Baked Chocolate Glazed Donuts

There’s something so satisfying about sinking your teeth into a freshly baked donut, especially when it’s chocolate-glazed. These Baked Chocolate Glazed Donuts are not only delicious but also quick and easy to make. They offer the perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor and a light, airy texture. Plus, baking instead of frying means you can enjoy these treats without the guilt. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why It’s My Go-To

Whenever I crave a sweet treat, these Baked Chocolate Glazed Donuts come to mind. They’re fluffy, decadent, and incredibly easy to whip up. The best part? You can customize them with your favorite toppings, making them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy Sunday morning or a festive gathering. Once you’ve made them, you’ll understand why they’ve become a staple in my kitchen.

The Essentials

To make these Baked Chocolate Glazed Donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated white sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Sprinkles (optional)

These ingredients combine to create a rich, chocolatey flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Equipment Breakdown

Before we start baking, let’s gather the necessary equipment:

• Donut Pan: Essential for shaping your donuts.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a large bowl for the dry ingredients and a separate bowl for the wet ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to baking success.
• Cooling Rack: Allows your donuts to cool evenly after baking.

Having the right tools on hand will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Build Baked Chocolate Glazed Donuts Step by Step

Let’s get started with the step-by-step process to create these delicious Baked Chocolate Glazed Donuts!

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

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

Step 2: Prepare the Donut Pan

Lightly grease your donut pan with non-stick spray or butter to prevent the donuts from sticking.

Step 3: Mix 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: Combine Wet Ingredients

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

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan

Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off, fill each donut cavity about ¾ full with the batter. This allows room for rising without overflowing.

Step 7: Bake the Donuts

Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool the Donuts

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before transferring the donuts to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 10: Glaze the Donuts

Dip the top of each cooled donut into the chocolate glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. If desired, sprinkle with colorful sprinkles for an extra touch of fun!

Customize for Your Needs

Donuts are versatile, and you can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste:

• Add chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
• Incorporate chocolate chunks for extra chocolatey goodness.
• Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate for a different flavor.
• Experiment with different flavor extracts, such as almond or peppermint.

The possibilities are endless, making these Baked Chocolate Glazed Donuts perfect for any palate.

Avoid These Traps

When making your donuts, keep in mind the following tips to avoid common pitfalls:

• Overmixing: Mixing too much can lead to dense donuts. Mix until just combined.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
• Not Cooling Completely: Glazing warm donuts can lead to a runny glaze. Allow them to cool completely.
• Skipping the Grease: Make sure to grease your donut pan to prevent sticking.

By being mindful of these traps, you’ll ensure your donuts turn out perfectly every time.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

If you have leftover donuts (which is rare!), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Place in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warm.

Storing your donuts properly will help maintain their delicious taste and texture.

Questions People Ask

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

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may result in denser donuts. You might want to use a blend of both for a lighter texture.

How do I know when the donuts are done baking?

The donuts are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. They should also spring back when lightly touched.

Can I make these donuts vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar, use flax eggs, and replace the butter with a vegan alternative to make them vegan-friendly.

What’s the best way to store the chocolate glaze?

You can store any leftover chocolate glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently before using.

One Pan, More Ideas

If you love these Baked Chocolate Glazed Donuts, you might also enjoy:

• Vanilla Bean Donuts
• Banana Bread Donuts
• Pumpkin Spice Donuts
• Gluten-Free Donuts

These links will take you to more delicious donut recipes that are sure to impress!

Ready, Set, Cook

Now that you have everything you need to create these delightful Baked Chocolate Glazed Donuts, it’s time to get cooking! Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and enjoy the sweet aroma of chocolate filling your kitchen. Whether you’re serving them for brunch or indulging in a sweet afternoon treat, these donuts are sure to be a hit. Happy baking!