Name: Easy Chocolate Baked Donuts - Deliciously Moist Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Yield: 12 donuts
Ingredients: ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup white granulated sugar; ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup milk; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; ½ tablespoon white vinegar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup butter; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 tablespoon light corn syrup; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips; ¾ cup powdered sugar

Chocolate Baked Donuts are more than just a breakfast treat; they’re a delightful hug in edible form, a little bite of pure joy that can transform any morning into a celebration. We all crave that perfect balance of rich cocoa flavor and tender, moist crum extractb, and achieving it in a baked donut is a special kind of magic. Unlike their fried counterparts, these baked beauties offer a lighter indulgence, making them feel like a guilt-free pleasure you can enjoy more often. What truly sets them apart is the incredible versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is designed to be accessible and rewarding, yielding donuts that are consistently delicious and beautifully presented. Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to recipe for the ultimate Chocolate Baked Donuts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another donut recipe; it’s your ticket to homemade perfection. The secret lies in a few key techniques that ensure a tender interior and a beautifully domed top, making every bite an experience. We’ve honed this recipe to minimize fuss and maximize flavor, so you can achieve bakery-quality Chocolate Baked Donuts right in your own kitchen. Imagin extracte the aroma filling your home as these bake – it’s an irresistible invitation to indulge in something truly special.

Ingredients:

¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup white granulated sugar
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or olive oil are great options)
½ tablespoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup butter
2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
¾ cup powdered sugar

For the Chocolate Baked Donuts

Dry Ingredients Preparation

First, let’s get all our dry ingredients ready. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of white granulated sugar, ⅓ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. It’s really important to whisk these thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This prevents pockets of baking soda or salt, which can affect the texture and flavor of your donuts. Make sure there are no lumps of cocoa powder; breaking those up now will give you a smoother batter.

Wet Ingredients Combination

Now, let’s work on the wet ingredients. In a separate, larger mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of your chosen vegetable oil (canola or olive oil are fantastic choices for a neutral flavor and good moisture), ½ tablespoon of vinegar (white or apple cider will work equally well to react with the baking soda and create lift), and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk these together until they are well combined. The vinegar might sound a little unusual, but it’s a crucial ingredient for activating the baking soda, leading to beautifully risen, fluffy donuts.

Combining Wet and Dry

Next, it’s time to bring our wet and dry ingredients together. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything gently with a whisk or a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter at this stage. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough donuts. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine. The batter should be smooth but not completely uniform.

Baking the Donuts

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your donut pans. If you don’t have donut pans, you can use muffin tins, though the shape will be different. Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut cavities, filling each about two-thirds of the way full. Avoid overfilling, as the donuts will puff up during baking. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes. Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pans for about 5-10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process is essential before glazing.

For the Chocolate Glaze

Melting the Chocolate and Butter

While your donuts are cooling, let’s prepare the luscious chocolate glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the ¼ cup of butter, 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk, and 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup. Stir gently until the butter has completely melted and the mixture is smooth. This creates a wonderful base for our glaze, ensuring it’s rich and glossy.

Incorporating Chocolate and Vanilla

Once the butter mixture is melted and smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the 2 ounces of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the warm liquid. Let them sit for about a minute to begin extract melting, then stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the glaze is smooth and glossy. Stir in the remaining ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. The corn syrup helps to give the glaze a beautiful sheen and prevents it from hardening too much, keeping it delightfully dippable.

Glazing the Donuts

Once the donuts have cooled completely, it’s time to glaze them. Dip the top of each cooled donut into the chocolate glaze, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. You can also use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over the tops if you prefer a lighter coating or a more artistic look. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle the wet glaze with some extra chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles if you like. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack with a parchment paper underneath to catch any drips. Let the glaze set for about 15-30 minutes before serving.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your very own batch of delicious, homemade Chocolate Baked Donuts! We’ve walked through each simple step, from mixing the batter to achieving that perfect, fluffy texture. The aroma that fills your kitchen while these bake is truly irresistible, and the taste is even better. These donuts are a fantastic treat for any occasion, whether it’s a weekend brunch, a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, or even a thoughtful homemade gift. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and glazes!

For serving, these Chocolate Baked Donuts are wonderful on their own, or you can elevate them with a dusting of powdered sugar, a rich chocolate glaze, or even some sprinkles. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to variations! Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for a warm spice note, or perhaps some mini chocolate chips for an extra burst of chocolatey goodness. You could also experiment with different extracts, like a hint of peppermint for a festive twist.

We truly hope you enjoy making and devouring these Chocolate Baked Donuts. Baking should be fun, so don’t stress if they aren’t perfectly shaped – they’ll taste amazing regardless! Embrace the joy of creating something sweet and delicious from scratch. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! Chocolate Baked Donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to a month. It’s best to let them come to room temperature before enjoying if frozen.

What kind of pan is best for baking donuts?

A dedicated donut pan is highly recommended for achieving the classic donut shape. However, if you don’t have one, you can try using a muffin tin. Fill the muffin cups about two-thirds full with batter.

Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour yields the best results, you can experiment with other flours like whole wheat or gluten-free blends. You may need to adjust the liquid content slightly for different flour types.