Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes! While a donut pan gives you that classic shape, you can use a muffin tin for "donut holes." Fill each cup about halfway and reduce baking time by 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, you can make a foil cylinder in the center of each muffin cup to create the donut hole.

Can I use sour cream instead of yogurt?

Absolutely! Sour cream works perfectly as a 1:1 substitute for yogurt in this recipe, providing the same moisture and similar tanginess. You could even use Greek yogurt for extra protein.

Why did my donuts come out dry?

Dry donuts usually result from overbaking or overmixing the batter. Remember to mix just until combined and check for doneness early. Also, measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the container.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

For best results, bake the batter right after mixing. The leavening agents activate when wet, and letting the batter sit too long can result in flat donuts. However, you can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and combine with wet ingredients just before baking.

Chocolate Donuts Recipe

Name: Chocolate Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g); ½ teaspoon baking powder (2g); ½ teaspoon baking soda (3g); ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (28g); ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ cup granulated sugar (100g); 1 large egg (50g); ½ cup plain yogurt (114g); ¼ cup canola oil (50g); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4g); ½ cup chocolate chips (85g); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28g); 1 tablespoon milk (14g); ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (2g); 2 tablespoons chocolate sprinkles (24g), for topping

Imagine the aroma of freshly baked chocolate donuts wafting through your kitchen – that’s what you’ll experience with these irresistible treats! These homemade chocolate donuts are incredibly moist with a rich cocoa flavor, topped with a silky chocolate glaze and fun sprinkles. The best part? They’re baked, not fried, making them easier and somewhat healthier than traditional donuts while still delivering that indulgent chocolate experience we all crave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Deep Fryer Needed: These donuts are baked, not fried, so there’s no mess or hassle of hot oil.
Quick Results: From mixing to biting into your first donut takes just about 35 minutes – perfect for when chocolate cravings strike!
Kid-Friendly Activity: The little ones can help with mixing, and they’ll definitely enjoy decorating with sprinkles.
Bakery-Quality at Home: These donuts taste just as good (maybe better!) than what you’d buy at a specialty donut shop.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-purpose flour: The foundation of our donuts, providing structure while keeping them tender.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents work together to give the donuts their perfect rise.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: The star ingredient that delivers deep chocolate flavor – use Dutch-processed for a richer taste if available.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create that tender crumb we’re looking for.
Egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness to the donuts.
Plain yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess that complements the chocolate beautifully. Greek yogurt works too!
Canola oil: Keeps the donuts moist and tender even after they’ve cooled.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
Chocolate chips: For that irresistible glaze – semi-sweet works best, but you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter finish.
Butter: Adds richness and shine to the glaze.
Milk: Helps thin the glaze to the perfect consistency.
Sprinkles: Because sprinkles make everything more fun! Choose chocolate or colorful ones.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make these chocolate donuts your own with these delicious twists:

Peanut Butter Lover’s: Swirl some peanut butter into the glaze for a chocolate-peanut butter combo.
Orange Chocolate: Add orange zest to the batter and a drop of orange extract to the glaze for a sophisticated flavor profile.
Mocha Donuts: Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for coffee-enhanced chocolate flavor.
Mint Chocolate: Add ¼ teaspoon of mint extract to the glaze and top with crushed mint candies instead of sprinkles.
Nutty Delight: Top with chopped toasted hazelnuts or almonds for added crunch and flavor.

How to Make Chocolate Donuts

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously spray a donut tin with nonstick baking spray. Having everything ready before you start makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, salt, and sugar until well combined. Make sure to break up any cocoa powder lumps for a smooth batter.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, mix the egg, yogurt, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated. The yogurt gives these donuts their incredibly moist texture.

Step 4: Create Your Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. This is crucial – stop mixing as soon as you don’t see any dry flour. Overmixing leads to tough donuts!

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter into your prepared donut tin. You can use a spoon, but for neater results, put the batter in a piping bag (or ziplock bag with the corner snipped off) and pipe it into each well. Fill each cavity about ¾ full – they’ll rise as they bake.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The donuts should spring back lightly when touched. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze

While the donuts cool, make your glaze. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips, butter, milk, and vanilla in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smoothly melted and glossy.

Step 8: Glaze and Decorate

Dip the top of each cooled donut into the warm glaze, letting excess drip off. Immediately sprinkle with chocolate sprinkles before the glaze sets. Place on a rack to set completely.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Let the egg and yogurt come to room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to keep donuts tender – a few small lumps are better than overmixed batter.
Test for Doneness Early: Check at the 8-minute mark since ovens vary. Donuts bake quickly, and overbaking makes them dry.
Glaze While Warm: The glaze spreads more smoothly when the donuts are still slightly warm, but not hot.
Double Dip: For an extra decadent treat, let the first layer of glaze set for a few minutes, then dip again for a thicker chocolate coating.

How to Serve

These chocolate donuts shine as both a special breakfast treat or delightful dessert. Here are some serving suggestions:

Breakfast Pairings

Serve with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or cappuccino for the perfect morning indulgence. Add some fresh berries on the side for a touch of freshness.

Dessert Ideas

Transform these donuts into a fancy dessert by warming them slightly and serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce takes them to another level!

Special Occasions

Stack them on a tiered plate for birthdays or brunch gatherings – they make for an impressive display that everyone will gravitate toward.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your chocolate donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 4 days, though the texture is best within the first 48 hours.

Freezing

These donuts freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked taste, microwave frozen or refrigerated donuts for 10-15 seconds. If you have time, let frozen donuts thaw at room temperature for about an hour before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes! While a donut pan gives you that classic shape, you can use a muffin tin for “donut holes.” Fill each cup about halfway and reduce baking time by 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, you can make a foil cylinder in the center of each muffin cup to create the donut hole.
Can I use sour cream instead of yogurt?

Absolutely! Sour cream works perfectly as a 1:1 substitute for yogurt in this recipe, providing the same moisture and similar tanginess. You could even use Greek yogurt for extra protein.
Why did my donuts come out dry?

Dry donuts usually result from overbaking or overmixing the batter. Remember to mix just until combined and check for doneness early. Also, measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the container.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?

For best results, bake the batter right after mixing. The leavening agents activate when wet, and letting the batter sit too long can result in flat donuts. However, you can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and combine with wet ingredients just before baking.

Final Thoughts

These chocolate donuts bring bakery quality right to your kitchen with minimal effort. The deep chocolate flavor, tender crumb, and glossy glaze make them irresistible for any chocolate lover. Whether you’re making them for a weekend treat, special breakfast, or satisfying a late-night chocolate craving, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. The best part? You can have them ready in just over half an hour! So grab your donut pan and prepare for chocolate bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds.