Chocolate/ Dessert/ easy/ few ingredients/ Muffins & Quick Breads/ no mixer/ quick

Baked Chocolate Donuts

May 27, 2022

Moist and fluffy chocolate glazed donuts that are baked, not fried. They’re glazed with a thick chocolate glaze and are perfect for any chocoholic craving something extra indulgent!

chocolate donuts

Donuts are one of my favorite desserts. Baked apple cider donuts in the fall and jelly donuts during Hanukkah time are always a treat! I love the shape and the colorful sprinkles or creamy glaze that covers the top. These chocolate glazed donuts are baked instead of fried, giving them a moist, cake-like texture.

chocolate donuts

Types of chocolate in the donuts

As a chocolate lover, anything that has chocolate two different ways is guaranteed to cure my chocolate cravings. There are two kinds of chocolate in this chocolate donut recipe: cocoa powder for the batter, and bittersweet chocolate for the glaze. Combined, these chocolate glazed donuts have a light yet moist crumb and a rich, smooth chocolate glazed top. Paired with a glass of milk, these can be a sweet breakfast treat or a nice afternoon snack. Both kids and adults love them!

chocolate donuts

What do I do if I don’t have a donut pan?

I love using a donut pan for this recipe because it just makes life easier. Donut pans are similar to muffin pans but have a hole in the middle to give you that fun donut shape. Most pans only have 6 molds in them so I recommend buying two pans. Be sure to grease the pan well as the batter can easily stick to the pan.

However, if you don’t have a donut pan you can make your own. Here’s what you’ll need:

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Muffin pan
  • Tin foil
  • Cooking spray

Here’s how to make your own DIY donut pan:

  1. Spray your muffin tin with cooking spray.
  2. Take a square of tin foil, about 5x5in works well, and roll it into a thick cylinder the size you want the hole of your donut to be.
  3. Next, stand the tin cylinder upright in the middle of each muffin tin, pressing it down flat so it stands up straight.
  4. This will allow you to pipe the donut batter around the tin cylinder in the muffin pan so each donut bakes with a hole in the middle.

How to make chocolate donuts

  1. Combine the dry ingredients. Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
  2. Mix together the wet ingredients, including the sugar. In a medium bowl whisk the egg and sugar until well combined. Add milk, yogurt, melted butter and vanilla extract, and whisk together well.
  3. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together. Pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and mix just until just combined. Note that the batter will be thick.
  4. Fill your pan. Fill donut cavities with batter ¾ way full using a spoon or a piping bag (it’s much easier with a piping bag).
  5. Bake. Bake for 9–10 minutes at 350°F/180° or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the donuts comes out clean. Allow to cool for 5 minutes in pan, then remove donuts from pan and transfer to a wire rack. Allow to cool completely before glazing.

Tip: If you don’t have a piping bag, you can place the batter in a large Ziploc bag and snip the corner. Then, squeeze the batter slowly into your donut pan.

chocolate donuts

The final step: chocolate glaze

No donut is complete without a frosted top! These chocolate frosted donuts get covered in a rich chocolate glaze made with bittersweet chocolate and butter. You can simply melt the ingredients, in intervals, in a microwave or use a double boiler. Be careful not to heat the chocolate too much.

To glaze the donuts:

  1. Dip the top of each donut into the chocolate glaze and place on a cooling rack to set.
  2. Shake some sprinkles on top for a colorful finish, if you like.

Since these donuts are baked, they’re best enjoyed the same day or can be kept for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Any longer and the donuts lose their moist texture, but trust me, they won’t last longer than a day on your kitchen counter.

Tips for making chocolate glazed donuts

  • Don’t over mix the batter. This can cause the donuts to be tough and dense. To avoid this, simply mix together all the ingredients until they are combined.
  • You can make a makeshift piping bag if you don’t one. If you don’t have a piping bag for depositing the batter into your donut pan, you can place the batter in a large Ziploc bag and snip the corner. Then, squeeze the batter slowly into your donut pan.
  • Use a good quality chocolate for the glaze. While any chocolate will work, I prefer using a better quality chocolate because the better the quality, the better it tastes! 🙂
chocolate donuts

More donut recipes:

5 from 33 votes
chocolate donuts
Chocolate Donuts
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
YIELD: 8 donuts
 

These soft and tender chocolate donuts have the texture of soft cake and are topped with a rich chocolate glaze.


