Baked Chocolate Glazed Donuts

There’s something undeniably delightful about a fresh batch of donuts, especially when they are chocolatey, glazed, and baked to perfection. These Baked Chocolate Glazed Donuts are not just a sweet treat; they are a comforting indulgence that can brighten your morning or sweeten your afternoon. With rich cocoa flavor and a smooth chocolate glaze, these donuts will make you feel like you’re indulging in a gourmet dessert straight from a café. Plus, they’re simple to make right in your kitchen!

Why This Recipe Is Reliable

This recipe for Baked Chocolate Glazed Donuts stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it uses everyday ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store. Secondly, baking rather than frying means you can enjoy a lighter version of this classic treat without sacrificing flavor. Lastly, the combination of cocoa powder and espresso powder enhances the chocolatey goodness, making these donuts rich and decadent. You can trust this recipe to deliver delicious results each time!

Ingredient Breakdown

To prepare these delightful donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base for your donuts, providing structure.
• ¾ cup granulated white sugar – Sweetens the batter and enhances the flavor.
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor.
• 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder – Intensifies the chocolate flavor.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the donuts rise for a fluffy texture.
• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• ¾ cup buttermilk – Adds moisture and a slight tang to the donuts.
• 2 large eggs – Provides structure and richness.
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted – Adds flavor and moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• ½ cup heavy cream – Used for a luscious glaze.
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – Creates a decadent chocolate glaze.
• Sprinkles (optional) – For a festive touch!

Prep & Cook Tools

Make sure you have the following tools ready to create your Baked Chocolate Glazed Donuts:

• Donut pan – Essential for shaping your donuts perfectly.
• Mixing bowls – For combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk – Helps to blend ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula – Useful for folding ingredients and transferring batter.
• Microwave or double boiler – For melting chocolate for the glaze.

Make Baked Chocolate Glazed Donuts: A Simple Method

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your Baked Chocolate Glazed Donuts:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your donuts will bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Donut Pan

Lightly grease your donut pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, and Kosher salt until well combined.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. You can also transfer the batter to a piping bag for easier filling.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool the Donuts

Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze

While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy cream until it’s just about to boil. Remove from heat, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips, and let sit for a minute. Stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 10: Glaze the Donuts

Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops in the chocolate glaze. You can also drizzle the glaze over the donuts for a more artistic look. If desired, add sprinkles on top for a festive touch.

Step 11: Enjoy!

Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Baked Chocolate Glazed Donuts with a cup of coffee or tea!

Holiday-Friendly Variations

These Baked Chocolate Glazed Donuts can be customized for any occasion. Here are a few fun ideas:

• Peppermint Chocolate Donuts: Add crushed peppermint candies on top of the glaze for a festive holiday treat.
• Nutty Chocolate Donuts: Mix chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture.
• Spiced Chocolate Donuts: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice into the batter for a seasonal twist.
• Fruit-Filled Donuts: Add a dollop of your favorite jam or fruit preserves in the center before baking for a surprise filling.

What Not to Do

To ensure your Baked Chocolate Glazed Donuts turn out perfectly, here are a few things to avoid:

• Don’t overmix the batter; this can create dense donuts.
• Avoid opening the oven door too early; it can cause the donuts to deflate.
• Do not skip greasing the donut pan, as this can lead to sticking.
• Don’t let the donuts cool completely before glazing; the glaze adheres better to warm donuts.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

If you happen to have leftovers (though we doubt they will last long!), here’s how to store them:

• Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• You can refrigerate them for up to a week if you prefer a cooler treat.
• For longer storage, freeze the unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and glaze as desired.

Ask & Learn

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. You may also want to add a bit more liquid to compensate.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can easily make your own buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup and then filling it with milk to the ¾ cup line. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I make these donuts without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes).

How can I make the glaze thinner or thicker?

To thin the glaze, add more heavy cream a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. To thicken, add more chocolate chips and reheat gently until melted.

If you enjoyed making Baked Chocolate Glazed Donuts, you’ll love these other sweet treats:

The Takeaway

Baked Chocolate Glazed Donuts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed any time of day. They’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and the result is a decadent dessert that satisfies any chocolate lover’s cravings. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a cozy weekend treat, these donuts are sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the luscious world of chocolate donuts. Happy baking!