If you love soft, chocolatey donuts with a glossy, melt-in-your-mouth glaze, you’re in for a treat! These homemade chocolate glazed donuts are ridiculously easy to make—no deep fryer needed! Just a simple batter, a quick bake, and a luscious chocolate glaze that takes them over the top. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one! 😍
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you need more reasons to whip up a batch of these beauties, here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
✔️ No deep-frying needed! These donuts are baked, making them easier and less messy to prepare.
✔️ Soft, fluffy texture that stays moist and tender thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients.
✔️ A rich chocolate glaze that’s smooth, shiny, and absolutely irresistible.
✔️ Quick and easy to make—from mixing to baking, you’ll have fresh donuts in under 30 minutes!
✔️ Customizable toppings—sprinkles, nuts, shredded coconut, or even a drizzle of white chocolate.
✔️ Kid-friendly and fun to make! Get the whole family involved in dipping and decorating.
Ingredients for Chocolate Glazed Donuts
Here’s what you’ll need to make these bakery-style chocolate glazed donuts at home. No fancy ingredients—just simple pantry staples that come together like magic! ✨🍩
For the Donuts:
- All-Purpose Flour – The base for a soft, fluffy texture.
- Cocoa Powder – Adds deep, rich chocolate flavor. Use high-quality cocoa for the best taste! 🍫
- Sugar – A touch of sweetness to balance the chocolatey goodness.
- Baking Powder – Helps the donuts rise and get that perfect light, airy texture.
- Salt – Enhances the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Butter – Adds moisture and richness. Melted for easy mixing!
- Eggs – Bind everything together and keep the donuts soft.
- Milk – Keeps the batter smooth and helps create that tender crumb.
- Vanilla Extract – A must-have for enhancing the chocolate flavor!
For the Glossy Chocolate Glaze:
- Powdered Sugar – The key to a silky-smooth glaze.
- Cocoa Powder – More chocolate? Yes, please!
- Milk – Helps achieve the perfect consistency for dipping.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds depth to the glaze.
- Butter – For a glossy, bakery-style finish!
💡 Note: Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card at the end of the article!
How to Make Chocolate Glazed Donuts
Get ready for some chocolatey goodness! 🍩 This recipe is super simple, and you’ll have warm, bakery-style donuts in no time. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a donut pan or use a silicone one for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Donut Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Slowly combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed. (Don’t overmix, or your donuts won’t be as fluffy! 😉)
Step 3: Fill the Donut Pan
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut molds, filling them about 2/3 full (they will rise!).
- Smooth the tops for even baking.
Step 4: Bake!
- Pop them into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until they’re set and spring back when touched.
- Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Chocolate Glaze
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in melted butter to give it that glossy, bakery-style finish. 😍
Step 6: Dip & Glaze
- Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the glaze.
- Place them back on the rack and let the glaze set for a few minutes. (Or, if you’re impatient like me, dig in right away!
Pro Tips for Making the Best Chocolate Glazed Donuts
Want to take your homemade donuts to the next level? Here are some pro tips to make them extra soft, chocolatey, and absolutely irresistible! 🍩✨
1️⃣ Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing leads to dense, tough donuts (and we want them light and fluffy!). Stir the ingredients just until combined—a few lumps are totally fine!
2️⃣ Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder
The better the cocoa, the richer the chocolate flavor! Go for Dutch-process cocoa if you want deep, intense chocolatey goodness. 🍫
3️⃣ Fill the Donut Pan the Right Way
- Too much batter? Your donuts will puff up and lose their hole.
- Too little? They’ll come out flat.
- Sweet spot? Fill the molds about ⅔ full for the perfect donut shape!
4️⃣ Let Them Cool Before Glazing
I know it’s tempting, but don’t rush the glazing! If the donuts are warm, the glaze will melt right off. Let them cool completely for a thick, glossy finish.
5️⃣ Double Dip for Extra Chocolatey Bliss
Want even more chocolate? After the first glaze layer sets, dip them again for a double chocolate dream!
How to Serve Chocolate Glazed Donuts
You’ve got warm, fluffy donuts dripping with glossy chocolate glaze—now, let’s make them even better! 🍩✨
☕ Pair Them with a Drink
These donuts are absolute perfection with:
- Hot coffee or espresso – The slight bitterness balances the sweetness! ☕
- Cold milk – Because nothing beats the classic milk & chocolate combo. 🥛
- Hot chocolate – Double the chocolate? Always a good idea. 🍫
- Vanilla or caramel latte – A fancy café-style pairing at home!
