These Chocolate Glazed Donuts are rich, soft, and perfectly chocolatey with a glossy cocoa glaze that melts in every bite. If you love bakery-style donuts made easily at home, this Chocolate Glazed Donuts recipe is the perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and fluffy baked chocolate donuts
- Deep chocolate flavor from Dutch-process cocoa
- Easy homemade donut recipe with simple ingredients
- Family-friendly and perfect for parties
- Rich chocolate glaze that sets beautifully
- Faster and lighter than fried donuts
Ingredients
Chocolate Donuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup Dutch-process unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- Pinch nutmeg
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons neutral oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
- Chocolate sprinkles or preferred toppings
Chocolate Glaze
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 ½ tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted
- 4 to 5 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon corn syrup (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease two 6-count donut pans or one 12-count donut pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the oil and melted butter to the wet mixture and whisk again.
- Pour in the milk and whisk until incorporated.
- Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and whisk until smooth and combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Transfer the batter into a large zip-top bag and snip off one corner.
- Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pans, filling each cavity nearly full.
- Bake the Chocolate Glazed Donuts for 10 to 10½ minutes or until baked through.
- Let the donuts cool in the pans for 3 to 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, vanilla extract, and corn syrup until glossy and smooth.
- Dip each cooled donut into the chocolate glaze, allowing excess glaze to drip off.
- Add chocolate sprinkles or toppings while the glaze is still wet.
- Allow the glaze to fully set before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Sift the cocoa powder and powdered sugar for the smoothest glaze.
- Do not overmix the batter or the donuts may become dense.
- Use room-temperature milk and eggs for a smoother batter.
- Add espresso powder for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Store glazed donuts uncovered for a few minutes so the glaze sets properly.
- Swap whole milk with buttermilk for a slightly tangy richness.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian
Notes
- These homemade chocolate donuts are best enjoyed fresh.
- Add crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or mini chocolate chips for extra texture.
- You can make the donuts ahead and glaze them the next day.
- For a richer finish, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the glaze.
Nutrition
Approximate per donut:
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fat: 11g
- Sugar: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQ
Are these Chocolate Glazed Donuts baked or fried?
These donuts are baked, making them easier and lighter than traditional fried donuts.
Can I freeze chocolate donuts?
Yes. Freeze the donuts without glaze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
What type of cocoa powder works best?
Dutch-process cocoa powder gives the richest chocolate flavor and darker color.
Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
You can use a muffin pan instead, though the shape will differ.
How do I keep the glaze shiny?
Corn syrup helps create a glossy finish, but the glaze still tastes delicious without it.
Can I add fillings to these donuts?
Yes. You can pipe chocolate cream, custard, or whipped ganache into the cooled donuts.
Storage
- Store Chocolate Glazed Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days for longer freshness.
- Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months.
- Reheat briefly in the microwave for a soft texture.
Similar Recipes
Chocolate Glazed Donuts Recipe
Soft and rich Chocolate Glazed Donuts made with cocoa powder and baked until fluffy.Finished with a smooth chocolate glaze for bakery-style flavor.Easy homemade donut recipe ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Chocolate Donuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup Dutch-process unsweetened cocoa powder sifted
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- Pinch nutmeg
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons neutral oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup whole milk room temperature
- Chocolate sprinkles or preferred toppings
Chocolate Glaze
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar sifted
- 3 ½ tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder sifted
- 4 to 5 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon corn syrup optional
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease two 6-count donut pans or one 12-count donut pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the oil and melted butter to the wet mixture and whisk again.
- Pour in the milk and whisk until incorporated.
- Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and whisk until smooth and combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Transfer the batter into a large zip-top bag and snip off one corner.
- Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pans, filling each cavity nearly full.
- Bake the Chocolate Glazed Donuts for 10 to 10½ minutes or until baked through.
- Let the donuts cool in the pans for 3 to 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, vanilla extract, and corn syrup until glossy and smooth.
- Dip each cooled donut into the chocolate glaze, allowing excess glaze to drip off.
- Add chocolate sprinkles or toppings while the glaze is still wet.
- Allow the glaze to fully set before serving.
Notes
- These homemade chocolate donuts are best enjoyed fresh.
- Add crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or mini chocolate chips for extra texture.
- You can make the donuts ahead and glaze them the next day.
- For a richer finish, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the glaze.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Glazed Donuts are soft, rich, and packed with deep cocoa flavor in every bite. The glossy chocolate glaze makes them feel bakery-worthy while still being simple enough for a homemade dessert. Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this easy baked donut recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.