Decadent Chocolate Baked Donuts – Soft, Moist & Easy Recipe
Chocolate has an uncanny ability to transform any ordinary moment into something extraordinary, and decadent chocolate baked donuts are no exception. Rich, moist, and intensely chocolatey, these donuts combine the indulgence of a dessert with the comforting familiarity of a classic baked treat. Baking them instead of frying ensures a lighter texture while preserving the soft, tender crumb that makes every bite satisfying.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, these donuts are ideal for anyone who craves a little chocolate without the guilt of deep-fried dough. Infused with cocoa and topped with a velvety glaze or dusted with powdered sugar, they deliver a bakery-quality experience straight from your oven. Whether you’re making them for a weekend treat, a holiday gathering, or a cozy afternoon pick-me-up, these chocolate donuts bring warmth, flavor, and a touch of indulgence to any table.
Ingredients Needed
The following ingredients yield 10–12 baked chocolate donuts. Approximate calorie counts are included per ingredient.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 ¾ cups | 800 |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | ¼ cup | 50 |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp | 5 |
| Baking soda | ¼ tsp | 0 |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | 0 |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup | 580 |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | ¼ cup | 400 |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 |
| Milk | ½ cup | 40 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 |
| Greek yogurt or sour cream | ½ cup | 120 |
| Chocolate chips (optional) | ½ cup | 400 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with nonstick spray or butter.
- Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until evenly mixed.
- Mix wet ingredients in another bowl: sugar, melted butter, eggs, milk, yogurt, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Fold wet and dry ingredients together gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.
- Add chocolate chips if using and fold in lightly.
- Fill the donut pan about ¾ full using a spoon or piping bag.
- Bake for 14–18 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and tops spring back lightly when touched.
- Cool slightly in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate glaze before serving.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Double Chocolate: Fold in extra chocolate chips or mini chunks for a more indulgent experience.
- Mocha Flavor: Add 1 tsp instant coffee granules to the wet ingredients for a subtle coffee-chocolate combination.
- Glaze Options: Top with powdered sugar, chocolate ganache, or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Healthier Version: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour and reduce sugar to ½ cup.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk and dairy-free yogurt.
Nutritional Information (Per Donut – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 215–260 |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve decadent chocolate baked donuts warm with a cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or milk. They pair beautifully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Arrange them on a brunch platter with fruit and yogurt, or enjoy them straight from the oven for a cozy homemade treat. Store cooled donuts in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze individually for up to two months.
Decadent Chocolate Baked Donuts
10–12 donuts
servings10
minutes14
minutes300
kcalIngredients
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
½ cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix sugar, melted butter, eggs, yogurt, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gently fold wet and dry ingredients together until just combined.
- Add chocolate chips if using and fold lightly.
- Fill donut pan cavities about ¾ full.
- Bake for 14–18 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean and tops spring back lightly.
- Cool slightly, remove from pan, and optionally dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate glaze.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the donuts dense instead of light and fluffy. Fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet.
Use yogurt or sour cream: This keeps the donuts moist and tender.
Chocolate chips tip: Toss chocolate chips lightly in flour before adding to the batter to prevent them from sinking.
FAQs
1. Can I use cocoa powder without Dutch processing?
Yes! Unsweetened cocoa powder works well. Dutch-processed cocoa can be used too, but it may slightly alter the flavor and rise of the donuts.
2. Can I use frozen chocolate chips?
Absolutely. Toss them lightly in flour before adding to the batter to prevent sinking to the bottom of the donuts.
3. How do I keep the donuts soft and moist?
Using yogurt or sour cream in the batter helps keep the donuts tender. Also, avoid overmixing the batter and overbaking.
4. Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to five days.
5. Can I freeze baked chocolate donuts?
Yes. Wrap each donut individually and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Rich, moist, and delightfully chocolatey, decadent chocolate baked donuts prove that indulgence doesn’t have to come from deep frying. With simple ingredients, easy baking steps, and endless customization options, this recipe brings bakery-quality flavor straight to your kitchen. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, these donuts are sure to become a favorite in any home. A bite of these chocolatey delights guarantees warmth, comfort, and a little slice of happiness in every bite.
