Baked Double Chocolate Donuts Recipe

If you’re daydreaming about the ultimate chocolatey treat that’s as pretty as it is delicious, you’re in for a sweet surprise: Baked Double Chocolate Donuts are the answer to your cravings! These beauties are soft, deeply chocolatey, and finished with a glossy glaze and joyful jimmies—no frying required. With each bite, you get the rich, fudge-like texture of a brownie and the irresistible charm of a classic donut. Whether you’re planning a weekend baking adventure or a weekday pick-me-up, this recipe is about to become your new go-to for chocolate bliss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need any fancy ingredients to create these Baked Double Chocolate Donuts—the magic is in the combination. Each item on the list brings something special, whether it’s deep flavor, perfect moisture, or that crave-worthy texture. Let’s make every ingredient count!

• Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Melted into the batter for an extra dose of gooey, chocolaty richness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy backbone that gives our donuts structure and softness.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Adds moisture plus a hint of caramel flavor for depth and chew.
• Cocoa Powder: For that bold, intense chocolate flavor—use a high-quality cocoa for the best results.
• Baking Soda: Helps the donuts rise into perfect, fluffy rings.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and make the chocolate shine.
• Buttermilk: Brings tanginess and keeps the crumb super tender.
• Water: Lightens the batter and ensures the inside is moist, not dense.
• Large Egg: Binds everything together and adds extra richness.
• Unsalted Butter, Softened: For that classic, buttery lift in both flavor and texture.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Reacts with baking soda for the softest, most tender crumb.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the chocolate notes with warm, sweet undertones.
• Powdered Sugar: The base of our donut glaze—ultra-smooth and perfectly sweet.
• Cocoa Powder (for glaze): Doubles down on that rich, chocolate look and flavor.
• Milk: Helps achieve the perfect glaze consistency.
• Jimmies for Topping: Bring on the color and playfulness! Use your favorites to make every batch unique.

How to Make Baked Double Chocolate Donuts

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate

Start by placing your semisweet chocolate chips in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them on HIGH for 30 seconds, then stir well. If they aren’t mostly melted, give them another 15 seconds and keep stirring until the chocolate is smooth and glossy. Set the melted chocolate aside to cool—this rich chocolate base is key to those signature fudgy donuts.

Step 2: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and generously spray your donut pan with nonstick cooking spray that contains flour. This little step makes all the difference—your donuts will pop out perfectly every time. Get the pan ready and set it close to your workspace.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, dark brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Making sure these ingredients are evenly mixed guarantees every donut comes out perfectly chocolaty and beautifully textured.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and, using an electric mixer on low to medium speed, blend the buttermilk, water, egg, softened butter, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined—overmixing can make your donuts tough, so it’s best to keep things gentle here.

Step 5: Make the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Then, using a rubber spatula, fold in your cooled, melted chocolate. Take your time with this step to ensure no streaks remain—this ensures each donut is ultra-chocolaty and evenly textured.

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into each donut cavity, filling them about halfway to two-thirds full. Don’t worry if it’s a bit sticky—use the back of a spoon or a piping bag for neat and tidy donuts. This helps each donut bake up with a perfect, evenly rounded top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your donuts for 10-12 minutes, just until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them rest in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully inverting onto a clean cloth or wire rack. As the kitchen fills with the scent of chocolate, you’ll know you’re on the right track! Let the donuts cool completely before moving on to the glaze.

Step 8: Mix the Glaze

In a deep bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoons of milk. If the glaze seems too thick, simply add a splash more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s smooth and glossy. This is the magical finishing touch for your Baked Double Chocolate Donuts.

Step 9: Glaze and Decorate

Once the donuts are fully cooled, dip each one halfway into the chocolate glaze and gently shake off the excess. Place them glaze-side up on a wire rack. For a show-stopping look, sprinkle jimmies over each donut while the glaze is still wet—work in batches of six, so the glaze stays sticky enough for the sprinkles to hold. Allow the glaze to dry for about 20 minutes, then prepare yourself (and your tastebuds) for pure joy!

How to Serve Baked Double Chocolate Donuts

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishes, don’t hold back! Classic rainbow jimmies add a fun splash of color, but you can go fancy with shaved chocolate, toasted nuts, or even a dusting of edible glitter. A drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt takes these Baked Double Chocolate Donuts to a whole new level of decadence.

Side Dishes

For an unbeatable coffee shop experience at home, pair your donuts with freshly brewed coffee, a creamy latte, or a tall glass of cold milk. If you’re serving them for brunch, consider fresh berries or fruit salad on the side—the brightness perfectly balances the deep chocolate flavor of the donuts.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative and turn your Baked Double Chocolate Donuts into a centerpiece! Stack them high on a cake stand, arrange in a box lined with parchment for gifting, or wrap each donut in cellophane for party favors. For a “donut tower,” use a tall skewer to stack them and decorate with ribbons or flowers for a playful dessert table showpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (it’s rare, but possible!), store your Baked Double Chocolate Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightfully moist and fresh for up to 2 days—just keep them away from any heat or direct sunlight to prevent the glaze from melting.

Freezing

These donuts freeze beautifully! For best results, freeze them without the glaze by wrapping each donut individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a zip-top freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and add a fresh glaze and sprinkles for that just-baked charm.

Reheating

If you like your Baked Double Chocolate Donuts warm, zap them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings back that soft, just-baked texture and perks up the chocolate aroma. If you’ve frozen your donuts, let them thaw completely before reheating and glazing.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum for best texture. The donuts may be a touch more tender but still deliciously chocolatey.

What if I don’t have a donut pan?

No problem! You can bake the batter in a muffin tin instead—just fill each well halfway for donut-shaped muffins. They might not have the classic donut hole, but you’ll still get all the flavor and fun.

Can I use Dutch-process cocoa powder?

Yes, Dutch-process cocoa powder will give your Baked Double Chocolate Donuts an even deeper color and a richer, slightly less acidic flavor. Either unsweetened natural or Dutch-process cocoa will work, so go with your favorite.

How can I avoid overbaking the donuts?

Keep a close eye on the donuts during the last few minutes of baking. As soon as a toothpick comes out clean—or with a few crumbs—they’re ready. Overbaking can dry them out, so underbaked is always better than overdone for tender results!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just hit the “2x” or “3x” button on your scaling app and multiply the ingredients accordingly. Bake in batches, letting each round cool completely before glazing. You’ll have plenty of Baked Double Chocolate Donuts to share (or not!).

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for a no-fuss, show-stopping chocolate treat, look no further than these Baked Double Chocolate Donuts. They’re the kind of recipe that reminds you baking is pure joy—and worth every sweet bite. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them again and again!

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