As the aroma of freshly baked goods wafts through my kitchen, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. Growing up, weekends were reserved for cozy breakfasts filled with laughter, family, and, of course, donuts. My mom would whip up sweet delights, but the highlight was always her warm, chocolate-glazed treats. The tradition inspired me to create my own version: baked chocolate glazed donuts. Unlike those fried varieties that often leave you feeling heavy, these baked donuts are fluffy, decadent, and surprisingly guilt-free.
What makes this recipe special? It’s a blend of simple ingredients that come together in harmony to create a treat that’s both delightful and comforting. In each bite, you’ll experience a rich chocolate flavor, complemented by a creamy glaze that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s easier and quicker to make than you think—a perfect excuse to gather family around the kitchen.
By the end of this post, you’ll learn how to create these delightful donuts from scratch, how to customize them to suit various tastes, and how they’ll become a cherished addition to your own family traditions. Trust me; once you dive into these baked chocolate glazed donuts, you may never reach for a store-bought option again!
What Are Baked Chocolate Glazed Donuts?
Baked chocolate glazed donuts hail from a delightful mix of classic donut recipes but with a twist—no frying involved! Originating as a healthier take on the beloved breakfast treat, they’re made with simple ingredients that provide a satisfying texture without the extra grease. Picture soft, fluffy donuts that melt in your mouth while delivering the rich chocolate experience we all crave.
The unique combination of cocoa powder gives them a deep, rich flavor, and the glossy glaze creates a stunning finish that elevates them to gourmet status, all while being straightforward to make at home. These donuts are perfect for brunches, special occasions, or simply a Sunday morning treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Healthier Alternative
Unlike traditional fried donuts that can leave you with a heavy feeling, these baked chocolate glazed donuts offer a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. You’ll feel great indulging in them!
2. Cost-Effective
Making your own treats at home is always more economical than buying from a bakery. You can prepare a whole batch for a fraction of the cost, saving your wallet while satisfying your sweet tooth.
3. Customization at Its Finest
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Want to switch things up? You can add spices like cinnamon, throws in nuts, or even swap out chocolate for vanilla. The possibilities are endless!
4. Beginner-Friendly
With only 9 ingredients and a simple process, this recipe is approachable for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, it takes about 30 minutes from start to finish!
5. Perfect for Sharing
These donuts are not only delicious; they’re visually stunning, too! Perfect for family gatherings, brunches, or as a treat for coworkers, you’ll impress your friends and loved ones with your baking prowess.
Ingredients
To create these luscious baked chocolate glazed donuts, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 Tasse Allzweckmehl (1 cup all-purpose flour) – Use a good-quality all-purpose flour for the best texture.
- 1/3 Tasse leicht brauner Zucker (1/3 cup light brown sugar) – Brown sugar adds lovely moisture and depth of flavor.
- 1/4 Tasse ungesüßtes Kakaopulver (1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder) – Opt for high-quality cocoa to ensure a rich chocolate flavor. Brands like Callebaut or Ghirardelli work wonderfully!
- 1 Teelöffel Backpulver (1 teaspoon baking powder)
- 1/4 Teelöffel Natron (1/4 teaspoon baking soda)
- 1/4 Teelöffel Salz (1/4 teaspoon salt)
- 1/2 Tasse Vollmilch oder Sahne (1/2 cup whole milk or cream) – Using cream will make your donuts richer.
- 1/4 Tasse Sauerrahm (1/4 cup sour cream) – This provides moisture and a slight tang.
- 1 großes Ei (1 large egg) – Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation.
- 2 Esslöffel Pflanzenöl, Rapsöl oder geschmolzene ungesalzene Butter (2 tablespoons vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted unsalted butter) – Oil will keep the donuts moist, while butter gives extra flavor.
- 2 Teelöffel Vanilleextrakt (2 teaspoons vanilla extract) – Don’t skimp on quality here; pure vanilla enhances the taste beautifully.
For the Glaze:
- 1 1/2 Tassen Puderzucker (1 1/2 cups powdered sugar) – Sift it to avoid lumps.
- 4 Esslöffel Milch (4 tablespoons milk) – Adjust based on how thick or thin you prefer your glaze.
Preparation Notes:
Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for the best results.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients: whisk together the milk, sour cream, egg, oil, and vanilla extract until thoroughly blended.
- Blend the Mixtures
- Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy.
- Fill the Donut Pan
- Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full with the batter. This will allow room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
- Bake
- Bake for 10-11 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Watch them closely to avoid over-baking!
- Cool
- Allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze
- While the donuts are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency to your liking by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker one.
- Glaze the Donuts
- Once cooled, dip the tops of the donuts into the glaze and set them back on the wire rack. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
Chef’s Tips:
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep your donuts tender.