🍫 Add Toppings for Extra Fun
Make your donuts even more exciting with these toppings:
- Sprinkles – Because who doesn’t love a little color? 🌈
- Crushed nuts – Adds a nice crunch! 🥜
- Toasted coconut – A tropical twist! 🥥
- White chocolate drizzle – For a stunning, bakery-style look! 😍
- Mini chocolate chips – Because more chocolate = more happiness.
🍨 Turn Them into a Dessert
- Ice Cream Sandwich: Slice a donut in half and stuff it with vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Heavenly! 🍦
- Drizzle with Caramel or Nutella: Warm them up and add a drizzle for next-level indulgence. 🤤
- Make a Donut Sundae: Chop them up and layer with whipped cream, ice cream, and hot fudge.
Make Ahead & Storage: Keep Your Donuts Fresh!
So, you’ve made a batch of delicious chocolate glazed donuts—but what if you want to store some for later? No worries! Here’s how to keep them soft, fresh, and just as delicious the next day (or even weeks later!). 🍩✨
🥶 Storing Leftovers
- At Room Temperature: Keep donuts in an airtight container at room temp for 1-2 days. (They stay best when stored in a single layer!)
- In the Fridge: Store them in a sealed container for up to 4 days. The glaze might harden slightly, but a quick warm-up brings them back to life!
❄️ Freezing for Later
Want to save some for later? You totally can! Here’s how:
- Place the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container.
- Store for up to 2 months!
💡 Pro Tip: Freeze them without the glaze, then dip them fresh after reheating for that just-made taste!
🔥 How to Reheat Donuts
- Microwave: Heat for 8-10 seconds for a warm, soft donut. (Careful—too long, and they get tough!)
- Oven: Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to refresh that just-baked texture.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 320°F (160°C) for 2-3 minutes for the best results!
FAQs: Chocolate Glazed Donuts
1️⃣ Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Yes! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can:
- Use a muffin tin: Fill the cups halfway, and they’ll turn into donut muffins!
- Pipe rings onto a baking sheet: The shape won’t be perfect, but they’ll still taste amazing!
- Make mini donuts: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats!
2️⃣ Can I use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
You can, but the texture will change! Cocoa powder helps keep the donuts light and fluffy, while melted chocolate makes them denser. If you want to try it, swap some of the butter for melted dark chocolate and reduce the sugar slightly.
3️⃣ How do I make these donuts gluten-free?
Easy! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that contains xanthan gum for the best texture. You won’t even notice the difference!
4️⃣ Can I air-fry these donuts instead of baking?
Yes! Air-fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes until they’re cooked through. They’ll come out extra soft and fluffy with a slightly crisp edge—so good! 🍩🔥
5️⃣ Can I make these donuts without eggs?
Yes! You can replace the eggs with unsweetened applesauce (¼ cup per egg) or a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg). This will keep the donuts soft and moist without affecting the texture too much.
6️⃣ Why is my chocolate glaze too thin or too thick?
If your glaze is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until it thickens. If it’s too thick, stir in a teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach the perfect dipping consistency.
7️⃣ How do I keep my donuts soft for longer?
To keep them fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate or freeze them and reheat for the best texture.
If you love indulgent homemade treats, you’ll definitely want to try more delicious recipes! Check out this Barbecue Chicken Nuggets Recipe for a crispy, flavor-packed snack that pairs perfectly with these donuts!
Final Thoughts: Time to Bake!
You’re now fully equipped to make the BEST chocolate glazed donuts at home! Soft, fluffy, baked—not fried—and coated in a rich, glossy chocolate glaze, these donuts are a total game-changer. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, dessert, or just because you’re craving something chocolatey, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot. 🍩✨
So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s get baking! And don’t forget to double-dip that glaze—because more chocolate is always a good idea. 😍
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Chocolate Glazed Donut Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade chocolate glazed donuts are soft, fluffy, and covered in a rich, glossy chocolate glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they are easy to make and taste just like bakery-style donuts!
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in the melted butter.
2. Roll and Cut:
Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or a round cutter to cut out donut shapes.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a large pot or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop in the donuts, frying in batches. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side or until golden brown.
4. Drain the Donuts:
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried donuts to a wire rack lined with paper towels. Allow them to cool slightly.
5. Make the Chocolate Glaze:
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Glaze the Donuts:
Dip the slightly warm donuts into the chocolate glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place them back on the wire rack to set.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a pinch of espresso powder to the chocolate glaze.
- If you prefer baked donuts, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes instead of frying.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: chocolate glazed donuts, homemade donuts, fried donuts, bakery-style donuts, chocolate frosting