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The BEST Baked Chocolate Donuts (Easy, Moist & So Delicious!) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 118 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 11 donuts 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Baked Chocolate Donuts are incredibly moist, easy to make, and packed with rich chocolate flavor. Perfectly baked and topped with a luscious chocolate glaze, they make a delicious treat for any occasion without the need for frying.


Ingredients

Scale

Batter

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour sifted (281g)
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar (150g)
  • 5 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (26g)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (3 ounces)
  • 2 Tablespoons salted butter melted
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk (180ml)
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Non-stick spray

Glaze

  • 1 1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips (8 ounces)
  • 2 Tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar (180g)
  • 34 Tablespoons warm milk heated in the microwave for 2030 seconds
  • Optional: sprinkles, chopped nuts, coconut, mini chocolate chips, or other toppings

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Donut Molds: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray the donut molds generously with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sifted all-purpose flour, brown sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until these ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
  3. Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips together with the salted butter in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted. Take care not to burn the chocolate.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: To the melted chocolate and butter mixture, add the buttermilk, lightly beaten eggs, and pure vanilla extract. Stir well to combine all wet ingredients.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the batter light and tender.
  6. Fill Donut Molds: Using a piping bag for precision, fill each cavity of the donut pan about two-thirds full to prevent overflow during baking.
  7. Bake the Donuts: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the donuts spring back to the touch, indicating they are done.
  8. Cool Donuts: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing them. Let them cool completely on a wire rack to ensure the glaze sticks properly.
  9. Prepare the Chocolate Glaze: Melt the semisweet chocolate chips and salted butter in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring frequently until smooth and fully melted.
  10. Mix Glaze Ingredients: Whisk the powdered sugar into the melted chocolate mixture. Gradually add warm milk, 3 to 4 tablespoons, to achieve a thick but pourable consistency—thick enough to coat but not drip excessively.
  11. Glaze the Donuts: Place the glaze into a piping bag and pipe or spread the glaze onto each cooled donut. Immediately add optional toppings like sprinkles, chopped nuts, or mini chocolate chips before the glaze sets.
  12. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes, then enjoy your moist, delicious baked chocolate donuts.

Notes

  • Storage: Store the donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: Donuts can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
  • Glaze Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the chocolate glaze by adding extra milk to thin it out or more powdered sugar to thicken it as desired.
  • Yield: This recipe makes approximately 11 thick donuts; you can make 12 smaller donuts if preferred.
  • Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with milk to make 1 cup and let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle before using as a substitute.