Ingredients
Chocolate Donuts
  • 1 cup (140g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) milk
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Chocolate Glaze
  • 1/2 cup (85g) semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate chips
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F/180°. Grease a donut pan* with oil or butter. Set aside.

  2. Make the donuts: Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.

  3. In a medium bowl whisk egg with sugar until well combined. Add milk, yogurt, melted butter and vanilla extract, and whisk until combined. Pour into the flour mixture and mix until just combined. The batter will be thick.

  4. Fill donut cavities with batter ¾ way full using a spoon or a piping bag (it's much easier with a piping bag)**. Cut a corner off the bottom of the bag and pipe the batter into each donut cup.

  5. Bake for 9–10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the donuts comes out clean. Allow to cool for 5 minutes in pan, then remove donuts from pan and transfer to a wire rack. Allow to cool completely before glazing.

  6. Make the chocolate glaze: Melt the chocolate, heavy cream, and butter gently in the microwave (in 30-second intervals, stirring in between) or a double boiler until smooth. Dip the tops of the donuts into the chocolate glaze, and place on a cooling rack to set.

  7. Donuts are best eaten the same day or keep them for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Recipe Notes

*No donut pan? No problem! You can make a DIY one at home.

Here’s what you’ll need:

    • Muffin pan

    • Tin foil

    • Cooking spray

How to make a DIY donut pan:

    1. Spray your muffin tin with cooking spray.
    2. Take a square of tin foil, about 5x5in works well, and roll it into a thick cylinder the size you want the hole of your donut to be.
    3. Next, stand the tin cylinder upright in the middle of each muffin tin, pressing it down flat so it stands up straight.
    4. This will allow you to pipe the donut batter around the tin cylinder in the muffin pan so each donut bakes with a hole in the middle.

 

** If you don’t have a piping bag for depositing the batter into your donut pan, you can place the batter in a large Ziploc bag and snip the corner. Then, squeeze the batter slowly into your donut pan.

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81 Comments

  • Reply
    Lana Green
    August 1, 2019 at 4:17 pm

    Will the glaze turn out ok if I use milk chocolate instead of bittersweet?

    • Reply
      Shiran
      August 4, 2019 at 4:44 am

      Yes!

  • Reply
    Sanah
    August 7, 2019 at 12:44 pm

    Can’t wait to try these! What kind of yogurt do you use for this recipe? Is it okay to use Greek yogurt?

    • Reply
      Shiran
      August 13, 2019 at 4:14 am

      I use plain yogurt.

      • Reply
        Madeeha
        October 11, 2021 at 12:41 pm

        Is it American cups cause i want to convert it to grams

        • Reply
          Talia @ Pretty. Simple. Sweet.
          October 12, 2021 at 5:55 am

          Hi Madeeha, yes it is.

  • Reply
    Mo
    September 23, 2019 at 9:41 am

    Hi, do you think, I could substitute the flour for,almond flour

  • Reply
    Sara
    November 9, 2019 at 10:14 am

    Hi. Do we have to heat the chocolate, heavy cream and butter after combining them ? Thanks

    • Reply
      Ella baby
      July 16, 2020 at 5:42 pm

      Wow it’s beautiful and delicious.

    • Reply
      Eunice
      July 13, 2021 at 12:33 am

      Yes! Recipe says, put in microwave or melt in double boiler.

  • Reply
    Heather
    April 19, 2020 at 1:29 pm

    Turned out great and very yummy. Easy to make too.

    • Reply
      Mary
      September 27, 2021 at 12:52 am

      What can I use instead of yogurt?
      Thanks

      • Reply
        Patrick
        January 30, 2022 at 11:09 am

        This is a great recipe. I added 1/4 cup of chocolate chips to the dry ingredients and 1 tbsp of powdered sugar to the glaze

  • Reply
    Ann
    April 26, 2020 at 10:51 am

    These were just right! I substituted a glaze I use for chocolate Bundt cake, made with butter, cocoa , powdered sugar and vanilla. It worked fine , and they are delicious.

  • Reply
    Tes
    May 8, 2020 at 8:31 pm

    Can I cut out the cut out the donut shapes and bake? Do t have a donut pan handy!

    • Reply
      Shiran
      May 11, 2020 at 4:32 am

      The batter is more like a cake batter so it won’t be possible to cut out shapes.

  • Reply
    janice
    May 17, 2020 at 3:43 am

    can i use curd/dahi instead of yogurt?

    • Reply
      Shiran
      May 17, 2020 at 4:17 am

      Yes it should work, or you can use sour cream.

      • Reply
        Sally
        April 27, 2021 at 5:59 pm

        Is it the same measurement if we use sour cream? 🙂

        • Reply
          Shiran
          May 2, 2021 at 1:46 pm

          Hi Sally, yes it is 🙂

  • Reply
    Karen
    June 2, 2020 at 6:46 pm

    These were delicious and easy. The hard part was waiting for them to cool to add the glaze and eat. A definite “make again” recipe. I ended up with 10 donuts from my batch and had to cook for about 12 minutes. Totally worth the wait!!!

  • Reply
    Heidi Barton
    June 12, 2020 at 7:41 pm

    These are SOOOOOO delicious! I’m not a baker at all but these are incredibly easy to make and glaze! I did use a different glaze recipe to make it easy on me and it worked perfect! The donuts were fluffy & light, more like a cupcake than a cake. I doubled the recipe and ended up with 24 donuts, i guess i have a smaller donut pan,
    Hubby said i need now to learn how to make jelly filled donuts but to keep making these too!!!

  • Reply
    Wenliang Chen
    June 16, 2020 at 10:00 pm

    wow

  • Reply
    Chandni
    June 25, 2020 at 10:27 am

    I just made this & they turned out AMAZINGGGG!!!
    Can this recipe also be made eggless ? Any substitute for egg???

    • Reply
      Shiran
      June 29, 2020 at 2:08 am

      Sorry Chandni, but I have no experience baking with egg substitutes.

    • Reply
      Pernille
      January 29, 2021 at 4:43 am

      Just use chick pea water and you’ll get same result in all baking – 3 tablespoons equals 1 egg.

    • Reply
      Kt
      December 31, 2021 at 9:27 pm

      You also can use applesauce. 🙂

    • Reply
      Jenny
      May 16, 2022 at 4:07 pm

      I haven’t tried it with this recipe but I found that you can use tofu in place of eggs. Just make sure it’s soft enough to whisk with the rest of the ingredients.

  • Reply
    Ella baby
    July 16, 2020 at 5:43 pm

    Wow it’s beautiful and delicious. Can I have a taste of it.

  • Reply
    Linda
    July 26, 2020 at 1:24 pm

    Can these be fried??

    • Reply
      Shiran
      July 27, 2020 at 4:28 am

      The recipe makes a thick cake-like batter, and not dough. So it won’t be good for frying.

  • Reply
    Ayda
    August 23, 2020 at 5:01 pm

    Hi. I don’t have the pan for this, can I use a donut maker and get the same results?

    • Reply
      Shiran
      August 24, 2020 at 2:17 am

      It might not be the exact same result, but yes, it would work with a donut maker.

  • Reply
    Gigi
    October 20, 2020 at 10:30 pm

    What is the purpose of yogurt/sour cream here?

    • Reply
      Lynn
      October 8, 2021 at 1:15 pm

      The yogurt is used to activate the raising agents. It also helps with texture & taste.

  • Reply
    Laura Croker
    October 25, 2020 at 1:09 am

    Hi I was just wondering do I need to use the yogurt?

    • Reply
      Kt
      December 31, 2021 at 9:34 pm

      I have a question, are these a dry? Every recipe I have tried ended up being dry, I haven’t tried this one yet but I would like to know before making them!🙂 I’ll give it a 5 star so I don’t mess up your ratings! Cause by the reviews they sound great!

      • Reply
        Talia @ Pretty. Simple. Sweet.
        January 3, 2022 at 5:40 am

        Hi Kt! These donuts are not meant to be dry, they have a tender, cake-like consistency.

        • Reply
          KT
          October 26, 2022 at 10:27 pm

          Is there something that I possibly could add to make them less dry, yours weren’t , but I have A LOT of recipes that are chocolate doughnuts and are dry. I’ve been trying to ask around to see what I can add to make it less dry 🙂

          • Talia @ Pretty. Simple. Sweet.
            October 27, 2022 at 2:55 am

            Hi KT, you can try adding a bit more liquid to the recipes that you find are dry! Try a few tablespoons and see if it makes a difference 🙂

  • Reply
    Rachel
    October 27, 2020 at 9:52 am

    How long does it take to cool completely before glazing?

    • Reply
      Md
      February 1, 2021 at 9:07 am

      I put them on the rack for quick cool-down. We are impatient 🍩

      • Reply
        MD
        February 2, 2021 at 8:38 am

        One NB, although the donuts turned out perfectly the glaze made with bitter sweet chocolate does not render a sweet enough icing. I would use milk chocolate chips or maybe a combination of semi sweet chocolate chips next time. This is a great recipe for any level Baker!

  • Reply
    Thalia
    October 28, 2020 at 11:35 am

    yum i made 8 of these and i ate them all so good

  • Reply
    Stella
    November 24, 2020 at 9:02 pm

    Delicious! I used a few substitutes and it still turned out great! Great recipe!

  • Reply
    Jan
    December 8, 2020 at 9:26 am

    Can these be frozen?

    • Reply
      Shiran
      December 16, 2020 at 3:58 am

      Yes 🙂

  • Reply
    Andrea
    December 11, 2020 at 3:21 pm

    These donuts are ridiculous…ridiculously amazing! They puffed up so nicely in the oven, they have a perfect chocolate taste without being too sweet, and they just look perfect, which isn’t necessary but a nice bonus.

  • Reply
    Kelly Jo
    January 2, 2021 at 10:35 am

    Delicious and so easy to make! I will definitely be making these again.

  • Reply
    Monique
    January 25, 2021 at 7:07 pm

    Just made these today – WOW!!!! The doughnut batter was jut as you described and the taste was very chocolatey. Super simple to make – I used a silicone pan and swapped high cocoa chocolate for the icing. These will definitely be served at our next brunch!!! YUMMY! Thanks so much!

  • Reply
    Michelle
    January 29, 2021 at 4:13 pm

    I used light sour cream as I was out of yogurt and they came out delicious!

  • Reply
    Jlbvk
    February 23, 2021 at 9:46 pm

    These are DELICIOUS!! If anyone has any question about making these, do it! They could not be better!!!

  • Reply
    Cupid’s arrow
    April 16, 2021 at 9:06 pm

    Wow!! Donuts came out fabulous!
    Amazing recipe!!!
    Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!!!

  • Reply
    Biljana
    May 17, 2021 at 6:57 am

    Donuts were wonderful, soft, amazing taste, easy to make! Thank you for your recipes!

  • Reply
    Jenna
    May 28, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    If I don’t have yogurt or sour cream can I omit? Or use mayonnaise?

    • Reply
      Shiran
      June 11, 2021 at 4:49 am

      Hi Jenna, I wouldn’t recommend substituting mayonnaise for the yogurt. You can try using buttermilk or milk instead of yogurt, but milk will result in a slightly dryer texture.

  • Reply
    smriti
    July 1, 2021 at 11:30 am

    plz can u tell the substitute of egg in this recipe.

  • Reply
    Adriana Nunez
    July 1, 2021 at 4:09 pm

    Can you make these in mini donuts? What will be the baking time?

    • Reply
      Shiran
      August 12, 2021 at 5:17 am

      Yes, you can. I don’t know the exact baking time as I haven’t tried it.

  • Reply
    Michelesgifts4u
    August 20, 2021 at 5:21 pm

    Donuts turned out just like your photo. Thank You

  • Reply
    Lilly
    September 3, 2021 at 2:17 pm

    My daughter made these and they were amazing!!!

  • Reply
    Tammy S
    September 24, 2021 at 7:52 am

    These are so easy and delicious! I love that they are healthier than regular donuts!

  • Reply
    Millie
    December 20, 2021 at 12:29 pm

    These are so good! Made them with my granddaughters and even easy to do with these 2 littles😊. I was out of yogurt, so I used sour cream as a substitute, and I was out of chocolate chips, so I melted 1/2 of Hershy’s chocolate ice-cream topping…. turned out delicious.

    • Reply
      Talia @ Pretty. Simple. Sweet.
      December 22, 2021 at 4:17 am

      So glad you enjoyed!

