Name: Baked Chocolate Donut
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup (21g) cocoa powder; 1/3 cup (66g) granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup (118ml) milk (skim used); 1 large egg; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup (59ml) vegetable oil; 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips; 1 tsp coconut oil or vegetable oil; Chocolate sprinkles (optional)

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These soft, rich baked chocolate donuts are the perfect treat for any chocolate lover. Made with just 9 pantry-friendly ingredients, they bake up fluffy and moist with a deep chocolate flavor, then get dipped in a glossy chocolate glaze that’s simply irresistible. Best of all, you don’t need a fryer—just a donut pan and your oven!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These baked chocolate donuts deliver all the indulgence of a traditional fried donut without the mess or added oil. They’re simple to make, ready in under 40 minutes, and require no fancy techniques—just mix, bake, and glaze. Whether you’re making a special breakfast, afternoon snack, or sweet surprise for guests, these donuts always impress.

Baked Chocolate Donut

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Donuts

all purpose flour
cocoa powder
granulated sugar
baking powder
salt
milk (skim or any kind you prefer)
large egg
vanilla extract
vegetable oil

Chocolate Glaze

semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
coconut oil or vegetable oil
chocolate sprinkles (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly coat your donut pan with non-stick spray, using a paper towel to evenly coat the wells.
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined. Set aside.
In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing with a spatula until just combined.
Transfer the batter to a piping bag or ziplock bag with the corner cut off. Pipe the batter evenly into the donut pan. Smooth the tops if needed.
Bake for 10–13 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then release the donuts by inverting and tapping the pan on the counter. Let them cool completely before glazing.
For the glaze, place the chocolate chips and oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at 50% power for 1 minute, then stir. Continue heating in 30-second intervals at 50% power until smooth. Let cool slightly before dipping each donut. Add sprinkles if desired and let the glaze set before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 donuts
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Additional Time (cooling/glazing): 15 minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Peanut Butter Donuts: Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the batter or glaze.
Mocha Flavor: Replace 2 tablespoons of milk with strong brewed coffee for a mocha twist.
Double Chocolate: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
Coconut Chocolate: Use coconut milk and top the glaze with shredded coconut.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

Store the baked donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave each donut for about 10–15 seconds to soften. Avoid reheating for too long to prevent the glaze from melting completely.

FAQs

How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?

Be sure to coat your donut pan thoroughly with non-stick spray and evenly distribute it using a paper towel.

Can I use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk?

Yes, any non-dairy milk works well in this recipe.

Do I need a donut pan to make these?

A donut pan is ideal, but you can also use a muffin tin and place rolled-up foil in the center of each cup to mimic the donut shape.

Can I freeze baked chocolate donuts?

Yes, freeze unglazed donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze when ready to serve.

What’s the best cocoa powder to use?

Use unsweetened natural cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor. Avoid Dutch-processed unless adjusting the leavening.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the donuts right after mixing, but you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately ahead and combine just before baking.

Why did my donuts turn out dry?

Overbaking or using too much flour can cause dry donuts. Be sure to measure ingredients accurately and check for doneness at 10 minutes.

Can I make these donuts vegan?

Yes, use a plant-based milk, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), and ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.

How do I get a smooth glaze?

Let the melted chocolate cool slightly before dipping. Stir until completely smooth and dip the donuts slowly for an even coating.

Can I add flavorings to the glaze?

Absolutely—try adding a drop of peppermint extract, orange zest, or espresso powder to the chocolate for extra flair.

Conclusion

Baked chocolate donuts are a simple yet indulgent treat that anyone can master at home. With their rich cocoa flavor and glossy chocolate glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you need a little something sweet. This recipe is quick, customizable, and guaranteed to impress—without ever having to touch a deep fryer.

Molly