If you are craving a soft, moist, and chocolaty treat that feels indulgent without the guilt of frying, this Baked Chocolate Donuts Recipe is going to become your new best friend. These donuts bake up beautifully tender and rich, combining the deep flavor of cocoa with a luscious chocolate glaze that will have you reaching for seconds. Easy to make and absolutely delightful, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between homemade comfort and elegant dessert that you can whip up right in your oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To craft these irresistible baked chocolate donuts, you only need simple pantry staples that work beautifully together to create the perfect texture and flavor. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s the cocoa powder adding deep chocolate goodness or yogurt contributing moisture for a tender crumb.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your donuts, providing structure while staying light.
- Baking powder: Helps your donuts rise and achieve that perfect fluffy texture.
- Baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for extra lift and lightness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers a rich, chocolatey depth to the batter.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the donuts perfectly without overpowering.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture.
- Plain yogurt: Adds tang and keeps the donuts wonderfully tender.
- Canola oil: Keeps the donuts moist without heaviness.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant note that complements the chocolate.
- Chocolate chips: Melt into a luscious glaze to coat the donuts.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the glaze for a silky finish.
- Milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect pouring consistency.
- Chocolate sprinkles: For a fun, festive topping that adds a little crunch.
How to Make Baked Chocolate Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Don’t forget to generously spray your donut pan with a nonstick baking spray to ensure those perfect donuts pop right out after baking without any frustration.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
Next, sift the all-purpose flour into a large bowl to eliminate any lumps and ensure an airy texture. Add the baking powder, baking soda, unsweetened cocoa powder, kosher salt, and granulated sugar to the flour, then whisk everything together until evenly combined. This step is crucial for distributing the leavening agents and cocoa evenly.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg, plain yogurt, canola oil, and pure vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture adds moisture and richness to your donuts, creating that sought-after soft inside.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just smooth. Be careful not to over-mix because overworking the batter can develop gluten and make your donuts tough. Soft and tender is what we’re aiming for here.
Step 5: Fill Your Donut Pan
Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill the donut pan wells a little more than three-quarters full. This allows space for the donuts to rise without overflowing or making a mess in your oven.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake your donuts for about 8 to 10 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully invert the pan over a wire rack to release the donuts and cool fully before glazing. Repeat the process if baking in batches.
Step 7: Make the Chocolate Glaze
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt together the chocolate chips, unsalted butter, milk, and vanilla extract in 30-second intervals, stirring well each time, until smooth and glossy. This glaze will add a decadent finish to your baked goodies.
Step 8: Frost and Sprinkle
Dip each cooled donut into the chocolate glaze, letting the excess drip off, and then generously decorate with chocolate sprinkles for some extra texture and irresistible charm.
How to Serve Baked Chocolate Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
While the chocolate sprinkles are delightful, you can elevate these donuts by adding crushed nuts like pistachios or hazelnuts, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a swirl of homemade whipped cream. These little touches bring more texture and visual appeal to your treat.
Side Dishes
Baked Chocolate Donuts pair beautifully with a variety of drinks and sides. Think about serving them alongside fresh berries or a rich cup of coffee or hot chocolate. For brunch, a side of creamy Greek yogurt with honey can make a lovely balance to the sweetness of the donuts.
Creative Ways to Present
Make an impression by stacking the donuts on a decorative cake stand or arrange them in a colorful box as a gift. You can even skewer small donuts and alternate them with marshmallows or fruit pieces for a fun, party-friendly display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store your baked chocolate donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep fresh and moist for up to two days, making them perfect for a quick snack or breakfast the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the donuts individually on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll last well up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before glazing or enjoying as is.
Reheating
To revive your stored donuts, just warm them in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This will make them soft and gooey again, almost like freshly baked. Add fresh glaze or toppings afterward for that just-made experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best for these donuts because it gives the right combination of structure and softness. Using cake flour may make them too delicate, while whole wheat flour can change the texture and flavor considerably.
Is it possible to make these donuts gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. You may need to adjust the batter slightly for moisture, but the result will still be deliciously tender.
Can I use a different oil instead of canola oil?
Yes, you can swap canola oil for any neutral-flavored oil like vegetable oil or light olive oil. Avoid using strongly flavored oils such as coconut or extra virgin olive oil, which might overpower the chocolate.
How do I know when the donuts are done baking?
The best test is inserting a toothpick into the thickest part of a donut. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your donuts are perfectly baked. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep a close eye during those last few minutes.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or over a double boiler before using to get that smooth, pourable consistency back.
Final Thoughts
Give this Baked Chocolate Donuts Recipe a try and treat yourself to a homemade sweet that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a chocolate fix, these donuts deliver that perfect balance of ease, flavor, and pure joy in every bite. I promise once you make them, they’ll become a favorite go-to dessert in your kitchen!
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
Description
These Baked Chocolate Donuts are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts. Made with cocoa powder, yogurt, and a rich chocolate glaze, they offer a moist, tender texture with a deep chocolate flavor. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat, these donuts are easy to prepare and baked to perfection in just 10 minutes.
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, ¼ stick)
- 1 tbsp milk (14g)
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract (2g)
Topping
- 2 tbsp chocolate sprinkles (24g)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a donut tin with nonstick baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl. Add baking powder, baking soda, unsweetened cocoa powder, kosher salt, and granulated sugar. Whisk everything together until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the large egg, plain yogurt, canola oil, and pure vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined and the batter is smooth, taking care not to over-mix to avoid tough, chewy donuts.
- Fill Donut Tin: Using a spoon or piping bag, transfer the batter into the prepared donut tin, filling each mold a little more than three-quarters full to allow for rising without overflow.
- 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. Let donuts cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then invert the pans over a wire rack to release the donuts. Repeat until all batter is baked.
- Prepare Chocolate Glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, unsalted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Heat for about 30 seconds or until melted, depending on your microwave’s power. Stir thoroughly until the glaze is smooth and glossy.
- Glaze and Decorate: Generously frost each cooled donut with the warm chocolate glaze. Immediately sprinkle with chocolate sprinkles for an attractive and tasty finish.
Notes
- Do not over-mix the batter to keep donuts tender and prevent chewiness.
- Fill donut molds carefully; overfilling will cause the batter to overflow during baking.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use muffin tins but the shape and baking time will differ.
- The glaze can be reheated slightly if it begins to harden before glazing all donuts.
- Store glazed donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days; best enjoyed fresh.