  • Reply
    Amelia
    December 20, 2021 at 12:47 pm

    I did these donuts with Bulgarian yogurt and OH MY they are the best. I’ve been wanting to do a Strawberry glazed donut any recipe suggestions?

    • Reply
      Talia @ Pretty. Simple. Sweet.
      December 23, 2021 at 7:39 am

      Hi Amelia, you can make an easy strawberry glaze with sifted powdered sugar and some strawberry jam! Try combining 1.5-2 cups of powdered sugar with about a tablespoon of jam (maybe start with a tad less and gauge the consistency) for a nice glaze that you can top your donuts with! I also recommend sifting your powdered sugar first before mixing in the jam to make it easier to combine.

  • Reply
    Billy
    March 8, 2022 at 12:15 pm

    Hi! Can we make these in a mini donut maker? Thanks! 😃

    • Reply
      Talia @ Pretty. Simple. Sweet.
      March 11, 2022 at 1:19 pm

      Hi Billy, I think it should be fine! However, I haven’t tried this recipe in a donut maker myself so I can’t say for sure.

  • Reply
    Jenn
    August 31, 2022 at 4:25 pm

    Just made these chocolate donuts and they are delicious!!! Thank you so much for the recipe. They are just the right size for little grandkids. They will be excited to have them for dessert!!! (I might have had to eat one first just to make sure they were ok!)

  • Reply
    Emmanuel
    September 9, 2022 at 6:25 am

    Wooow 🤩 God bless you 🙏🙌❤️❤️❤️

  • Reply
    Susan
    September 24, 2022 at 9:45 pm

    I LOVED these!!! Although I think that they were just the saddest bit on the dry side, do you think that there is anything that I can add or add more of in this recipe?

  • Reply
    Susan
    September 24, 2022 at 9:45 pm

    I LOVED these!!! Although I think that they were just the saddest bit on the dry side, do you think that there is anything that I can add or add more of in this recipe? Thanks!!!

    • Reply
      Talia @ Pretty. Simple. Sweet.
      September 25, 2022 at 1:55 am

      Hi Susan, the donuts may have overbaked a bit resulting in them being dry. I would try reducing the baking time next time you make them 🙂

  • Reply
    roblox guy
    October 11, 2022 at 8:23 pm

    DONUTS!
    I love this recipe of chocolate doughnuts! I will try to make them tomorrow!!

    • Reply
      Talia @ Pretty. Simple. Sweet.
      October 20, 2022 at 2:46 am

      Let us know what you think!:)

  • Reply
    roblox guy
    October 11, 2022 at 8:24 pm

    I love this recipe of chocolate doughnuts! I will try to make them tomorrow!!

    • Reply
      Talia @ Pretty. Simple. Sweet.
      October 20, 2022 at 2:57 am

      Let us know what you think!:)

  • Reply
    Nina
    October 17, 2022 at 3:18 pm

    The raw batter is almost like a mousse!

    I made these donuts in not exactly full sized silicone pans. The cooking time was drastically different for me because of that so I think adding some info on various sized pans and pan materials in your post may be helpful to those that are not so comfortable with just winging it. Providing links to the cookware you use so that we have size and material comparison could be helpful as well.

    The donuts are more like a cake consistency than a donut consistency. Even if you dont have donut molds, this recipe could make nice cup cakes or sheet cakes if you adjust the cooking time.

    Recipe is easy and straight forward so I do recommend giving it a try for a light airy cake like donut.

  • Reply
    Monica
    November 18, 2022 at 12:12 pm

    Made it twice- my taste testers could not get enough! Used Greek yogurt both times (that’s what we always have in the house). Used 1/4 cup 70% chocolate chips the first batch, and 1/4 cup semisweet chips the second batch. The second batch won 😋. 9 minutes to cook no testing…. Amazing!

  • Reply
    Susan
    June 4, 2023 at 1:39 pm

    Hi Shiraz, I want to make these but my donut pan is a silicone one. Are there any baking changes when using silicone one?
    Thank you.
    Susan

    • Reply
      Stephanie @ Pretty.Simple.Sweet.
      June 5, 2023 at 10:54 am

      Hi Susan, I have not used a silicone pan for this recipe. I would first try baking them as the recipe directs. Watch as the baking time nears the end and add or subtract time depending on how your donuts are looking.

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