably rich, satisfying flavor. We’re talking about a perfectly moist, tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth, infused with deep cocoa notes that satisfy even the most intense chocolate cravings. Forget the hassle of deep-frying and the guilt that sometimes accompanies it; our recipe for <strong>Chocolate Baked Donuts</strong> offers all the decadence you desire with a lighter touch, making them an ideal choice for a morning pick-me-up or an evening dessert. The texture is simply divine – airy yet substantial, with that quintessential donut chewiness that you crave. They come together with minimal fuss, using ingredients you likely already have on hand, which means a truly delicious experience is never more than a few steps away. I’ve found that the aroma alone, as these bake to perfection in your oven, is enough to lift spirits and gather everyone around the kitchen, eager for that first warm bite.</p>

<p>But the magic doesn’t stop once they’re out of the oven! While these donuts are absolutely divine enjoyed plain, still slightly warm, straight from the pan, their true versatility shines through when you start exploring glazes and toppings. For a classic finish, a simple dusting of powdered sugar is always elegant and allows the pure chocolate flavor to truly sing. However, if you’re like me and believe there’s no such thing as too much chocolate, a luscious chocolate ganache glaze is an absolute game-changer. Just a quick dip, and you’ve elevated them to a gourmet level. Or, for a hint of tanginess that beautifully complements the rich cocoa, a vanilla bean glaze or even a delicate cream cheese frosting would be exquisite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with sprinkles – colorful ones for a festive occasion, or sophisticated dark chocolate shavings for an adult palate. Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch, while a sprinkle of sea salt can truly enhance and deepen the chocolate flavor, creating that irresistible sweet and salty combination.</p>

<h5>Personalize Your Donuts!</h5>
<p>Consider adding a touch of espresso powder to the batter itself for an even more intense chocolate experience, or a dash of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a subtle, warming spice that echoes Mexican hot chocolate. You could even fold in mini chocolate chips or finely chopped dried cherries into the batter for bursts of flavor and texture. For a citrusy twist, adding a bit of orange or tangerine zest to the batter or glaze can create a wonderfully bright contrast. These donuts are fantastic with your morning coffee or tea, making any breakfast feel like a special occasion. They also make a surprisingly sophisticated dessert when served alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Imagine them as part of a brunch spread, a delightful treat for school lunchboxes, or the star of your next family gathering. The possibilities are truly endless, limited only by your imagination, and each variation simply adds another layer of joy to an already perfect base recipe.</p>

<p>Now that you’ve journeyed through the simple steps and discovered the endless potential of these incredible baked delights, my biggest hope is that you’re feeling inspired to roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try yourself. Seriously, don’t just read about how wonderful they are; experience the magic firsthand! There’s an immense satisfaction that comes from creating something so delicious from scratch, especially when the results are this consistently perfect. I promise you, the moment you pull these fragrant, perfectly puffed <strong>Chocolate Baked Donuts</strong> from the oven, you’ll understand exactly what I mean. The sense of accomplishment, paired with the sheer delight of tasting your homemade creation, is truly unparalleled.</p>

<h4>Your Culinary Journey Awaits!</h4>
<p>I absolutely love hearing from you all and seeing your culinary triumphs! So, once you’ve made these, please, please, please come back and share your experience with me. What glaze did you choose? Did you add any exciting toppings? How did your family and friends react to these delightful treats? Snap a picture, leave a comment below, or share your thoughts on your preferred social platform – I’d be thrilled to see your creations and hear about your personal twist on this recipe. Your feedback and creative ideas inspire not only me but also our entire community of fellow home bakers. This recipe isn’t just about following instructions; it’s about making memories in the kitchen, experimenting with flavors, and sharing joy through food. Thank you for joining me on this delicious journey. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear all about your amazing Chocolate Baked Donuts!</p>