- For a beautiful finish, consider adding sprinkles or shredded coconut on top of the glaze for added texture and color!
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overbaking can lead to dry donuts. I recommend checking them a minute or two earlier than the suggested time.
- Make sure your oven is properly calibrated for even baking. An oven thermometer can be a great investment!
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Storage Recommendations
- Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them to extend their freshness by a few days.
- Make-Ahead Instructions
- You can prepare the batter a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before filling the pan.
- Freeze for Later
- These donuts freeze well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for up to 2 months.
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
- If your donuts come out dense, it’s likely due to overmixing. Treat the batter gently to preserve its lightness.
- Boost Flavor
- Enhance the chocolate flavor by adding chocolate chips to the batter or utilizing different extracts like almond or coconut for a surprise twist.
Serving Suggestions
These baked chocolate glazed donuts are sensational on their own, but why not take it a step further? Serve them alongside a rich cup of coffee or a comforting cocoa. Presentation is key—arrange them on a fun cake stand for a lovely breakfast centerpiece or plate them up as a sweet treat for a gathering. They’re perfect for birthday celebrations, bridal showers, or any occasion crying out for a sweet indulgence!
Variations & Substitutions
- Seasonal Flavors: Embrace the changing seasons with additions like pumpkin spice for fall or peppermint for winter holidays.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend, ensuring it has xanthan gum for binding.
- Vegan Variation: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use non-dairy milk and yogurt.
Nutrition & Storage Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-11 minutes
- Total Time: Approx. 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Estimated Calories per Serving: About 180 calories
Storage Instructions:
Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the fridge for about 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before enjoying!
FAQ SECTION
- Can I use whole wheat flour in this recipe?
- Yes! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier texture.
- What should I do if the glaze is too thick?
- Simply add a teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
- Absolutely! Add about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolatey treat.
- How do I know when the donuts are done baking?
- A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Can I use another type of sugar?
- Yes, you can substitute with granulated sugar or coconut sugar, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
- What’s the best way to glaze the donuts?
- Dip the tops in the glaze and let excess drip off before placing them on a wire rack.
- My donuts didn’t rise; what happened?
- Check your baking powder and soda for freshness—they lose potency over time.
- Can I double the recipe?
- Definitely! If you’re hosting a crowd or just want to stock up, just double the ingredients.
- What’s the best way to reheat these donuts?
- Pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked feel!
- Are these donuts suitable for kids?
- For sure! They are a great treat for kids—just monitor for sweetness according to their taste.
Conclusion
Baked chocolate glazed donuts are not just a recipe; they’re a joyful creation that brings families together. The light, fluffy texture combined with a rich, indulgent chocolate glaze creates a treat too good to resist. I encourage you to try this recipe—it might just become a staple in your home, like it is in mine.
I’d love to hear about your experiences with this recipe and any tweaks you made! Don’t forget to check out my blog for more delicious and easy recipes that’ll keep your kitchen bustling. Happy baking!
Baked Chocolate Glazed Donuts
Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 1 cup 1 Tasse Allzweckmehl (all-purpose flour) Use a good-quality all-purpose flour for the best texture.
- 1/3 cup 1/3 Tasse leicht brauner Zucker (light brown sugar) Brown sugar adds lovely moisture and depth of flavor.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 Tasse ungesüßtes Kakaopulver (unsweetened cocoa powder) Opt for high-quality cocoa to ensure a rich chocolate flavor.
- 1 teaspoon 1 Teelöffel Backpulver (baking powder)
- 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 Teelöffel Natron (baking soda)
- 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 Teelöffel Salz (salt)
- 1/2 cup 1/2 Tasse Vollmilch oder Sahne (whole milk or cream) Using cream will make your donuts richer.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 Tasse Sauerrahm (sour cream) Provides moisture and a slight tang.
- 1 large 1 großes Ei (large egg) Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation.
- 2 tablespoons 2 Esslöffel Pflanzenöl, Rapsöl oder geschmolzene ungesalzene Butter (vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted unsalted butter) Oil keeps the donuts moist, while butter adds extra flavor.
- 2 teaspoons 2 Teelöffel Vanilleextrakt (vanilla extract) Use pure vanilla for the best taste.
For the Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 Tassen Puderzucker (powdered sugar) Sift to avoid lumps.
- 4 tablespoons 4 Esslöffel Milch (milk) Adjust based on desired thickness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine wet ingredients: whisk together the milk, sour cream, egg, oil, and vanilla extract until blended.
- Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
- Fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full with the batter.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- While cooling, whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth.
- Dip the tops of the cooled donuts in the glaze and let set before serving.