Double Chocolate Donuts

Name: Double Chocolate Donuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 egg, beaten; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 14 tbsp powdered sugar; 2 tbsp cocoa powder; 2 tbsp whole milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; chocolate sprinkles (optional)

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These baked double chocolate donuts are moist, fudgy and topped with a delicious glaze - perfect for any chocolate lover.

close-up of double chocolate donut leaning against a stack of donuts

While I love a good bakery donut, I also love some good homemade donuts - from banana donuts to churro donuts to funfetti donuts.

But I love a good chocolate donut. And these double chocolate donuts help satisfy that craving.

Why This Recipe Works

Simple - You just mix together some ingredients together in a bowl and bake in a pan.
Quick to prepare - You can have these donuts prepared and ready in under 20 minutes.
Flavorful - If you are a fan of chocolate, you'll love these.

Jump to:

Why This Recipe Works
Ingredient Notes
Ingredient Swaps
Step-by-Step Photos
FAQs
Equipment
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
Similar Recipes
Double Chocolate Donuts

overhead shot of ingredients for double chocolate donuts

Ingredient Notes

All-purpose flour – Use a good quality, finely ground flour for a tender texture.
Cocoa powder - This is where the chocolate flavor comes from. Choose a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for rich chocolatey taste.
Baking soda – A leavening agent that helps the donuts rise and become fluffy.
Salt - A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the donuts.
Buttermilk - Adds necessary moisture and reacts with the baking soda to cause the donuts to rise.
Egg – Acts as a binding agent and contributes to the structure.
Granulated sugar - Adjust the sugar quantity based on your preference for sweetness.
Unsalted butter - Adds a rich, buttery flavor to the donuts.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
Chocolate glaze - Where the double chocolate comes from. You mix together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk and vanilla extract to get a dippable glaze.

Ingredient Swaps

Like any recipe you can mix up the ingredients. Some variations include:

While I like all-purpose flour as it is the most common, but cake flour works well too and creates even a lighter donut. You can also use 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option.
Experiment with dark cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate flavor.
Choose a dairy-free alternative from buttermilk like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
If you want a vegan donut you can replace the egg. Stir 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal or chia seeds in 2 ½ tablespoon water and let sit for 5 minutes before using.
I like to use granulated sugar with these donuts, but light or dark brown sugar can be used.
If you are continuing down the vegan donut route, replace the butter with any neutral oil.

Step-by-Step Photos

Please note full ingredient list and instructions can be found in recipe card below.

process shots of mixing dry ingredients in bowl and wet ingredients in another bowl

Combine the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients.

process shots of mixing dry ingredients with wet ingredients before adding to donut pan and baking

Mix in the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. Spoon or pipe the batter to a prepared donut pan and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until done.

process shots of making chocolate glaze and dipping donuts in them before placing on wire rack

Prepare the glaze by mixing together the ingredients before dipping the donuts in the glaze and placing on a wire rack. Top with some sprinkles if desired.

FAQs

Is It Doughnuts or Donuts?

So I guess the real way to spell it is doughnuts but Dunkin’ Donuts popularized the spelling of donuts back in the 1950’s. For me, I go with donut.

Are Baked Donuts Healthy?

I wouldn’t go as far as to say they are healthy, but they are healthier than fried donuts. Like anything, eat in moderation. You won’t regret eating these donuts.

Can I Make Mini Donuts?

Yes, you can! Adjust the baking time accordingly, as mini donuts will require less time to bake than regular-sized ones.

What If I Don't Have a Donut Pan?

If you don't have a donut pan, you can make "donut muffins". Just use a standard 12-cup muffin pan and fill each ¾ full. Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

How Long Do They Last?

Leftovers will store well in at room temperature for 1-2 days in an air-tight container. You can also freeze for up to three months.

Equipment

The equipment you use is important to how these baked donuts turn out. What is needed is the following:

Donut pan - Since you are baking these donuts, you need a good pan.
Large bowl - Used to whisk together the ingredients.
Rubber spatula - Something is needed to mix together the ingredients. You can also use a spoon.

Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

For extra chocolate, mix in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter.
You can spoon the batter into the donut pans, but the easiest way to get the batter in the pan is by using a pastry bag or Ziploc bag with the corner cut off.
Just like with any cake type batter that you make, you’ll know the donuts are done when a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the baked donuts cool completely before you dip them in the glaze.
If you are in a rush, place the donuts in the freezer after dipping in the glaze for 5 minutes to get it to set quicker.

Similar Recipes

If you’ve tried these double chocolate donuts or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.